The Birthday Party

Sam had such a fun birthday party! Both sets of grandparents were there, along with a couple of aunts and some special friends. It was a gorgeous, sunny day -- and hot! Perfect for sprinklers and water gun fights.

Grandpa and Sam playing croquet.

Ben, Sam and Andrew chowing down on lunch.

Sam is pumping up his gun -- getting ready to shoot!

Fill-er up!

Sam was a pretty good shot.

Sam loves to have "Happy Birthday" sung to him.

Yummy chocolate cupcakes -- just what he asked for.

The family.

Birthday at the Zoo

The morning of Sam's actual birthday we decided to surprise him with a trip to the zoo. After breakfast we packed up a picnic lunch and were off!

We had a great time walking around looking at everything. When the cashier at the zoo found out it was Sam's birthday, she gave him a special key that he could use at certain exhibits to find out additional information about the animals. Sam loves keys -- so he was excited. He was not so much excited about more information -- just the fact that he could use the key and turn something on. He especially like to turn on the Spanish version -- he thinks he knows Spanish because he can count to ten.

We rode on the zoo train that took us on a loop to the Portland Rose Garden and then back to the zoo. Then it was time for lunch and the raptors show. Those birds flew so low we had to duck -- and we were already sitting down! A quick trip back to the polar bears to watch them swimming and then it was time to head home.

A little quiet time, a trip to the park, a birthday dinner and baths rounded out our busy day.

Happy Birthday, Sam!

Sam running down the tree trunk tunnel.

The boys on the train.

Sam and his tractor.

Checking out the zebras.

Enjoying a picnic lunch.

Birthday dinner -- more hot dogs!

Learning to use his new Leapster.

Four Years Ago

Four years ago, on June 29, 2005, a little surprise came into our family. A surprise because we weren't expecting to meet him until September 15th!

Samuel Carter Jensen was born at 28 weeks weighing 2 pounds 15 ounces and was 15 1/2 inches long. Sam was just a little peanut!

He lived in the NICU for seven and-a-half weeks and then moved to the Special Infant Care Unit for another two weeks. He had bleeding in his brain and could not breathe on his own -- but is now miraculously perfect.

We are so thankful for him and our family wouldn't be complete without Sam! He is silly, sweet, has the memory of an elephant, loves to read and play outside. He is a gift!

Sam at two days old.

Sam at one week old.

Now he's four! Happy Birthday, Sam!

Wednesdays With Dad

Every Wednesday that Matthew is home from work, he and the boys go to Storytime at the library. We have taken Sam to Storytime every since he was one year old -- and Zak has been going since he was a newborn. They always leave a little early so they have time to play on the toys at the mall (our library branch is at the mall) and have a little snack. Then it's on to Storytime where they get to dance around in bubbles, sing silly songs, listen to stories and make a craft. Now, I do take them to Storytime when Matthew's at work -- but I don't think it's quite the event it is when they get to go with their Dad!

Sam and Zak playing in the car.

Zak is ready to go!

Playing together.

See Sam in the front row in the blue shirt? He likes to be close to Miss Jen.

Clowning around with the puppets!

Father's Day

Matthew should probably write this one -- but I'll just assume that he had a great Father's Day!

Dad and his boys.

After church we headed home for a yummy brunch.

Sam made several cards for his Dad -- tools seemed to be a theme this year!

The boys wrapped up the day by going over to the park for a little fun with their Dad. They are so blessed to have him -- as am I!

Togetherness

Zak wants to be with Sam -- all the time. Recently I found them under the table -- sharing a toy! It was fun to see them starting to play together. You'll notice Sam's glasses -- he often puts them on, because as he says, "They help me see a little better." It's always good to be able to see when you are driving!

Goodby Preschool, Hello Summer Vacation!

Yesterday was Sam's last day of preschool and today was his school picnic. We can't believe how fast this school year has gone!

