back to school

We are a little late in our back to school posting...

the past few weeks have been hectic, to say the least.

Now, I happily present the school kids!

 

 Stella's first day was 30th.

This year she rides only ONE bus all the way to her

dual language program, no transfers, and she's pretty

happy about the situation.

 Sam's co-op pre-school started this week.

We kicked the year off at our house.

He has been counting down the days until his turn

to start school.

I love this picture!

True Sam style.

Cheers for a good school year!!!

Another look

 A room with a view...

 Preston's surgeon, Dr. Kuang. 

I love the way she is so sweet with him.

 From our first meeting with her, we knew she would

be good. 

The day we left.  Preston was able to finally wear clothes.

 The trip home a mere 26 hrs. post-op,

was a bit rough.  A few more tears shed,

by Preston & mom.

Preston's  new  hardware.

This little blue arm braces are

designed to keep his arms stiff

and held down, away from his face,

so that the healing is uninterrupted.

They're his constant companions for the next

THREE weeks!

Look at that face!

So sweet.

cleft lip repair

 Our handsome Preston boy

was scheduled for his cleft repair/rhinoplasty.

 Shriner's in Portland was the place we chose.

On the hill overlooking Portland

and the Willamette River

on this beautiful day in September.

 We arrived in PACU at 6 am.

Preston was re-checked and given a cute

little gown.

He was interested in the crib

and loved the "call" buttons!

 Off he goes into the operating room.

I snapped this picture,

just before the tears started (for me--not him)

All the Drs. & nurses kept commenting on

his happy disposition.

Even happily being carried by the Dr.

 The surgery lasted about 2 hours.

We were called down to recovery as he was waking.

 He calmed to the sound of our voices.

When I offered, he began to nurse.

We have spent the rest of the day snuggling & rocking,

keeping him comfy and calm.

We are so thankful for the many prayers and support.

birthday boy

5 years!

This was finally the year for a friend party.

All he wanted was a swim party,

with his cousins and his friends.

A very kind friend let us borrow their pool and yard for a Saturday afternoon.

Let the swimming begin!

Cousins, nana, papa, great grandparents,

aunts, uncles, parents.

 a school friend, a neighbor friend & a church friend,

all the crowd a boy could want.

Presents, cupcakes and sno cones

added to the excitement

Five is a looking good

beach review 2011

Names in the sand...

 BIG  boy cousins

 Being buried in the sand

 the BIG, BIG, boys play football on the beach

 Sam & Stella playing in the surf

 Beach GIRLS run in the waves

*********

FAMILY PHOTOS

 the original Andros kids & parents

 Nana, Papa & all eleven grand kids

 the WHOLE  clan--22 in all

the two oldest girls,

inseparable all week

growing up soooo fast

********

traditions were kept;

crabbing at Netarts

hot dogs & campfire on the beach

lots of running in the surf

delicious dinners

fish & chips

body boarding in wet suits

games & lots of candy

FHE by Nana

fantastic sunsets over the ocean
climbing the BIG sandhill
exploring the tidepools

shopping at the outlets

memories made

baby love

Preston  had his half birthday!

He marked this momentous occasion by:

getting his first tooth,

going out to dinner with the family,

swimming

and of course,

being  plain ole' cute!

He still has the sweetest disposition.

I tell everyone that holding Preston

should come with a warning label that reads

"warning, holding this baby will make you want

one of your own!"



kids work...

is never done

they asked me one day if they could eat lunch in the fort?

sure! why not?

soon, i look out to see--

a pulley system

&

two kids
hoisting their table up, up, up

to eat in their fort.

not exactly what i had envisioned,

but clever & creative.

all in a day's work