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. 

Hello from Washington DC!

Chris is in Washington DC this weekend visiting Liz, Nic and Kaja!

Had a great trip to DC, then down to Virginia for some work stuff at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, and all the kids got were these lousy t-shirts!

Stayin' Cool in the Pool (& Fountains!)

We've had a fun, busy August, and have spent the last week or so trying to stay cool outdoors (although our new A/C helps a lot indoors!)  Here are some pics of some of our recent adventures, starting with our trip last night to Lovejoy Fountain in PDX.  I've never been there and so we had fun playing and splashing.  We intended to go to the Keller Fountain, but it's closed because of a broken pump.  Lovejoy is not as cool as Keller, but its still fun enough for a 4-year old and a 1-year old!

Amy was less interested in the fountain, and more interested in the pigeons...

Sam had swimming lessons the last two weeks, and has turned a huge corner...he's now diving for things at the bottom of the pool, holding his breath under water, and basically not very scared of getting his face wet and all that.  BIG deal, especially for Dad.  Oh, and of course we've been obsessed with the Olympics and watch them all the time (sports doesn't count as TV, remember), and Sam has decided he wants to do Olympic soccer and synchronized diving.  Nice combo!  Here he is practicing some diving on the couch...good form!

Taking baths is cool, especially with "dinosaur hair"...

Swimming lessons at Sellwood Pool...

Cooling off at Grant Park...

Practicing out of water!  The next Michael Phelps and Natalie Coughlin?  Perhaps...

Sam didn't quite pass Penguins yet, but he got a cool certificate and a gold medal nonetheless...and that's worth everything!  

The Ericksons are Rural Folk

Ok, not really, but we did go to Sarah's family reunion this weekend in Marcola (east of Eugene) at her grandparents' farm.  Great times.  The kids get to experience some level of farm life (play with horses, cows, goats, eat apples off trees, etc.).   The river is a big attraction, so we spent a lot of time there, especially because it was hot.  We really have fun.  Here's some pics. 

Mr. Baseball

Sam had baseball camp this week.  I don't brag on my kids too much, but because I love baseball, I have to say that Sam is a good little hitter.  Check out the form!  Of course, his instincts are to run to 3rd base after he hits it, but those are just silly rules that can come later.  The point is he has fun and what about whacking a ball isn't fun?  Being in the field?  Not as much fun, but there's always dirt to kick and balls to chase after.  I see him as a DH primarily.  Hopefully will help mom and dad out in retirement when he signs his first big MLB deal.  Too much pressure?  Eh.  

I think my favorite part was when all the kids gave high-fives when the batter got back to the dugout.