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.