Shamrock Run 2017

Mark and I had NOT prepared for the Shamrock Run. It has been a rough winter with very hard and consistent rain and our weekends have been jam packed with two kids having basketball tournaments all weekend, sometimes with 10 games in one weekend, and Miss Maggie having her turn. So...even though we were NOT prepared...we decided to just go for it. SO HAPPY we did. I honestly think it was my favorite Shamrock Run. They changed the course and I loved the new one. Best of all - it was GORGEOUS!!!!!!!!!! It was just all around fantastic. I love the race, I love the people in the race, and I love Portland on the day of the race.

42!

Mark turned 42 on the night of the  banquet. Party.

We came home and celebrated with a very small cake...we were all full from the banquet...and an assortment of birthday beer from his favorite brewery in Hood River -Pfrem. I must say, I think he is rocking his 40s. He is pretty darn awesome.

2017 Basketball Banquet

We had our annual basketball banquet. It was Frances's first time attending the banquet as a player. Amazingly she got bright red being acknowledge on the stage in front of everyone. Put on the free throw line with 2 seconds left...she is fine. Call her out in front of a crowd in regular clothes...or in a dress...she turns bright red. Both kids had wonderful team and wonderful coaches. We very, very lucky to have had the positive experiences we did this year.  Henry's coach required ties again and my dad was at the house and helped me prepare. It makes me emotional every time I watch him help Henry get ready. My kids are so lucky to have all four grandparents still in their lives and to have such amazing relationships with each.

March 6th....SNOW

March 6th...and it snowed...and we had to use chains to get the kids to school. NO. JOKE. Spring needs to come. 

Astoria Tournament

Henry had a tournament in Astoria. We hadn't been to the beach since New Years Eve and we needed a family get away...even if it was just for a night. It turned out to be quite an adventure with snow on the coast -- first I have ever seen. While they lost a few tough ones, it was a fun bonding event and I love any and every minute we can get in Manzanita and along the coast.

2017 Timbers Season Opener

One of my favorite nights is opening night for the Timbers. Mark and I love the energy and the feeling in the stadium. It is really a wonderful & unique experience.

Henry Basketball Season

Henry is also having a fun basketball season. He has Coach Vincente again, who we adored. He teaches and coaches on principles related to value, grit and teamwork. While they are a small team, he is helping them to be mighty. Henry thrives under Vincente...even when Vincente is quite focal with him about what he wants him to improve. The root of it is that he knows Vincente believes in him and has his back. It is a joy to watch. The whole team works their butt off and it has been fun to watch so fun. 

Awesome BB Season

This was Frances's first season playing club basketball. She made the team through our club. It was a fantastic experience. Her team had a bunch of gutsy girls who worked really hard. She had a great coach and it was overall an awesome experience.

Opal Hoop Reunion

Maggie saw two of her dear friends at basketball. So adorable...and old and new world merged.

MJ's Turn to Be a Baller

It is finally Maggie's turn to play basketball. One thing that I love about her is she is BEYOND excited to get to wear her hand me down shoes, shorts, and anything else that could be passed down. Her first game was at the school that I went to kindergarten and that I had my first basketball game...pretty crazy to walk back in as a parent. Her team is all girls. Her coach is doing a wonderful job of making it fun. Maggie is VERY earnest about defense and seems to be a Reuland....not shy to take a shot...at all :)