Full Body Painting

Thought it might be fun to let the kids do some finger and feet and other painting tonight.  As you can see, they had a great time.  Soaking baths followed.  I'm going to get the painting appraised tomorrow for auction.  ENJOY!

Fall has started

As fall starts we enjoyed a wonderful couple of days in Eugene. I remembered long pants and coats, but forgot the rain boots. I will not again forget.

Amy is watching the ducks and her sticks float down the stream.

A great action shot of what was the beginning of very wet socks for both...

Chris enjoyed a great boys weekend, but ended with a great Sunday with me and the kids. When we got home he made a wonderful pot of soup. The first of many during the coming season of cool, rainy weather. I am almost excited. Next stop pumpkin patch.

The Beach is on Fire

The Ericksons hit the Oregon coast Sunday on a rare spur-of-the moment trip to soak in the last week of Summer 2008.  It was actually out first trip to the coast this summer, which seemed impossible to all of us, so we're certainly glad we went.  And we were rewarded with awesome weather (70s-80s, with some breeze).  We hit Cannon Beach in the morning, then Manzanita/Neakahnie Beach in the afternoon/evening.  The kids had a great time and came back about 3 pounds heavier due to an intake of salt water taffee and sand.  Here are some pics...

(Don't look too closely, you might see this again on our holiday card...)

Yes, this is exactly what it looks like...Sam buried up to his neck.  Hey, he asked for it...

The "senior portrait" pose was Sam's idea, and Amy was happy to play along....

The water was more than frigid, but after a few minutes in it, we were used to it and had a great time splashing around.  What a place!  Although we grew up in Oregon, we continue to be amazed and thankful for what we have so close to us.  Cheers!

The Duck Game

Sam and Chris went to the Duck game yesterday against heated rival Utah State!  A predicted blowout, it certainly delivered a low-stress, high scoring game and the Ducks won, 66-24.  Taking kids to the game gives it all a whole different perspective, and the before and after stuff becomes very important (as does lots of snacks and other distractions).  So, we went early, stayed for the whole game, and were able to run around on the field after the game.  We biked to and from, which was easy-peasy.  Just a great fun time!  Here are some pics. 

You can imagine how important it was to stop and see this car...(note: it also has football seat covers). 

Tailgatin'...

Inside the Mosho...a must do event, especially with kids (oh, and beer for the parents, too)

This is a picture from our seats...nice field level, with a good view of the new big screen scoreboard when the action is on the other side of the field.  Sam wanted the players to throw him the ball and honestly couldn't quite figure out why they wouldn't do it.  The Duck walked by a couple times...he and Sam are buddies.  

Sitting with Mimi and Bampa in the 2nd half...where the other half lives...

Showin' his moves for possible Duck coaches that may have stayed after the game to do some scouting for full scholarships in 2021.  I'm thinking Quarterback or maybe kicker.  

Favorite Events in Portland

One of our favorite events in Portland is the kick-off Oregon Symphony at the Water front park the last Thursday of August every year. We go with good friends, have good food, enjoy good music, and great fireworks at the end. Here are some pictures from the event.

This photo was taken the day after because I am trying to figure out how to get in contact with Michael Phelps. When the National Anthem was being played at the beginning of the concert Sam said, "Hey, that is Michael Phelps' flag." The sweetness of a four year old. 

Baby Elephant

We loved seeing the baby elephant at the zoo. On this coming Wednesday they are going to post six names for the world to vote. Make sure you check it out. He was so much smaller than I thought he would be it almost made me want to have my own baby, elephant that is...

Amy and Sam were so good about being quiet but laughing at his first encounter with sawdust. Enjoy the video. 

Cousin Kaja's Birthday

After Chris' visit to D.C., Liz, Nic and Kaja came out to Portland for a visit, which coincided with Kaja's 2nd birthday.  As Kaja might say: "Wheeeee, slide!"  Here are some pics of Kaja and her cousins Sam & Amy enjoying the cakes.