Two friends since 6th grade! ENGAGED!

I wanted to share my friend Katie and Laura's engagement stories from this week! They have been my friends for 15 years.

Katie:
She has been an amazing friend who has taught me a lot and is always there to listen! Miles and Katrina call her Aunt Katie and she spoke at our wedding! She fell in love with a guy named Tom (whom the kids call Uncle Tom) and instantly knew she wanted to marry him! It has been so great to see her so happy with him and this week Tom popped the question in Colorado! Tom is a lucky man because she will be a wonderful wife and an amazing Mom. I know Tom made her a VERY happy woman this week as she said YES! Check out her blog for the full story! Very cute!
http://katiesfavphotos.blogspot.com/

A perfect Mountain proposal!! Notice the huge smiles and happiness!



beautiful



Laura:

My friend Laura and I have been friends for a long time too and have seen each other thru SO MANY phases in our life! Though I don't get to see her as much as I'd like, we remain really close! She moved to Southern California after college and I have only been to see her twice which is not enough! However, I did get a chance to meet her love, Jeff, and he is wonderful! She is so happy and Jeff is also a very lucky man!!

A perfect beach proposal!! Notice the shock and pure emotion on Laura's face!

Such fun!

It thrills me to announce two of my greatest friends engagement! Congratulations again, Katie and Tom and Laura and Jeff!!! We cannot wait to celebrate with you all!

BLACK BEAR ON SCHOOL GROUNDS!

This is a first for me!! The kids have a late start to school (10:50 am) and chance of the entire day off, because of a Black Bear that has somehow made it's way to the school grounds!! There is a field about the size of a football field behind the school and the Black Bear is being contained to this area until it can be rescued. This is obviously the top story on the news this morning as it has affected school hours but also, how did this bear get there? Is it dangerous? Will the bear be ok? Are there other bears near by? These are questions the kids and I have been pondering all morning as school is just blocks away from where we live! Ethan and Ella's parents had important days at work so our house has become a party spot this morning! Check out the links to see a video and a picture of the bear and the kiddos that have been partying this morning!

http://www.kgw.com/news/Black-bear-holding-court-outside-Tualatin-Elementary-School-122941593.html

http://www.oregonlive.com/tualatin/index.ssf/2011/06/tualatin_elementary_school_opening_delayed_as_police_try_to_trap_black_bear.html

Miles, Ethan, Katrina and Ella

babysitting Zander "Z"

Zander and his Mom and Dad are our new family friends! They have lived in our complex the last year and recently I have been babysitting Zander on occasion! He is such a sweet boy and I enjoy our time together! He has a lot of fun running around, playing with bubbles, basketball, and Boggs! His Mommy is having another baby and when she has an errand or something to do or even needs a break, I have offered to help her out! I truly enjoy this! Check out a few pictures of our time together! The blog won't allow me to upload video at this time, but just know, he has quite a cute personality!
ENJOY!

Loves Miles Basketball!

cheeeese!!

snack time!

Baker Family bikes complete!

Heather got a new bike!!

While Dave was working and the kids and I were at home after school, I always rode Dave's Bike. There were many times when I wished that I had a bike, so we could have a FAMILY bike ride together! Instead, I would ride Dave's bike and ride with the kids! Being a long holiday (Memorial Day) weekend, I thought we should take advantage of the nice weather, a long weekend, holiday sales and "GET HEATHER A BIKE!"

Done! ...It's a cute, old school, classic bike...and WE RODE in style!!!! Check it out!

Portland is BIKE CRAZY!

Hubs with wifey's new bike at  Check Out Line!!! HA!

The" LuLu Schwinn" Bike Classic!! PINK! (Katrina preferred blue but I went with GIRLY Pink Mama bike!)

We ride and ride and ride...STOP ...PARK...Lunch Break!

Katrina in helmet and I in front of (one of many) streams in Tualatin!

Daddy's self taken photo! Don't ride and snap photos at the same time Daddy!!!!

Can you see Miles?? He had to "skip rocks!"

Almost Famous~ Written By Dave Baker

Almost Famous!!!

So I will shamelessly admit that I watched most all episodes of Amerosmith Idol this year.  And while my musical tastes favored the quirky Paul McDonald, I realize the show is more of a popularity contest with our youngest generation of kids taking advantage of their unlimited text plans to vote for their favorite face.  That being said, watching Scotty McCreery is a bit odd for me, as I can’t get the image of the great “Alfred E. Newman” out of my head.  And for all those who’ve every picked up a MAD Magazine, you’ll enjoy the pictures below.

So I’m not sure who will be more famous.  Alfred or Scotty, but it got me to thinking about people I know, and who they resemble.  If you didn’t make my short list, feel free to send us your thoughts.  Like all movies, this blog will certainly have to be refreshed with more friendly faces.  Enjoy….

I guess you can say I’m lucky guy!!!  Sharon Stone, Lindsay Vonn, Heather Baker…  Can you guess who loves Dave Baker more????

So I realize you must think about what Miles will look like in the future, but here are a few options…  Ace Ventura?  Ferris Bueller/Matthew Brodrick? Or keeping with the American Idol theme… Stefano Langone

Look out Jennifer Nettles and Ellen Degeneres!  I think Katrina is coming for ya, and with an even bigger personality!

Can you tell which one is my brother in law, Sean Daley?  Or is that Will Ferrell?

