Catching Up

Hello Everyone,

The Scharpenbergs are back!! We went into a black hole for a couple months, but I think we are back on top of things. I'm not actually sure what that fully means, but at least it means we should be able to do the blog again. And, for a change, I think we're going to change the voice of the blog to mine (Kevin). I have trouble doing it in Connor's voice anymore because he has his own little man voice, and if I were to do it in Finley's voice, I'd have to use a whole lot of capital letters. So, we'll see if I can manage some jokes between pictures. . .

Months ago, after our trip to Sunriver, Finley fell in love with the race medals. I think she models them well, don't you?

And then there was Connor's first day of school. Do you think Connor got his hair right. I bet he got a couple winks from the ladies.

And we managed a ticket to the Eric and Lindsey wedding. The Scharpenbergs dress up at least once a year. I gotta say, I think Tanya and the kids clean up well. Seeing Connor in a tux and Finley in her too too was a bit too fantastic.

Did I mention fantastic?

And then, the same weekend of the wedding, Connor had a chance to play some tennis. Does he look like Federer to you? He's got the fist pump down.

Somewhere in there was a trip to Seattle from Oma and Opa. We made the trip to the zoo one day and it was a blast. Do they look like they are having fun?

In October Connor got a chance to see his cousins from Boise. Scott, Julie, Drew, and Brooke drove to Portland from Boise and Tanya/Connor/Finley met up with them. I stayed back in Seattle for a pre-existing visit with my friend Zan.

Did I mention that the kids look good together, and even better with a gramma and grampa in tow.

Later in October, we went to the pumpkin patch with Ian and Jenny. They had pumpkin launchers and hay bail rides.

Finley got in on the pumpkin picking action.

And we managed another family picture. If we're not careful, we might regularly have family pictures :)

Connor got a chance to stomp in the mud.

So did Finley. I think the pink jacket and hair pigtail provide a great contrast to the mud.

As usual, we carved pumpkins with Jenny and Ian the week before Halloween.

Connor was Optimus Prime this year . . .

Tanya made multiple treats throughout the week. . .

And Finley was a gnome. The hat is the key.

I don't honestly remember for what, but Connor and Finley had reason to bake for something.

Then there was Thanksgiving. We made it to Portland and managed, yes, another family picture.

While in downtown Lake Oswego, we made it to the tree lighting. Finley danced in front of the XMAS band, and had some quality time with Gramma.

We had Thanksgiving dinner at Ian's parents place. Connor may have had some chocolate turkey, maybe just a little. . .

And did I mention, I participated in "Movember" in November. Do you like my mustache?

And, there is much to be said about Connor skiing. He can go down the mountain now without any help from me. I am very, very proud.

I don't remember when this picture is from. But, I like Finley's enthusiasm :)

Oh, now I remember, Finley was really excited because she managed to eat a bunch of the candy that went on to the gingerbread house.

Connor get a cool outfit, inherited from his cousins Charles and Quinn. I think Connor could support Santa every year, don't you?

And, its official, Finley has me wrapped around her finger. Grampa and I took 2 hours to put together her pink kitchen for XMAS. It could have been much worse.

I have no excuse for this picture. None . . .

We had lots of presents under the tree. This year I really appreciated the XMAS decorations and a nice XMAS morning with family, the tree, and presents.

And finally, the last catch up picture. I'll give you a chance to make your own opinion on what presents Finley liked the most that morning :)

Austrians Attack

Hello Everyone :) It has been a long, great summer. But, its meant that we haven't posted many blog postings. This one is a month late, but we were really lucky to have Christian, Jurgen, and Jenny come visit from Austria. We had a lot of fun with them in Europe in May, and now they come to visit us in Seattle.

Christian and Jurgen are in a band together and both are good at playing guitar. Finley really liked listening to Christian play.

I really enjoyed jamming with Christian with my instrument of choice, the recorder.
I also learned a new skill from Christian, smoking :) I didn't really try the "lit on fire kind", but the whole thing of taking a smoke break on the deck was great!

Each morning waking up, Christian and Jurgen got to see the real us with bed head and all.

Jurgen and Jenny came a few days after Christian had already arrived and they got into the act really quick, making us kids laugh.

The Friday morning of their visit, we cracked into a big bubble toy they bought us. It was awesome!

We kept trying to make them bigger.

Jurgen got a lot of mileage out of this attempt.

Finley couldn't help herself towards the end and just had to immerse herself in some bubble mix.

For the rest of Friday, Daddy took Christian, Jurgen, and Jenny into Seattle. They started at one of the piers, overlooking Puget Sounds, having lunch.

They then went to Pike Place Market to check out the fish, flowers, and everything else.

On the way out from the market, we noticed that they Hard Rock Cafe was close bye.

Jenny, Jurgen, and Christian visit wherever they can. I think they look cool posing here.

After the Hard Rock, they made it to the Space Needle at the Seattle City Center. They almost look a little too happy :)

The views from the Space Needle were really good. Mt Rainier was showing.

Daddy caught Jenny and Jurgen in a cuddly moment. But really, that isn't too hard :)

After the Space Needle, the went to HempFest in Seattle. What is Hemp, Daddy?

From the signs next to the stage, it looks like Hemp is a nice plant.

Saturday morning, before taking Christian to the airport, Mommy finished a cake and dropped it off for a birthday party. She continues to enjoy making cakes :)

After Christian went to the airport, and Mommy/Daddy shed a few tears, they all went out to the arboretum. While Jurgen and Daddy enjoyed the sun, they also shared some profile views of their awesome physiques.

Jenny managed a few moments with her feet in the water before they pressed on to have lunch at Agua Verde.

Really, that Saturday at the arboretum was a beautiful. Finley and I were down in Portland with Gramma and Grampa, having our own parties.

And, to round out that Saturday, Jenny and Jurgen made sushi for Mommy and Daddy. It was a really great trip and we miss them all already.