Playdate with Janis at the Waterpark

The kids didn't have school on Veterans Day and I had a business trip the following two days, so I took it off for a playdate. Given our packed schedules, we have been having a hard time finding a time that works for our Janis's playdates so I asked her if she wanted to hang with us and thankfully she said yes. So....... we went to the Evergreen Wings and Waves Waterpark. One word - awesome. We had so much fun and savored every minute with our sweet and amazing Janis. Each kid... and me.... was so thrilled to have time with her in the water or in the lines. We love our Janis Playdates.

Annual Halloween Bracket

As we all know...Henry loves sport and numbers....and BRACKETS. Every year he makes a Bracket of the Halloween candy. He won't look at the bowl when he picks, because he doesn't want to bias the results. It is the first thing he focuses on when he gets home. This year, Grammy Kris called the winner...SNICKERS.

What is also adorable is Frances got the bug too....she started her count and now is working on her bracket. 

Henry's: 

FRANCES:

And then this happened....

Abby posted this on Instagram...as of my writing this.....35,000 people like it....crazy....

EPIC Halloween 2015

This year the kids went at Nat Borchers - plays for the Timbers, Abby Wambach - played for the US Womens Soccer team, just retired, most scores of ANY professional soccer play, and Ladybug Girl. Mark went to the Blazer game and it was POURING, so I wasn't SUPER jazzed to go out. That said, this summer we learned that Abby Wambach - who all the kids adore - lived in our neighborhood. From the moment we found out, the kids wanted to go there for Trick or Treating. On the way there, I reminded them that she had been travelling a lot lately and was likely not there.....and then she was!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Her wife opened the door and yelled to Abby to come. She raised her hands and jumped up and down when she saw Frances and then asked if it would be ok if she got her phone so that she could take a selfie with them..... UM YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Frances skipped the rest of the night and I had tears in my eyes in excitement for her.

End of Frances's Rec Season

Frances's last regular season game was this weekend. She has had a great experience playing with the 3rd grade girls -- full field, lots of space, and a great coach. She was a wonderful teammate -- always looking to pass or help out or run back to make sure a goal didn't go in. It was little sentimental as this likely will be her last season in rec in a Forest Park jersey....but thankfully...that leaves it it in good enough form that Maggie can use it should she choose to play soccer :)

HR with Cousins -2015

Jenny and the kids had an October break the same time parent-teacher conferences were held this year -- YAHOO!!....AND....the weather was amazing today. So, I took the day off and we headed to Hood River for fun. The only glitch was the pumpkin patch we go to every year closed....the farmers retired....WHAT?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!? Also, with all the hot weather, most of the orchards were out of apples. Thankfully the company and the wonderful weather kept our spirits high. So much fun. 

Farmers Market Field Trip 2015

My favorite school field trip is Farmers Market...and this is my last one...sniffle sniffle. It was a joyous and wondrous as always...with amazing weather. Honestly, Maggie is pretty amazing to be around with her class -she giggle at least 50% of the time. So fun.

Indian Summer = Unusual Mondays

We having an Indian Summer -- slightly awesome and slightly weird. Monday's are usually a bit busy as Henry has soccer practice at night. After a busy weekend, coach decided to give them the night off, which was good as Henry bruised his knee really badly and was having a hard time walking. I decided we need to get out of the house... too pretty...and I thought a change in landscape may help him work through the pain and warm up his knee. We had a coupon to Plumper Pumpkin Patch and darted out there for the last 1.5 hours. SO FUN. Maggie was particularly in heaven, she seriously spoke to each animal.