Run Romp

I am not sure what it was that made me do it. Temporary "fun" insanity, lack of morning coffee, or desperation, or was it a combo platter of them all? Somehow I convinced my friend Cheryl that it would be just great if she and her daughter Clara met us for a run along corridor from OMSI. Nathan and Chloe rode their bikes while Cheryl and I ran with the Clara and Beck in the joggers. Okay, it was fun and I got my run in (that's the desperate part) and we did get coffee afterwards. Plus, Cheryl and I could actually carry on a conversation in person. It was 7 miles of nice easy fatburning miles. We had to talk the bike riders out of 10 miles (apparently we are pansies) and bargained to turn around when the "path ends." Clara was ready to go home so lucky for us we were not lying when we said we were headed there. Beck fell asleep, Nathan got a rubbed finger, and Chloe? Well, she just pedals on and on. Sometimes she gets sidetracked and ends up in the grass but for the most part she stayed on her side.

In the Swim of Things

We are practicing our *walking quickly poolside* strut each morning at Grant Pool. Swim lessons have begun. The smell of sunscreen and chlorine greets us with the whistle of the lifeguards. It's a lot of work for a half and hour out of the day, but it is worth it. The park is bustling with activity and it is easy to let a few hours go by. Of course we had to have the inaugral shaved ice the first day of lessons. Both Nathan and Chloe got coffee and vanilla flavored ice and Beck got peach (it was the lightest colored flavor) Yum, so good and so summer.

Evidence of Play

Here is an actual picture of Nathan playing soccer. Usually we have loads of pictures of the kiddos on the sidelines (ie, Beck being totally cute or Chloe being goofy. No shock there) Nathan, aka big cheese of the house, had a soccer tournament over the weekend. He played for the U12 team (Nathan is a U11) They did not win win the first 3 games, but managed to win against the hardest team. Their third game was great, even though it was a loss. The games were played in Beaverton at THPRD and at Commonwealth lake. We lived there from 1995-1997 or so. It was fun to all be able to go to the game. Grandpop Wayne and Grandma Mary made an appearance for one of the games. Mary pretty much took over Beck who was giving all his time and energy to find frogs and turtles at the swampy creek. There was also a nice downpour on Sunday.

Adios Amigos!

Jake was off and flying (in more ways than one) to Mexico with Boppa, Grandma Suzzie, Uncle Peter, and cousin Nick. The trip was in honor of the boys turning 13. The preparation was short of hilarious. As long as Jake had an American Eagle brand swim suit and t-shirt he was set. Insert big grownup eyeroll. What do I know. The group left of Wednesday the 20th at the precrack of dawn. The main destination was Los Ayalas. We are receiving texts from Jake that go like this : "Laying on beach, boogie boarding, playing soccer with Rodriguez family, heading to pub for dinner." Or "paddled to island. picnic. sun and surf." Sounds like a really rough trip, doesn't it? We have had some fun as well. Jake arrives home late evening on the 27th.

(most) Everyone Loves A Parade

The bands, the clowns, the bicycle brigade, the crowds oh my. Today was the Junior Rose Festival Parade. Jake was in his school marching band and Chloe marched with the Trail Blazers. As much as I am not a parade person, it was a lot of fun (as the Junior parade is!) and it was exciting to see the kids participate. Nathan, Beck, and I sat with my friend Young and her kiddos Colin and Kylie (friends of our kids!) We sat at our usual spot in front of the coffee place which comes in handy. Beck was a very good spectator clapping and yelling "Go Jake Trumpet" every time a band went by. Chloe scampered over for hugs and was off and marching. It was a big day!

A Bicycle Built For Two

Did you know that petal and pedal sound alike? Did you know that if you ride your bike on grass it feels like you are mountain biking? If you stand up and pedal (or is it petal?) it means you go faster. Did you know a baby duck is called a gosling? If you laugh really hard when you pedal sometimes your bike turns funny. Did you know that?

This evening we rode bikes during Nathan's soccer practice at Willamette Park. We got an earful. It was very sweet. It was not tiring enough.

A Gaggle of Brownies

On Saturday I got to experience Brownie Camp. I took a vanload of girls (along with another mom) up to Camp Collins for a day of adventure. It was so much fun. We started off with a very exciting game of Elbow Tag-which happens to involve screaming and running. The game came naturally to the girls. We got to do some art projects, a scavenger hunt and critter shelter making, bouldering, and some hanging out with the big sister girl scout troop. Seeing the cabins their "sisters" stayed in was a huge hit. I have to say, the cabins are so nice and there are bunkbeds! Our troop made a bunch of felt flowers to take to the "SWAP" portion of the day and it was darling to see the younger girls attempt to make eye contact with the older girls. The previously screaming elbow tag girls were shy and quiet. It was very touching to watch as the girls took in the whole experience. We stayed for most of the campfire and songs/skits which was delightful to the girls. Remember the days when making up skits and songs was easy and carefree? I remember playing "Make me Laugh" for hours during the summer and having many "I am going to pee my pants" moments! We also had a rubber chicken for a prop so that made all the difference. Anyway.......on our ride home the girls were singing and laughing so it was a great day at Brownie Camp. Thanks to the hosts that kept the huge cauldron of coffee on throughout the day.