Family Fun!

Last weekend we were in Portland doing stuff with both our families. The Panzers had a family picnic, and it was so nice to spend a beautiful summer afternoon with my side of the family. Morgan got to meet another one of her aunties - Diane, who was visiting from Hawaii. They bonded over a long walk through the garden and some quality time on the swings. Morgan also had her first dip in Grandma and Grandpa's pool. She loved every minute and had fun watching Noah and Avery swim and jump around her.

Of course, Morgan decided that things were much too exciting to sleep. She is at an age where everything is so interesting and brand new (I imagine this stage will last for many more years!). She will climb out of my arms to look at something over my shoulder, or let out a screech of frustration when I pry her away from some much sought-after electrical cords. And once she gets excited about something new, she seems to get a bit hyper and will tap into hidden energy reserves I didn't know she had. She loves people-watching, particularly if they have dogs. Dogs, dogs, dogs are what Morgan loves to talk about (well, hear about). We don't even have one, and somehow she seems to already love them. We read books about them, hear the neighbor's dogs barking (all day long it seems like), and Sam and I spend a lot of time barking at our child. Morgan has actually said a word that closely resemble 'dog' several times when she sees or hears a dog, so apparently this new passion is sinking in. And she has no fear whatsoever. This weekend was a bonanza for her, as Aunt Kay & Uncle Hans' two dogs and Aunt Natalie's dog were all around the house, licking wagging, and running. Morgan was mesmerized by them and giggled every time they came near. It was so cute, and made me want to get a dog just for her (on second thought, she is enough for us right now).

Another fun weekend event was meeting Auntie Kim at Jamison Square in the Pearl District, near her condo. Morgan has been there before, but now is prime kid fountain time. It was only ten in the morning and it was filled with kids. Morgan wasn't dressed for swimming, but got to kick and splash anyway. She loved the water, but especially loved watching all the little kids running and splashing around her. I know Jamison Square will be a special spot for Morgan and her Auntie Kim in the years to come.