And today for breakfast...

Strawberries, OJ and yogurt with some new fancy type of Wheaties cereal that has pictures of football players on the box.

Capturing the moment

So many times, I want to sneak a quick photo but I always am too late. The top photo was an attempt to capture a rare moment of quiet reading *together* by the boys. I walked in and thought it was a very sweet moment...tip toed out to grab the camera, quietly moved closer and -arrrghhhh!- Jackson saw me.
The bottom pic is our favorite morning smoothie...and only way Sean will eat any bananas!

Soccer and a sunset

Soccer season beagn last Saturday and we had a great, sunny day. Jim is helping to coach both teams. Coaching 1st grade soccer requires a lot of patience...and at times 3rd grade soccer can be a challenge. But it's so great to get the kids out running around with their friends.
The last photo isn't anything spectacular but the color of the sky as we drove toward downtown PDX was really pretty.

A Rainy Thursday Morning

Leftover summer projects

The boys need a new paint color in their room. We used this color in our old house and it worked out nicely. In this room, it comes across as too dark and we really need a warm color. (For those grey and dreary winter months).So I asked the boys about ideas for color...their reply was "orange!". I want them to have some level of participation in this project, but orange? Can't do it. I tried to steer them to a more terra cota type of color and they agreed....but it isn't working. Back to the paint store I go....but please look out their window and see the cool new fort Jim bulit...another summer project!

Another school year begins

An end of summer hike

...and a really cool tree!!

This is summer in Oregon

It's sunny and beautiful...but it can also be pretty cold (but still beautiful). We spent a chilly weekend on Mt. Hood and enjoyed the lovely scenery, the alpine slide and catching crawdads at  Timothy Lake with friends.
Some of the photos are from an earlier trip to the Oregon coast.

The view from Vista House

This was a brief stopping point on our way back from Hood River.

So he doesn't feel left out

The new issue of Runner's World had a section all about dogs who run with their owners. Most of the featured dogs were 2 or 3 years old...I think there was maybe one 7 year old dog. But, none of them were almost 10 and still running 6 miles with energy to spare!!

The Fort and a swim meet

The fort is well underway. As I write this I hear hammering outside...the sounds of the last 2 walls being put on. Sleepovers in the fort are already being planned!!
Our last swim meet for summer was today...only Jackson swam since this was age 8 and up. He's in lane 3 in the freestyle start and lane 4 (I think?) in the backstroke start. Clicking on the photo makes it easier to spot him. He has a great backstroke start!! He won his heat in backstroke and got a pair of goggles!  

Vacation Summary

It was a great vacation! We spent time in Seattle and enjoyed the urban atmosphere (plus great food and  time with fun family)  we spent lots of time on the water (duck boat, ferries, sailboat, kayaks, paddle boats), we stayed in a more remote spot on an island (and learned that maybe we won't rent an airstream trailer and travel cross country), and we enjoyed the gorgeous scenery of the Pacific Northwest. There is no place I'd rather be in the summer! In February, I will gladly seek out other destinations, but summer here is perfect.

What's happening here

Sunshine
Swim Team
Snakes (found a rather large one in the front yard)

A Giant Box (turned into a fort)
Riding bikes
Eating dinner outside

Mojitos
Planning for vacation
Building a fort (this time a real one in the backyard)

Photos coming soon...I have been using my iphone for pictures lately but have not taken the time to download any photos!!

Summertime Swimming with Jackson

Summertime swimming

featuring Sean! The boys first swim meet was a success. Our goal was for them to have fun...mission accomplished. As a bonus, they both did well in their respective events and were already looking forward to their next meet.

A favorite drive

The view of Mt. Hood on the way back from Hood River....

Summer weekends

It's summer!

The photos illustrate the gradual transition from sweatshirts and pants to shorts and t-shirts...finally!

Summer was slow to arrive but once it is here  it reminds us of the beauty all around . The views are amazing when they are not shrouded in clouds and mist. There is no sunshine quite like the sunshine of an Oregon summer!

Field trips in the rain

The day started with what looked like promising weather for an outdoor field trip...broken clouds, sun peeking through, warm temperature. But it did not last....about halfway through the hike , the sky opened up and poured rain. Is it really June?? I am hoping by the next time I post something, I'll be reporting on sunny skies and warm weather. I really want to put away the heavy fleece and rain gear!