Markus Likes to Read Instructions

We laugh about it, but every time we put him in his playpen, he angles himself so he can look at the words. So strange.

In addition to instructions, he is fascinated by lights, ceiling fans, and window blinds.

My Little Elf

Ready to go to the park.

Today I decided to try out the green fleece that Amanda gave us. (Thanks!)

The hood on this jacket fits better than any of the others. It also makes Markus look kind of like an elf.

The Whole Elf

Me and My Elf

First Visit to the Japanese Garden

Markus and I at the Japanese Garden (Self-portrait)

We had a rough morning with Markus fussing constantly and wanting to eat all the time. By noon I was dying to get out of the house. Mainly I needed to go to the library and return some books.

It was such a nice day though, that I decided to see if the library had any of the Cultural Passes available for one of the gardens. I got lucky and they had one for the Japanese Garden, so we got into the garden for free.

One of the many fountains in the garden.

I had forgotten that the garden is on the shady side of the mountain in the aftenoon and that it's really better to go in the morning. So we didn't see much of the beautiful warm sun.

I didn't take very many pictures - the garden is really prettier when there are colorful leaves and flowers. Or when it's sunnier, or just after a rain when everything is wet.

Rock Garden

There weren't too many people in the garden. A few tourists and a few regulars. I felt bad for the tourists coming at the wrong time of year. I especially felt bad for the girls who brought a baby in a stroller. They couldn't walk through 3/4 of the park because they couldn't go over rocks or stairs.

Since there wasn't much catching my eye to take photos of, and there wasn't really anyone to take my picture, I practiced taking my own.

Here's another self portrait ...

... and a third one.

Mt. Hood behind the Portland Skyline

A nice sunny spot to feed Markus.

He slept through most of our visit to the garden. However, towards the end he woke up hungry (as usual).

My view while Markus was eating.

So much nicer than my living room!

One of the many lanterns.

Usually the lanterns are some of my favorite features in the garden. Maybe it was the lack of color in the foliage, or maybe the lighting and lack of contrast, but they just weren't pulling me in today.

Smile!

Markus smiles for the camera

... from another angle with his tongue out.

... and with his mouth open wide.

Visiting Liesl & Moira (& Derrick too)

Colorful little succulents on SW 23rd street.

The weather has been beautiful and sunny, but there are still not too many spots of color (besides green) in the landscape.

The sky was so clear we could see Mount Hood from the top of SW Hanson Lane.

"Where the Wild Things Are"

... apparently they are at 13340 SW Hanson Lane.

First Crocus I've seen this year! (also on Hanson Lane)

More colorful succulents on SW 27th street.

Derrick taking pictures of Liesl & Moira

Shortly after Markus and I arrived, Derrick disappeared. Perhaps two babies is too much :)

Markus & Moira checking each other out.

At first the babies completely ignored each other. Then Markus decided to check out Moira's hair and her bib.

Moira mostly ignored Markus,

Markus "gives Moira a hand"

(Photo by Liesl)

However, when Markus stuck his hand in Moira's face, she decided to chew on it. Markus didn't mind.