Get off your soapbox

After three years we finally made it to the adult soapbox derby on Mt. Tabor. Our friend Jason and his son Toe came up from Astoria to watch as well. We enjoyed checking out the cars -- the boys are getting ideas for next year -- and absorbing the atmosphere. 

That evening we had a barbecue for friends, mostly fraggers, with the exception of Sue and Scott, Leslie's friend. 

Toe and Jason on Mt. Tabor

A game for gamers

B and Scott

Over the river and through the woods...

Jeff with daughter Stephanie

Bestie Mary was invited to a the wedding of a mutual friend and invited me as her "plus one." The wedding was in Hood River, in a building right on the train tracks that felt like a ruined Italian villa. 

It was lovely weather and lovely to see our friend so happy with her new son-in-law. We didn't know anyone else but enjoyed it nonetheless. 

The Yard

This was the year of the Backyard. We had a full vegetable plot for the first time and Travis put in serious time laying out a patio in our backyard, something we've been planning for awhile. 

There are still many, many flower pots in front and they are turning out to be a hassle to water, especially since this year has been so dry. Really need a new plan. 

The patio and the drought brought bad news too. Our 100-year-old walnut started "self-pruning" because of the heavy nut crop on it and the drought. It was scary, those big branches coming down, but no one was hurt and amazingly, nothing was broken. 

Dog days

View from Foothills Park, where Mare and I went for a long early-summer walk. 

L's girlfriends were over for a lazy evening dinner in July. The chickens were a hit!

We had a surprisingly lovely weeknight outing this July, at the Portland Jazz Festival at Cathedral Park in St. Johns. Friends Brad and Lela joined us. It was bucolic and fun.

In August L's team at work had a post-work potluck at a local park (and played cornhole with bags sewed by her!). It was a first! 

Summertime

We tried out West Linn's Fourth of July this year and was surprised how good it was. Great music, atmosphere, people watching and a very good fireworks show. 

In August B's cousin Dusty came with his family for a quick overnight stay in August. It was so fun to be around little ones, although since we are not child-proofed, it was a little stressful. We barbecued ribs and had a lovely dinner on our new patio. 

Jessica's graduation

Brady, Kelsey's husband, and Travis talk motorcycles. 

This June was our youngest child's graduation. The ceremony was early Saturday morning so we drove down to southern Oregon Friday. Most of the family was there: siblings, steps, aunts, cousins, grandparents. Really, the only ones missing were Sarah (working) and most of B's cousins. But Kelsey and her family were there because they had not yet returned to Alaska. And Charlie's family were part of the festivities as well, since he graduated with Jess. 

Jessie's custom decorated house

Sunday was Father's Day but unfortunately we could not celebrate properly because everyone had to split: Kristin and Steven back to California, Travis to Redmond to get ready for his trip to New Jersey and Josh to drive home to Salt Lake City. 

All the family (save Sarah, who stayed in PDX to work) at the Ealy's place in Shady Cove

Hawaii

Brian and Jess playing rummy in Kohala, Kauai

Less than a week after graduation we were off to Hawaii, taking Jess as for her graduation gift. Our first three days were in Kauai, staying with Les's older sister. Her apartment was tiny, making the stay a bit stressful but we did enjoy exploring the island. Denise lived very near Poipu beach, which has many great swimming spot up and down its length. 

Poipu Beach in Kauai

After that we had a week on the Big Island, despite the eruption going on. We were lucky to have a short visit with nephew Demien and his family and could see the glow in the night sky near his home from Kileaua. 

Nephew Feather with "Boogie", his youngest child

Jessica was enjoying her second plane trip and it was a long one!

It was great staying with Jana in her amazing new house and exploring the beaches near her home, which was new to us. We also found a "hidden" black sand beach and had it all to ourselves. Lovely!

Jana and "Maggie" in Kona

Jess, on Jana's totally amazing lanai