Battle of the Books 2013

Speaking of Battle of the Books, I realized that I never posted about Jeremiah's group this year.  I guess that is because it happened when I was neck-deep in midterms last term (and, in fact, I didn't even attend the battle because I was taking a midterm that day).  Anywaaaaaays.  Last year, his group didn't make it past the first round of "battles".  Well, this year, they made it to the finals! They lost, so they didn't get to go to the PPS battle, but we were so proud that they read 16 books (in 4 months) and memorized pretty obscure details about them in order to get as far as they did.  He loves to read and is very competitive, so this event is right up his alley.  He is already starting to read the books for next year's battle.  Way to go Jeremiah and the rest of the Book Bats!

The Book Bats!

Mt. Tabor Blast

Last weekend, the kids' school held a scavenger hunt type activity up at Mt. Tabor.  It was a little different in that at each post, there was a physical activity of some kind to accomplish.  Peter and the kids teamed up with our neighbor (who attends a different school) and finished all but one of the activities!  Way to go!  The kids received books (from next years' Battle of the Books) as prizes.  It was a cool, overcast day, with rain threatening the entire time, but the rain held off until just after the clean up crew was packing up the vehicles.  Good fun!

"April to May" 2nd Grade Sing-along

A couple weeks ago, Alayna's class did a little in-class sing along about spring.  She played a raindrop. It was very sweet and cute.  Here are a few photos and a video from it.

Mother's Day Hike

I had a lovely Mother's Day this year.  I am so grateful to have a wonderful Mother, a wonderful Mother-in-Law, and to be a mother.  I know some women don't have one or any of these things.  I was thankful to be able to "celebrate" today with joy--even if it does feel a little bittersweet without our Ezra here with us.  It was a wonderful day!

Started out by sleeping in until 8:30am.  Peter made breakfast--egg mcmuffins with homemade sausage patties!  Yum!  I opened my gifts: 2 beautifully embroidered blankets with elephants on them, a "coupon" book from Jeremiah, and a handmade photo frame from Alayna.  Then, we went for a hike through Forest Park.  The skies were threatening with dark clouds, but the rain held off until we were on our way home.  We ate lunch out at a little Mexican food dive before heading home.  Then, Peter took the kids for the rest of the afternoon so I could have a few hours to myself.  Finally, Peter made a scrumptious dinner of honey-nut chicken, whipped potatoes, and green beans (and did the dishes!) before heading to a 10-hour-shift at the hall.

It was a splendid day indeed!

Astoria, OR

I've said it several times now, but we have been having an amazing spring in Portland/Oregon.  Very little gray/rain and lots of sunshine and warmth.  (Sometimes too warm for my taste.)  We had a "dry" winter and fall too, so everyone is starting to cry drought for the summer, but we'll see. My guess is the rain will be back in full force some time soon.

Anyway, we've been taking advantage of the fantastic weather and doing a lot of outdoor activities.  Biking, hikes, walks, parks.  But, this past weekend, we wanted to beat the 85+ temps and hit the coast.  We decided to go to Astoria, OR, where they filmed a lot of the movie "The Goonies".  We even got to see the "Goonies' house".  We'd already been to Cannon Beach, where they filmed some of the beach scenes from the movie.  This just completed our Goonies tour.

Astoria is a beautiful little beach town!  I instantly fell in love with it!  It is charming, with old victorian and cape cod style homes and lots of fantastic scenery.  We went to an awesome park that had replicas of Astoria's 'famous' landmarks, such as the Flavel House, the Column, and Fort Clatsop.  It was an amazingly gorgeous day, with a high of 78º.  Of course, we hit up the beach for some fun in the sun.  And ended it with some grub/brew from Rogue's Brewery.  I heart Oregon!

Astoria Column

Shipwreck on Fort Stevens Beach

Sunbathing!  (With 50SPF sunscreen, of course)

With Aunt Jill

My only regret about this trip is that we forgot to take Ezra's ashes with us.  We usually try to sprinkle some whenever we explore the state.  Guess we'll have to go back!

Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm

Another trip to the Tulip Festival down in Woodburn.  I just adore spring time in Oregon.  In fact, I love that we experience all four seasons here and for the appropriate amount of time (3 months of summer, 3 months of fall, etc., etc.).  We might get more rain than most in Fall and Spring, but that is what makes Northwest Oregon so lovely.  Oregon also has desert parts, but (not surprisingly) I am in no hurry to see them....

I will just enjoy the lavish beauty the Northwest has to offer!  We have been having an amazing spring. April had hardly any rainy or dreary days, maybe a handful.  And the first two weeks of May have 70s and even 80s in the forecast, and no rain.  I know the rain will be back before summer officially starts (and I am so glad, because I love the rain, and it has been a very dry year.  Oregon needs it!).  For now, we are basking in the beauty of Spring!