portland for a week

We all just spent the last week packing as much as we possibly could into our days in Oregon.  We are exhausted and happy to be home, but we had a wonderful time.  We stayed in a cool little airbnb in NE Portland which had a full kitchen, an outdoor firepit, and an outdoor cat named smudge.  The weather was hot and sunny the first 4 days and more Portland regular the last 3.  And most importantly, we all checked everything off of our lists that we wanted to do:

Gordy laid in a pile of leaves.

We hiked to 7 of the 10 waterfalls at Silver Creek Falls and actually got to walk behind a few.

We drove out to Hood River where we picked apples off trees, met an alpaca, and petted some very friendly farm animals.

Gordy visited the Hood River Fire Station.

We went to a fall festival with Gordy's cousins where the kids wandered through a corn maze, rode a cow train, and played in a nut house filled with hazelnuts.

Went to my 20th high school reunion.  Had lunch with the Foster Family.

Took a family photo with my Mom's side of the family.

Stopped for donuts at Voodoo.

Went to OMSI and got a tour of the submarine from an awesome guide.

Visited the Portland zoo, Powells Books, Grocery Outlet and Trader Joes.

We all had a great time and will definitely be back for a visit again in the near future.  

bullpup all-star

About a week ago, Todd and I got an email from Gordy's school inviting us to attend the end of period assembly where Gordy would be presented with a bullpup all-star award.  Gordy has gotten this award in period 1 of both kindergarten and 1st grade, but we've never been able to attend the assembly (away on a trip, or out sick).  So, this year, Todd and I kept it a secret from him.  We rode with him to school and dropped him off like normal.  Then, instead of biking home, we rode over to the district park and waited for 30ish minutes before biking back and surprising him at the assembly.  Once he saw us enter the auditorium, his eyes lit up.  He got his award and proudly stood on stage with a few of his friends while the rest of the school and parents cheered for them.

We are so proud of our kiddo - great job Gogo!