Oliver, Photographer and Artist

Oliver just drew this picture of his family today. We’re holding umbrellas while the Sun Giant and the Rain Cloud Giant do their stuff. Several planets from our solar system float in the background.
I love it!

He also enjoys taking out the family camera and taking pictures around the house. He’s taken so many photos I’ve had to delete many of them (15 shots of the toilet, 8 portraits of the dog sleeping, a series of pink blurs). He is clearly learning as he goes along. He now knows to hold still, and he takes far fewer pictures with his finger over the lens.

Here is a selection of Oliver’s recent snaps:

Christmas Preparations

This year we went to a new tree farm in West Linn. After years of going to a place where we cut down our own tree and haul it back to the car, we had mixed feelings about the full service package at this new place. Here, you just point at the tree you like and they’ll rip-start a chainsaw and cut it, shake it, and mount it on your car. You really don't even need to leave your car if you don't want to. Of course we all walked out there to find the tree we wanted, but it felt off somehow. The final tree was terrific, and this place was just minutes from our front door, but overall, it was just too easy. We’ve resolved to do some more exploring next year. Fortunately, there a many little hobby tree farms nearby.

The kids made sure the bottom third of the tree was fully ornamented.

Guess who took this picture:

Every year the daycare holds a breakfast with Santa event on a Saturday. The kids got to see their friends, do some crafts, and meet the big guy himself.

Zaeda burning off some excitement by running around in circles -- something she does often.

A candy cane cures everything

Jenny leading the kids in the construction of a gingerbread house.

We had a great holiday season with family and friends. This was the first year we’ve been able to host more than a couple guests at a time. Kim and David drove up with Levi and Megan. Karri and Mike came over. My Mom and Dad dropped by on Christmas day. It was great.



The BEST timed photo I've ever taken!
(freaky cat category )



Fall 2011 at Bluegrass Way

Here we are at the Thanksgiving Day parade, standing near Jenny’s office in NW Portland.

I’m learning what’s involved in maintaining the new home. So many leaves! I’ve spent at least 2 hrs every weekend since we moved in with a rake and broom. Next year I’ll invest in a leaf blower! Here is a picture of my helpers one bright fall day.

 

An interesting thing happened when an apple from the tree beside the house made its way into the front yard and was swept toward the curb with the leaves and pine needles. It starting rolling! In fact, it rolled right from the driveway to the street, and then down the hill to the intersection where it met the serious dive down Hidden Springs Road. It had picked up a bounce and a good bit of speed when it disappeared from view.

After a bemused moment of “how about that!” it occurred to me that it could have been a ball that rolled down my driveway and ended up barreling down at cars climbing that hill. Imagine what a golf ball would do bouncing right into someone’s windshield. The apple had been a useful warning – to keep the balls in the backyard and make good use of the park. Fortunately, there is also a ¼ acre green space just behind the house, which counts as a field in this neighborhood. I want my kids to feel like they have space.