My other brother in law Andrew also missed his calling as a Vampire!  Robert Pattinson?

My nephew Finley Reekie is looking eerily familiar to Cartman from South Park.  Hmmm?

My niece Sadie just turned 8 years old this week!  Did someone say future Lindsay Lohan?

Joe Pesci just declined a part in the sequel to My Cousin Vinny.  I hear they are trying to get a hold of Tim Verweyst!

Crusher has been trying to convince Al Davis, owner of the Oakland Raiders that he is in fact Bill Parcels and he will guide the Black and Silver back to the promised land!

So I watched Rocky IV last night, and I couldn’t help but myself!!!!!

My father in law Rick, I mean Rocky, Verweyst!

My brother in law, David Reekie otherwise known as Ivan Drago, otherwise known as Dolph Lundgren!  However, I’m sure David is taller than Dolph, and I bet David swims much faster than Dolph as well!!!

I couldn’t resist!  Boggs!!!!!!

So I couldn’t leave myself out of this equation.  What’s really scary is I can’t even tell which one is Tom Cruise, Bradley Cooper, or Dave Baker?  The resemblance is UNCANNY!!!!!

"Where we were always meant to be"....together

One month from today until our wedding anniversary... June 26, 2010.

It is NO secret that Dave and I have faced more challenges in the last 3.5 years than some couples do in a life time. People say the first year of marriage is the most difficult with all the change it brings. As this may be true for some, Dave and I, in our own little "love bubble", have remained so strong and happy. Sure, outside our "love bubble" there is a bit of chaos and challenge sometimes, but one thing that has remained a constant are our feelings for one another. As this may be a cheesy post and may make some of you roll your eyes, the timing of the post is necassary and this is a blog about The Baker Family and their life. As Dave and I approach one year of marriage next month, and close to 4 years together, we remain most certain that we are "right where we were always meant to be". Dave and I are a team and whether it be Miles and Katrina, future children, a home, a career, a dog, a challenge of any kind or anything life throws our way, we will attack everything with the best of intentions and we will stand strong in our love for each other. People say "have a purpose in your life", "where do you feel your life is headed", "follow your heart".....

I can honestly say, I am right where I was meant to be...with him!

Cheers to 25 years OPRAH!

OPRAH WINFREY , you will be missed by me and multi millions at 4pm on a daily basis for at least the next 25 years!!! Your OWN network may just never match your own show!!!! Today is your final show after 25 years on air. I am 27 years old (28 in August) and have watched you as long as I can remember!!! Whether I was watching as kid growing up with my Mom and sister (my Mom was and still is a HUGE Oprah fan), watching in college with all my friends and even watching today as a married woman with two children at home (who have also grown to love you), you have been an inspiration! You are admirable, funny, kind, smart, giving, talented, true, compassionate, spirited, successful, inspirational and beautiful. You have been a true role model for women and men around the world and though I have not agreed with you on every topic or concept, however I agree with what you stand for. You stand for living life to its full potential and to never give up your dreams, goals and journey. I have met many men and women who want to argue that you are not all that you're hyped up to be and for that I would argue anyone! YOU ROCK! Of course we are all aware of your HARPO team and the help that has been there for you through it all and that you didn't do this alone, but you have truly created an iconic status in the U.S. You have helped SO SO SO many people in every aspect of life....You have  interviewed everyone who is anyone that I have ever wanted to meet!! You have also interviewed MANY people I never want to meet!! You have been my 4pm hour for as long as I can remember (even if I had to TiVO or record it!) ASK MY friends, my children, my Mom or my husband and they will say the same is true! I could go on and on, but just know that....

YOU will be missed at 4pm every day by ME,  Heather Baker!

OPRAH then....

OPRAH Now...

Oprah's 2nd to last show EVER! The surprise Spectacular! SO GOOD!!! From Tom Hanks to Tom Cruise, Michael Jordan, Jamie Fox, Beyonce, Tyler Perry, Aretha Franklin to Dakota Fanning, Will Smith, Maria Shriver...You name the star you want to meet and they were there! SO FUN!

HARPO studios!

Surprise Kiddos, Luciana is in town!

Luciana is in Portland this weekend!!! Her and I have been talking about her visiting for a long time. We've wanted to surprise the kids with her visit! She found a great deal on a flight and here she is! The kids were surprised to say the least and were thrilled to see her after 2 years. She is our Brazilian Family member!!! We've missed her and have enjoyed her visit. She is loving Oregon....We are headed out and about this evening so I'll make this one quick. Enjoy our pictures so far and some video of the kids!!

We dropped the kids off at school together Friday.

After school Friday we went on the sky tram in Portland...amazing views of the city and PERFECT WEATHER!

The ride!

Mt. Hood

The city!

Mt. St Helen...One of the first times its been visible since our move here!

We had a ball

The Tram

amazing weather means top down! Life is Good!

Luc and Katrina at dinner...Famous Dave's for St. Louis Style Ribs! She wanted RIBS and BUD LIGHT!!! She is a Midwest girl at heart! HA!

Yummy RIBS!

Saturday Market

Oregon Ducks Hat and Rogue beer...Portland advertising! :)

Boggs spent all day with us and she was Zonked!

The video above is of the kids helping out a street performer! Katrina did not know what to think!! HAHA!

The finale video!