Bike Ride With The Neighbors

We live very close to a shopping center called Bridgeport Village, which hosts a summer concert series. We've been riding our bikes a lot to different events around town. Tonight we decided to catch dinner and the concert with our neighbors. The kids had a particulary good time playing on the play structure and listening to the music.

Uncle Bradley In Town

Uncle Bradley came to visit us in Portland. It was SO nice to see him since we don't get to very often. Jalen had a blast playing with him and Rio was so happy to have his doggy cousin Leo over for the weekend. We kept ourselves busy with the zoo, the park, VooDoo Donuts, and just hanging out. Bradley also enjoyed a day of fishing at the coast.

What a start to our day...VooDoo donuts!

Jalen LOVED every second of Uncle Bradley's visit - He immediately became Jalen's best bud.

Getting a better view of the giraffes.

Up close and personal with the lions.

Uncle Bradley and Jalen brushing the goats.

Rio and his cousin Leo after a long walk...

...and they're calling it a day.

Jalen thinking he's a dog.

Okay, I've had enough.

Seattle

My dad was so kind to plan a trip in Seattle as a gift for Dawn's birthday and invite us all to join. We had an amazing weekend seeing some friends we know there, seeing all the usual Seattle sights, and of course watching the Red Sox play (just wish we could have seen some more wins). Thanks Papa for a great weekend!!!!!!

We spent the first night in Tacoma so that we could see Ed and Serena Nau and their three adorable kids - Anika, Eban, and Rosa Lee (Scott played football at PLU with Ed). Unfortunately I didn't get a picture of the whole crew, but I was able to capture a quick one of Jalen and Rosie playing together. It was so good to see them, as it happens so rarely. I can't believe how much the kids change in one year!!

Jalen touching the star fish at the aquarium.

Proud grandparents: Dawn with her grandson Landon and Papa with Jalen.

Jalen and Papa checking out the fish from above.

Jalen loved watching ALL the fish!

Landon getting in on the action.

Family photo - riding the whale tail.

Lunch at Ivar's on the waterfront.

Jalen was fascinated, yet scared of this man dressed like a pink monkey and playing the drums. Nothing surprises you in Seattle!

Scott ordered the "large" beer...little did he know it was going to be THIS big. Cheers ;-)

Out on an evening walk to Pike's Market.

Jalen is making pig noises in this photo.

Jalen and Daddy.

The following morning Papa and Dawn took Jalen out while Scott and I got to enjoy a morning away - I think it was a win-win!

Riding the Monarail with Papa.

On top of the Space Needle.

Checking out the sights from way up high.

The whole crew - half Red Sox fans/half Mariners fans - Jalen, Katie, Scott, Papa, Dawn, Landon, Jake (Dawn's son), and his wife Mandy.

I guess Jalen thought he was just one of the guys - reaching for Papa's beer after he chowed down his hot dog.

Jalen and Papa on the field (this is Jalen's new "cheese" face).

The fam after the game.

What a day!!!!

More Play Dates

We are really fortunate to have such a great group of mommies and kiddos that we get together with every so often. Last week we met up at a park in Lake Oswego to feed the ducks and play in the sand. This week we met up at a new park in Sherwood, which we loved!!! Jalen and the others couldn't get enough of the running water fall/sand/play area.

George Rogers Park in LO:

Ella throwing sand into the water and Jalen watching for the little baby duck to return.

We loved watching the little baby duckling with his Momma.

Ava, Aspen, and Connor (Ava was trying to give away here little doggy after it fell in the water).

Ella was so cute running back and forth into the water and loving watching the ducks run around her.

Digging in the sand.

Ella and Connor - so sweet!

Ava and Aspen busy at work.

Jalen is asking, "where the ducks going?"


Snyder Park in Sherwood:

Jalen, Aspen, and ? all eying Jalen with the dump truck they wanted.


Playing in the sand box.





Jalen got a kick out of throwing his ball from the top of the falls and walking down to get it.


Aspen was so funny - he went around offering his pretzels to everyone, strangers included. What a nice boy to share!


Lunch Break