First Camping Trip

We've been talking about how fun it will be to take the kids camping. I think both of us have fond memories of camping as we grew up. But we thought we'd start simple, with a little backyard camping, so we finally broke down, got out the tent and set it up. We had a blast! I'd planned on firing up the grill but Sydney said "I thought we were going to cook over the fire!" so with a little quick thinking we got some sausages and long forks. I love the pic of Sydney roasting her sausage over the fire. We all squeezed into the tent at night, and except for how hard ground has become since the last time we went camping dozens of years ago, everyone slept pretty well. We agreed that this was one of the best campsites we've ever used, and we're going to this again!

Becoming Five

We celebrated Isaac's fifth birthday at this great place called Out of This World. He only had a few friends he wanted to invite, which kept it small and intimate (for a brief time we worried that no one would show up, but finally people did start to arrive). Everyone had great fun zooming this way and that around the play areas, though Isaac did stoutly decline to follow his friends onto the inflatable jump area, choosing instead to head over to the scooter cars. Pizza, cake and ice cream, followed by a blizzard of wrapping paper followed. Check out the arc of cars, he does like to have them in lines! I think everyone had a good time.


 
 
 
 

Depoe Bay Wooden Boat Show

I'm still a lot behind. Back in April we went to the Depoe Bay Wooden Boat Show (and Crab Feed, but the only comment was "eeweo, stinky" as we walked past the outdoor kitchen where the were boiling up crab in giant pots). The kids seemed mildly interested in all the drop-dead gorgeous boats on display, but might have been disappointed to have traveled this far except that they had a really exceptional "build your own boat" tent for kids. They had nicely shaped flat hulls, masts with sails and tons of brick-a-brack to add. Everything went together with hot glue (hopefully not water soluable). A little paint and the masterpiece is done! I'm looking forward to sailing these in the pond by the library.


 
 
 
 

Six!

A six-year-old's birthday party.

 
 
 
 

Carousel

We've been to this carousel how many times now? Yet they still enjoy it so much. This time I was standing next to them, so I got some interesting "in the middle of the action" pictures.


 
 
 
 

They Made It!

My sister Nancy and her husband Danny have, through heroic travails against INS, finally won the right to visit this country from the Philippines together. I note in passing that according to Wikipedia passport requirements as we know them today are a relatively recent plague, stemming from World War I. Be that as it may, I am pleased to present some pictures from their recent visit. Captions for the first two images are welcomed!



 
 
 
 

Spring Festival at Portland Chinese Garden

For the Spring Festival, or Chinese New Year, some friends joined us for dim sum followed by a romp around the Portland Classic Chinese Gardens. This is a wonderful place for some peaceful quiet reflection ... except during the festival! It was LOUD (note son's hands over his ears!) and full of energy. It was a bit brisk but we had a good time.