Weather

 So, I never said how I liked the Blogsy app after I finished my last post. There is only a small learning curve, but since my time is always full of constant interruptions it took me a couple of days to complete. Also, I don't know how to go back and correct anything that has been posted, or if that is possible. I haven't looked into it, though I did make a punctuation error; it is still there. 

On to a new post regarding our unusual weather this last week.

To avoid boring details let me say that we had snow, rain, hail and sun at various times on Sunday alone. We were all hoping to get a snow day and a break from school, work and childcare, but no such luck. Except for Greg. He finally went to work Thursday, but they sent him home because of the incredibly heavy rain. He did work a full day on Friday. It was nice to have him home, but no pay is not so nice. We will manage fine.

Sunday:

 

Monday morning the snow began falling in big thick flakes. We could absolutely not believe they didn't cancel school. The kids at the bus stop, there are probably 15, were all throwing snowballs and running around through the snow. The parents were taking pictures wondering if the bus was actually going to show up. It did and the kids looked as though they were being hauled off to prison their faces were so sad and sorry for the play to be ending. Our kids did build a small snowman before we went in to breakfast. 

Lincoln and Taylor and Olivia as we are leaving for the bus stop on the other side of the complex.

 

 

By the time school was out it was hard to remember what the snow had looked like and the snowman was sinking sadly away.

 The rest of the week was pouring rain which caused terrible flooding in other areas. We were thankful to miss out on that consequence.

First Blogsy post

 I have just downloaded the Blogsy app to my iPad. It looks super great. We'll see how I feel at the end of this post. 

The weather has been cold, but clear and beautiful. We had some heavy wind and enjoyed the beauty from our windows. Then the wind died down and even I went outside and felt the fresh air. The porch was coooold seating though.

 Last October we began taking care of twin girls who live two doors down from us in our complex. They are now six months old and so much fun. On this day, I knew Otto was playing with Kayla! and Haily was nearby, but was surprised to see them both on his lap. Then, as I was taking some pictures, Ruby came over for some attention, too. So sweet!

 

Incredible Date Night!!

It was late spring or early summer when Greg first heard about a band called The Civil Wars. We immediately became fans and were so disappointed to find that we had just missed them playing in Portland. In August Greg found they were returning and purchased tickets for us to see them. He kept it a secret for a couple weeks, but then had to tell me. Even though it was a Tuesday we decided to make a date of it and go out to eat as well. Thankfully, I didn't have any childcare conflicts and one parent picked up their kids early for us.

I looked around the area online for a place for us to eat and showed Greg the options. They were playing at the Crystal Ballroom. In the end, he decided we should eat at Ringlers which is a McMenamins (as is the Crystal Ballroom). We were a little concerned about getting to the front, imperative if my short stature wanted to see. The tickets there are general admission and there is no seating except some benches along the sides and in the balcony which was way in the back. After dinner (which was amazingly wonderful) we found out that if you eat at Ringlers you get into the concert 15 minutes before the doors open! We were the third people in line and stood against the stage right in the middle. Joy Williams and John Paul White were standing 6 feet in front of us!

I can't convey how much we loved the show. Their voices, harmonies, songwriting are all pleasing and emotionally enjoyable. Even the few covers they do have an originality that is fascinating. Their personalities seem friendly and humble, talking enough to include the audience, but leaving us wanting to hear more. Greg being in the front let his voice be heard a few times and we were close enough to be seen. At the end of the show John Paul walked up to Greg and gave him his guitar pick!! So Awesome! We bought a poster of their fall tour and are going to include the pick in the frame. The only way it could have been better is if we could have met them and gotten a picture. Still, not a complaint. It should have been our anniversary; it was so much fun!

Greg took several pictures, but it made me really self-conscious. They didn't seem to mind. He kept the flash off so as not to be irritating. I am a lucky wife!

Colombia River BMX 9/10/11

Here is video of Otto's next race with many more races included. Otto had some good competition and a great time. He can hardly wait until the next race. You will see a race with Otto and one other racer, Otto gets a little out of control, they both crash, but they got right up and kept racing. We were so proud of them!

Columbia River BMX 9/10/11

Good friends at the zoo

Our friends Leon and Jennifer do not live as close to us as they used to and we only see them a couple of times a year now. But the bond of friendship that we share with them, especially Jennifer and me (Marla), is a bond that we will share until we die even if I never see her in person again. They were all in town for X-Fest during Labor Day weekend and then invited anyone who would to go to the zoo on Monday. This was the crowd.

Charissa and I are missing our husbands and one child, but Leon and Jennifer are there with all nine children. What a treat to be around them all morning! Their adopted boys are speaking English so well! I had no problems understanding them when I had the opportunity. I would have loved to have heard more of their accents. :-)

The animals were more active than I have ever seen. The tiger was walking around. The little leopards (not what they are, I don't think, but I forget) were walking right by the glass. One of the polar bears was playing with a ball by the glass, throwing it in the air, diving into the water, it was amazing. The monkeys were swinging wildly. It was a great day.

Thanks again to my Dad and Eunice for the pass for all the children (and two adults)!!

Otto and BMX

Last Saturday Otto finally rode in a BMX race. He and Greg have wanted to race for years, but it has always been met with one difficulty or another. He got second place and had a fabulous time! They went to a track in St. Helens which has a smaller crowd than the one in Newberg. Greg put this video together; Otto has the red bike and camouflage shirt. There are other riders/races shown. Otto's first BMX race

Shopping

 We try to do all our shopping by bike. It is so convenient from our location, great exercise and a lot of fun. When Greg is home (not riding on trails out of the city), we go together which makes the trip more fun and allows us to get larger amounts. Today we went to New Seasons (our favorite, though not the least expensive), Fred Meyer (for the bank and a couple other things) and I even ran into Trader Joe's for some potatoes for tonight. The big Trader Joe's trip will be tomorrow. Greg took my camera with us today and got so many fabulous pictures!

Ducks

Dog