This is one of my FAVORITE times of the year because of Hood to Coast. This year was pretty magical becuase the weather was perfect, clear and not to hot, and our team was pretty awesome. Although I wish some of the people were a bit slower (more time to sleep in between races) the team rocked it. My mom and Brian (Katie's Husband) babysat and it sounds like they had their own adventures.I can't wait for next year.

Backpack = It is coming

Since Henry is starting Kindergarten, I thought he should get an official backpack. I let him pick it out and he wanted it to have his initials. As you can see, he is pretty excited. I, on the other hand, CANNOT pull it together. We went back-to-school shopping and I got teary eyed just getting his glue sticks. It is clear that I will be that mom that they "usher out" with tears running down her face. No mascara for me on the 1st day. I am so excited for him....but I am going to miss little buddy during the day.

Zoo

Mark had his holiday party at the zoo last weekend. Although we get to go the zoo often, they gave us tickets to the special attractions like the train and dinosaur exhibit....ROAR.....good times.

Whisher's Last Day

For Whisher's last day we took her to the zoo and then for dinner on the waterfront. It was so fun going to the Zoo with Henry as he told us a bunch of interesting facts that he had learned from camp - pretty weird to be learning from your five year old.

On the waterfront we went for a walk, Henry rode his bike, and Francie managed to find many spots where she could walk on a ledge, through a bush, while poor Jakie tried to tagged along...oftentimes much to his peril. I think Whisher's mom was eager to have Jake back on his home turf without "big girl" Francie leading him astray.

All joking aside, it was particularly cute to see Jakie and Francie together. They are definitely friends. For a parting gift, we gave Jackie a book with pictures of he and Francie -- so if he missed her, he could always hug and kiss the girl in the book.

Manzinita Mayhem

Next we took Whisher to Manzanita...yes...if you are thinking there was a lot of driving...you are are right. Before we left I had to take them to Portland's Farmers Market as that is religion here. It was over 100 in Portland...and then ironically it was in the low 70s at the beach and overcast. Despite the clouds, the kids loved it and Whisher's mom saw the Pacific Coast for the first time.

In making dinner I had a slight problem. The top to the blender was missing and in the midst of sipping my wine and talking to Whisher......the blender got stuck on the spinach and all of sudden it shot out and all over my face and onto the wall. Classic Cooking with Colleen.

Hood River

We took Whisher and her mom out Hood River to see the beautiful area, visit Jenny and go for a hike. We went for a hike that had blackberries and Jakie was in LOVE. Needless to say, it was hysterical to see the kids faces by the end of the hike.

Krugers

We went to Krugers Farm with Whisher & Jenny and the kids. It was a blast. The funniest part is that Jakie is ENAMORED with Francie. He spent the majority of the time chasing her to hug her. She loved the chase...not the hugs. Whisher is already planning the wedding.

Whisher Comes to Town!

One of my best friends from college is in town -- Yay! Whisher. It is amazing how you can live a whole country apart, but then when you get together it feels completely normal and as if you saw them yesterday. This trip is especially fun as she brought her mom and ADORABLE son Jake who is just a few months younger than Francie. There is nothing better than seeing your friends play together. Jake is mesmerized by Francie - which we all think is hysterical. Francie is teaching him the art of doing very dangerous things and to give his Grandma a heart attack and Jake taught Francie how to spit out food. Henry is loving being a big brother to another little fella and even read the nightime stories the other day. SO FUN.

Bridal Shower for Brookie

One of my most favorite people in the world, Brooke, is getting married. We threw her a bridal shower this Saturday and it was lovely. We went to Meriweathers and had super nummy food, super nummy drinks and made Brookie cry in our well wishes for her. I feel so honored to be present for this incredible time and am so excited for the life that she and Joshie will create. I can't wait for Costanoa in September!!

New park...

We rounded out summer series of going to five new parks by going to a park that KPFF (Mark's company) built by OHSU's Center for Health and Healing. The water park part is awesome -- the ground is super cushioned so when pistol's like Francie fall -- all is good. Francie instantly stripped when she saw the water......Mark and I are in trouble.

OMSI with Auntie KK

Last weekend Auntie KK came up for a visit. SO MUCH FUN. Again, so much fun that I forgot to take pictures...ACK! Sat we went to Hood River to hike with my sister and her kids and go to the Hood River County Fair. Sunday we played in Portland and Monday we went to OMSI. Katie is like a grown up kid -- the best aunt ever!

Happy Birthday Grammy Kris

It is Grammy Kris's birthday. Even though both kids have fevers of 101, we thought it appropriate to send her a song. Just thinking of her made them pep up a bit! I greatly apologize for those of you that had to hear my singing...painful I know.