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!

The Lovely Hood Canal

A special delivery is on its way

Be on the lookout for this package on your front door step!!

Spring things

Baseball....

New bikes (Sean finally got a bike in his 6 year old size)...

Flowers (from Sean's Art Literacy project on Georgia O'Keefe)...

The first delicious mojito of the season (that's Jackson in the background wearing his African mask....despite how it appears, he is NOT drinking the mojito!).

Here we are in May....

Science fair, jogathon....just a few of the happenings here so far this month. More to come!