Pink Martini

Doug's company took us for a night downtown.  We started with some appetizers and desserts at the University Club, then went to the Schnitz to hear Storm Large performing with Pink Martini and the Portland Symphony Orchestra.  It was spectacular.  

Hyrum's Birthday

  We celebrated Hyrum turning 6 this year with Grandma and Grandpa and the family.  He was excited to be able to get a special card from Gabby.  Hyrum is becoming quite the reader and was happy to be able to read his card.

He loved his legos from Mom and Dad 

and his blankie from Grandma.

We celebrated with his friends with games and a pinata.  I made little lava cakes, which the boys loved because they "explode!"

Happy Birthday Hyrum!  We love you!

She wants to be big

I found Eloise in bed with the girls today.

First Day of School

Hyrum's first Day of kindergarten and Gabby's first day of second grade.  We walk to school everyday.  But both wanted to ride their bikes the first day.

Kill it and Grill it! Hood to Coast!

Decorating my big red beast for the driving.  Destination Timberline Lodge, Mt. Hood.  Too bad when we got there thunder storms had rolled in and it was HAILING!  We had to re-do most of the deco at the first exchange in Sandy.

Finishing my first leg (3.93 miles) I barely beat the rain. It was by far the easiest since it was down hill through the little mountain town of Rhododendron.

Handing off the torch to van 2 in Sandy, Oregon.  Here is my friend, Tammy who rocked it for Van 2.

Here is Van 1 from right to left: me, Kristina, Heather, Jodi, Alicia, and Brandy.  In front of the Willamette River and downtown behind us.  We should be sleeping, but it was getting really HOT.  My second leg was just around the bend near Sauvie's Island.  Gorgeous rolling hills, but an unbearably hot 7.25 miles.

  

Van 1: We made it to Seaside!  My last leg was by far the best.  It was exhilarating running in the middle of the night through nowhere Oregon on almost no energy (5.79 miles).  Adrenaline helps.  Here we are awaiting the arrival of the other van for our finish.  Total miles: 17.

Hood to Coast has been on my bucket list since my dad ran it about when I was a kid.  It was a blast and I will definitely be doing it again.  Hopefully next year!  Anyone up for it?

Bike Ride

One of our favorite things to do in the summer is ride bikes as a family.  We found a trail to a waterfall near Sunriver and took the kids out.  Scott and Clarissa kept us company. The waterfall was gorgeous, but the trail turned out to be longer than anticipated and too much for little LaurieAnn who couldn't keep going on all the bumps.  Doug and I took turns giving her pushes from the back as we rode by.  The kids screamed as they rode over the bridge.  They thought that was cool.  Doug and Scott rode back and brought the car to us.  Hooray for rescue!