Day 195/365

(This was actually taken the day before, but I spent this day trying to get ready for our two trips and wanted to include this photo instead).

An adventure!
2 friends from Pre-school days
3 stops:  The Bonneville Dam, The Fish Hatchery, and a hike to Multnomah Falls
Saw fish swimming up the fish ladders, fed more at the Hatchery and saw some HUGE Sturgeon.

Day 194/365

We lost a friend today.
Much too soon.
A devoted husband & father.
Not in the cliche' sort of way, but in the get-in-there-and do the dirty stuff sort of way.
And in the thinking of others before himself, sort of way.
The kind of way that has other moms/wives elbowing their husband and whispering,
"Take notes."
A friend whose gentle manner & smile conveyed kindness and sincerity. 

Words are inadequate.

Remembering him and his family with much love....

Day 193/365

After sorting, sorting, sorting, we have officially finished cleaning out the Bonus room toys.
What a job!
It was a family affair.
Truth be told, I enjoyed it. :)
The boys are enjoying the results, but the process was painful at times.

Day 192/365

Katie loves to water the plants.
She's undiscriminating.
She happily waters the weeds too.

Day 191/365

Matthew made a "sword" out of a branch from the backyard using the jigsaw that Dan got when he was a young boy.
He was thrilled.
So was I.
These spontaneous little moments of fun are exactly what I was hoping the summer would be for the kids this year.

(Don't worry ~ the spinning circle by his hand is just sandpaper.
Dan demonstrated to me how it wouldn't cut his finger.)

Day 190/365

A small gathering (us, B's, and S's) to celebrate Hannah's 9th birthday.
BBQ Chicken, Limbo, water balloons, cupcakes and mai tai's for the adults.
A very fun night!

Day 189/365

Lists are being made, emails are flying back & forth, errands are being run...
One week until we leave for the beach!
We're getting ready to go!

PS.  The purchase of sunscreen (bottom right) is quite the bold and optimistic move.
Keeping our fingers crossed that we'll break 70 degrees while we're there..I'll even take a sunny 65.  The forecast is low 60's  (but sunny!) right now...we'll see!