Pumpkins 2010

Joy

Two exciting events were unfolding at the same time last night...the first miner was about to be rescued and the Texas Rangers were on the verge of winning their first ever play off series. Plus someone has a new job and we had news of a successful surgery! All in all, a day of joyful things.

Tail trouble

For the last few days, Talus has been licking the end of his tail almost constantly. Upon closer inspection, we could see that he had literally worn away the fur exposing raw, cracked skin. We got in to see our veterinarian and she determined it wasn't just skin irritation but some sort of mass. So, with Sean along with me (thank goodness for Angry Birds on my iphone) we watched as his Tail was shaved at the end, numbed up and then poked with a needle to draw out some fluid.  This all took place in the tiny exam room and following the procedure, there were a few seconds when Talus was wiggling all over the room with blood on the end of his tail. It was not fun. Now he has a new accessory on the end of his tail...notice that it's an appropriate color for this time of year! We are hoping to keep his tail wrapped so he can't do any further harm while we wait for a test (an outrageously expensive test) on the fluid that was in the mass. It sounds like there may be surgery to remove the mass. Right now we are just waiting for test results and watching that Talus doesn't attempt to chew off his tail bling.

The weekend recap

The boys had soccer practice , we ate a really fancy dinner (ha ha) at Pizza Schmizza, we saw our neighbors band perform at the new local Irish pub (till the Irish proprietress chased us out at 8:15 since technically kids weren't allowed), we had 2 soccer games, one rock climbing birthday party, one 20 mile bike ride (me), a relaxed Sunday breakfast, an afternoon at Rex Hill winery and a quiet Sunday dinner.

Things we found at the bottom of the lake

The lake is down about 22 feet right now so the city can work on pipe repairs. Its been interesting visiting the dock and checking out all the debris that is scattered around the area that is now exposed. There has been quite an assortment of objects...lot of sunglasses, CDs , beer cans and bottles and a ton of golf balls. Also, an oar, binoculars, a shoe and a watch. Unfortunately we did not find the Croc sandal that Sean lost 2 summers ago!

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....