Boys and water

For spring break, we hopped on 2 planes and landed in Maui. Even though we've had a sunny, mild winter, there's something special about time on an island with warm breezes and bright sunshine. Oh-and warm water, which is something we don't have at Oregon beaches. The beaches here are breathtaking but if you dip a toe in the water, you understand why the majority of people who dare to go in are wearing wetsuits. Watching the boys throughout the trip, I realized they will stay in water all day unless asked to do otherwise. And, of course, in the interest of preventing major sunburns, we had to put some kind of limit of time in the sunshine. It was a lovely, relaxing trip filled with good family time.

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.