End of Summer Water Battle

On our way home from Oregon, the boys planned the ultimate WATER BATTLE. Originally, it was going to be preschoolers vs. 2nd graders. Somehow we thought that might be a little lopsided. My eldest spent the two hour car ride from Portland planning this whole thing out, mostly focusing on the weaponry (catapulting water balloons, etc.). I thought, "well, this whole thing will blow over by the time we get settled at home. No way will he even remember these plans . . . " Hem, well. When we got "settled at home," he settled into his planning--he made an invitation list, a supply list, and handed his dad the calendar.

This was casual, no RSVP, show up if you want to, peeps from every part of our world . . . more than 15 kids showed up despite the cold weather and clouds--w/swim suits, water bazookas, and picnic stuff.

End result? Exhausted, drenched, blissed out kids, and some sense of closure for parents for the summer. This is certainly going to be "first annual."

Trip to Newport Bay, OR

A boy in his element . . .

Newport one day . . . and two days later . . .

Happy boy with backdrop of barking, stinking, adorable Sea Lions

Big Fun at the Oregon Coast Aquarium

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING AT?

CUTE . . . CREEPY . . .

rainy camping at Sunset Bay

Boys on rocks . . .










This is the exciting process of creating "kick the ball" homemade camping icecream . . . yum (the adults were too cold and tired to enjoy . . . )

This is the beautiful Hemlock I adopted . . .

And our ONE nice day!

Two of our four camping buddies . . . girl trek "up the hill"

This "castle tree" was in the shared space behind our campsite--how did we get so lucky? Bug and Aubrey lived there. For hours they crossed the roaring river (rain water collected in trench), chased the fairies (squirrels), fought the bad guys (numerous and all imaginary), fueled on Hansen's soda and fish crackers . . .

Fire, Rain, Romance . . .

Just before the torential rain started and we packed up early . . .

History . . .

Two archival life items for the year (find author in the picture! Can you? Can you?)

Starting this Over

Yesterday was one of those days where, at the end, I thought to myself "boy, I wish there were a forum where I could document and reflect on the happenings of this day for myself, but also share what's going on with others." doh. So, I'm going to try this again. Rather than see this as a way to become totally overwhelmed, I want to see this as a way to unwind, rave, vent, muse . . .

Ash got a HAMSTER yesterday, adopted from one of Adrian's teachers. Hammie (yes, Hammie) needs to keep his name, I guess, as Ash insists he'll get confused otherwise. So, Ash added "the wonder hamster" (thanks Weird Al). Beyold, Syrian Teddy Bear Hamster Hammie the Wonder Hamster (picture to come). Bow at his bizarre stench, his disasterously cute head of fuzziness, his penchant for strawberries!

Ash started 2nd grade (out of the boiler room and the cue with the giant muddy puddle!) and Adrian started his last day of preschool.