Halloween

Our ward did one of the best parties we've been too. Its was decorated super cute, yummy chili, and games for kids to play. Addie and Jojo both had fun bowling and fishing for prizes. And then the trunk or treat afterrwards would have been fun, but they just wanted to run around and scream. Ha ha, I think next year will be better.

Addie chose to be Cinderella, out of the many princess dresses Stephanie gave her from her girls. And Jojo was excited to be a giraffe this year. It as fun to see them both excited, and for the most part cooperative.

We also went to the zoo and enjoyed their treasure hunt along with the animals. Addie went as a giraffe and Jojo was a lion. It was a lot of fun!

Halloween day we decided to go for a hike/stroll up Forest Park as a family. We kind of got burnt out of halloween, so this was a fun activity. However, the trails weren't so stroller friendly, and some places were really steep. So maybe in a year or two we can try it again. It was gorgeous though!

Jojo is 20 months old, and just seems to be older. He does so well talking, that I know it's because having Addie helps him out a lot. They are pretty good friends, and also fight a lot. But that's what simblings do, right? 

Portland Temple

I braved taking them both to Jojo's 18 month dr check up. It's silly and people do it with more kids, but I feel like I've conquered a big feat by doing things like this. Haha, I'm a whimp!!

We were driving home on I-5, and I decided to take a walk around the Portland Temple. I pass it a couple of times a week on my way to work, but never take the time to enjoy it. I'm glad I did, it was such a beautiful day. And it's such a beautiful temple. 

It had rained that morning...

The missionaries at the visiting center said the kids could touch and feel Christ. It was sweet watching them look at their Savior.

The temple doors are beautifully carved.

And there weren't as many fall leaves as I was anticipating for Oregon. But they were beautiful when you found them.

Fun things about our kids

We have been loving our move to Oregon! Two trips to the coast, we beyond LOVED playing in the sand and ocean. We are looking forward to next summer.

Addie and Jojo seem to have adjusted well. They have made some fun play dates and walking/park trips with ward friends. Every Monday and Wednesday we meet up as moms and walk 2.5 miles, halfway uphill (on rainy days we do mall). Its such a pretty trail surrounded by trees and a bridge. And then the kids get to swing and play on the playground.

We have been so happy with our daycare.  Farah Emami is a grandma that satches watches her 2 grandkids  Illa who is about Adddi's age and Kayvone who is 12 mos. Sometimes they have a baby there too. Addie often asks about Farah and wants to go to her house. So that's always so reassuring.

Jojo is 19 months old and walking, running, climbing stairs like a champ. He is cautious, so different from Addie who just goes and often fell. But that could be because of their age difference when learning to walk. Anyways, it's nice having the stairs open and not worrying so much about falls.

The other week Jojo climbed up to the slide, sat down and went down a big slide all by himself! He's such a big boy, not my baby anymore. It makes some things so much easier,  but also makes me sad because i miss my baby. He speaks quite a lot and has been using short sentences. He's said where did it go back around July. Now he says things like "want snuggles, don't want it, want to eat, want out, want shoes, jojo bean is silly, baby Ben (our new friends from the ward". Yesterday i was driving home from work and daycare.  Addie was saying "Adaline Mabel Johnson" and so i said "good job! Jojo's name is Joseph Evert Johnson". And jojo said "Jojo bean!", made me laugh.

Addie can count her fingers and toes. She is learn4to count animals and whatever in books which she does pretty well with. Sometimes she skips around, but it seems like she is beginning to understand 1-10. She loves to sing her abc's and recognizes the letters A, O, and F. Random I know!

Addie helps a lot with putting things away, clean up (while singing clean up), and heating milk in the microwave. Jojo has started to clean up and sing  well. She is such a good example to him. She is starting to say her prayers with help too.