Tuesday, July 22, 2008

A Visit With Mom!

I went down to see my mom this last weekend, and had a great time! I took the boys, and we headed down on Friday just past noon. We stopped at the store, and grabbed stuff to make dinner. Then we headed out to the house. I made cheese bread, Caesar lettuce wedge salad, and my lasagna. It came out really good, and they liked it! My mom even ordered my favorite-- Baskin Robbins Cake!! She sang for me and we had dessert while we watched Food Network. Great night for me!

Saturday, she made breakfast for Ed and I, and then we headed out to the mall. We bought my beautiful Nike sneakers, and she also got me the Nike iPod hook up. I was very excited! I haven't tested it yet, but I can't wait to use it! Mom got the same shoes as me, but in a different color. I hope she loves them! After the mall, we stopped by Barnes and Noble to see if they had the Entertainment Weekly that featured Twilight, and they did! I was so excited! I had checked four other stores before there!

Then, we came back to the house and had ice cream for lunch. What a kid's dream! We hung out at the house for the afternoon-- more Food Network, and playing with the dogs.
Here's my mom's beautiful purple clematis from her back yard. If you can tell, it's actually growing onto the tree nearby!

This is Kenai. He's kinda a grumpy man, but he plays well with the boys! And he's so cute. He has one brown eye and one blue eye.
This is Miss Sadie. She's a sweet, chubby golden retriever. She's the kindest dog you'll ever meet. She shuffles her feet, and it sounds like she's wearing slippers! So cute!
Here's Hobie hanging out in the yard. I would have put a pic of Gaius in here, but he always looked grumpy. I think he missed his papa.

We barbecued steak for dinner, before I left to head home. Mom and I made baked potatoes, and bread crumb coated vegetables that we baked. They came out quite good! Kinda like the appetizer from Red Lobster-- my favorite-- but not quite as good, truth be told. But a bit healthier!

After dinner, the boys and I headed home. I had a great time! I got to spend lots of quality time with my mom, we hung out, we cooked, we had ice cream, we watched Food Network, I slept in, it was GREAT! Thanks, Mom!! I love you! And thanks again for my shoes!!

Friday, July 11, 2008

Volunteer Firefighter!

We got the news today that Paul has officially been accepted as a Volunteer Combat Firefighter with TVF&R! I am so proud of him! TVF&R is the fire district around where we live. It is one of the most respected fire districts in the whole Portland Metro area, which will make the experience even better. The "combat" in the title is important, because it means they thought him worthy of actually being allowed to fight fire with them. A regular volunteer with the district gets to help with HR, paperwork, that kind of stuff. but he really gets get out there and get his hands dirty!! His training starts in September, and we are both so excited for him! This will greatly help him with his chances at getting a job! Woohoo!

Monday, July 7, 2008

Herman Creek Hike to Rainy Lake

For 4th of July, Paul had the only 3-day weekend he's gonna be able to take for the whole summer. So he took advantage of the time, and went backpacking in the gorge. He and the boys took the Herman Creek Trail to Rainy Lake, camping one night. With an unplanned 4-mile accidental detour, they hiked 12 miles on 4th of July, and 16 miles on Saturday. They treated themselves to a well-deserved dinner of burger and fries, and some long overdue rest on Sunday. The boys did a great job and had a wonderful time, keeping in step with Paul all along the way.
A great shot of a creek along the way.
Our handsome boys, hanging with papa on the trail, sporting their super fine backpacks.
Look! Hoban found some snow! What a handsome boy!
Gaius to the side there, hanging out in camp after a long day of hiking.
All my boys, hanging out in camp. The boys having breakfast, and getting ready to head out for another great day of hiking! (I bought him that AWESOME jacket for Christmas. Sexy!)
The boys found a stick, and like good brothers are sharing the fetch. They do love to swim!
One last great shot, here's Green Mountain standing behind Rainy Lake. What a great trip!