Winter flew by!

Tracking runs on one of the few days we've skied.

Sunny winters means we can actually go to the zoo! 

Bike ride in the Gorge.

So many choices!

Quick trip to Eugene to see Sue.

Another hike, with amazing views!

Sun again? Can this be Oregon?

State swim championships.

Rest break (this is the longboard Jackson made with Jim).

7th grade field trip to the zoo.

A birthday!



It's hard to believe it's mid-March. I think all Oregonians are out of sync because it feels like we didn't have winter. Yes, its been wonderfully sunny but the downside is terrible ski conditions. And that will have a big impact on what happens this summer since much of our water comes from melting snow. We've enjoyed more outdoor activities like hiking and biking because its been so mild. All the flowers started blooming 2-3 weeks ahead of schedule so it's absolutely amazing to see right now. Everyone is happy and healthy and we are enjoying our last few weeks with a pre-teen. Come April 16, we officially have a teenager!

Recapping the holidays

Tree selection 2014

Gingerbread chalets

Precision and focus!

Mild temps=hiking in the Gorge

Family selfie at Peacock Lane (a neighborhood known for great Christmas lights...).

Talus trying to contain himself in the midst of the Christmas frenzy

A rare dressed up night out....and Jim wearing his favorite dress shoes...ha, ha!

Blacksmithing camp....

with Sean!

Bright sunshine at the Oregon coast on the first day of 2015!

Happy 2015

We started 2015 with a hike to the top of Neahkahnie Mountain in Manzanita, Oregon. A gorgeous sunny day and a great way to start the new year.

Fall in pictures...Father/son edition!

Sean won a bike at our "fancy "grocery store. Nice way to offset expensive snack purchases!

Chewy ginger molasses cookies....kind of healthy!

Post soccer with an approaching storm (that knocked out power for 24 hours).

Downtown rowing regatta....no Davitt participants, just spectating.

Shenanigans.

Trail run at Tryon Creek Park aka. my moment of Zen.

Pumpkin carving and boys who need haircuts.

Got these done just in time for Halloween.

Afternoon nap.

Chocolate crinkle cookies. Not really healthy...but dark chocolate is a good thing, right?

Walking to bus stop.

Ahhh...math homework.

Sean performing a song for his class project on the book Wonder.

We've been cooking.... and more!

Homemade ravioli!

Ready for the freezer...

Buttermilk biscuits (this was not on ravioli day!).

Honey crisp apples!

That's almost 2o lbs. right there.

Happy helpers.

Lovely Mt. Hood.

Ready for some backstroke.

Sean found a friend.

Sean's class field trip to Douglass Farm on Sauvie Island.

Fishing at the Oregon Coast.

Back to school and other good stuff

School started over a month ago and it is clear the blog has been neglected. But life has been busy with the usual array of back to school fun: homework, soccer, swimming, rugby, volunteering, work, etc.. Luckily we've been able to get out on Sundays and hike, which is the best way to counteract the crazy schedule of the school week. Hiking is a great family activity and something I'm hopeful we can continue even when we find ourselves pulled in a million different directions. And when the snow arrives, we will likely be up at Mt. Hood skiing (if the boys pick) or snowshoeing (my choice).

Good times on the Yellowstone River



We are going over a fairly small wave...yet I look TERRIFIED!



We got a little wet.

Jim and another guy were lucky enough (ha) to sit up front.

It looks treacherous but was actually pretty tame.

That's our very entertaining guide, Theron, in the back.