Sam brought home a memory book that contained highlights of his artwork and had some interesting information:

• He's grown 4 1/4 inches since September!
• When he grows up he wants to be a Daddy
• He loves it when his Dad "cooks" peanut butter and jelly
• He's learned nine Bible verses

We're looking forward to a fun summer!

Sam's bringing Miss Meredith and Miss Charlene
special gifts on the last day of preschool.

Eating hot dogs and Oreo's at the picnic.

Last time down the slide for the year.

Sam and Miss Charlene -- he's in love! Unfortunately his other
teacher, Miss Meredith wasn't able to go to the picnic.

Curly Top

Zak can work up quite a sweat when he's "crawling". It's hard work! Couple of laps around the family room and this is what he looks like...

Birds of A Feather

When we arrived at Poppy and Grammie's house, Poppy and Uncle Barry had a special project for Sam. They were going to make a bird house!

First he had to put his gloves on -- he's ready to work!

Hammering nails with Uncle Barry. Every nail was thoroughly
pounded and no fingers were hit!

Sam shows off his bird house.

Poppy and Sam.

Next came staining -- Sam used a lot of stain. A lot of stain.

Sam with the finished bird house -- ready to put in the backyard.
We'll be anxious to see if we get any visitors!

Fun Times at Poppy & Grammie's House

It was a jam-packed weekend of fun. On Saturday my parents rented a bounce house and all the cousins came over for the afternoon. The kids played in the bounce house for over three hours. Sam was exhausted!

We realized too late that we should have taken this picture
before they were worn out from jumping.

Zak didn't even make it into the picture -- he was worn out
just watching them. He sure liked snuggling with Auntie Debbi!

Sunday was church with the family and then lunch at a favorite restaurant -- The Beach Cafe. They have a huge outdoor sandbox where Sam can dig to his hearts content.

Time to fill up the wheel barrow -- just like at home!

It's A Zoo Out There

This past weekend we loaded up the car and headed north to visit Grammie and Poppy and especially Uncle Barry, who was visiting for the week. We met up with them at the Woodland Park Zoo.

We had a great time walking around the zoo, looking at animals, eating ice cream and riding on the carousel. Sam's not real big on looking at the animals -- he'd rather jump off rocks and look at almost anything other than animals. Maybe one day he'll appreciate that the animals are actually the main attraction!

A fun time was had by all!

Uncle Barry and Sam zipping by on the carousel.

Sam eating Grammie's ice cream.

Zak passed out from all the excitement!

Sam just loves a good tractor!

Sam Has the Last Word

Matthew was reading the story of the prodigal son from Sam's Bible last night. When he read about the younger son running away from home and how that wasn't a good thing, Sam had a differing opinion.

Matthew: If you ran away, we would be so sad. Just like this boy's father is sad.
Sam: But Dad, running is exercise.

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Sam has a globe pillow -- it's called "Hug A Planet". He loves to find where people live -- and he never forgets. He can show you where everyone lives:

Grammie and Poppy -- Washington
Grandpa and Nana -- Oregon
Caleb and Joanna -- California
Auntie Emily and Uncle Matt -- Michigan (Sam calls that state the mitten)
Uncle Barry -- Missouri
Auntie Katie -- Mexico (not to be confused with New Mexico, which he points out every time)

He can even find Korea, which it where Won Tak is from, the foreign exchange student staying with Grandpa and Nana.

Today he wanted to find some new places, so when he pointed to New Zealand and asked what this place was called, I told him. Without missing a beat he said, "Where is Old Zealand?".

That guy is always thinking!

Harder Than It Needs To Be

Zak can now get anywhere he wants -- but we hesitate to call it crawling. Crawling makes you think of a baby getting around using their hands and knees, tummy off the ground. Zak does not employ any one of those things when he crawls. I can't imagine how fast he would be if he was a traditional crawler. Maybe we should be grateful. :)

See for yourself...

Zak's Puzzled

Do you think he's going to pick this up?