Friday, August 12, 2016

The beginning of tee ball and spring

It was hard to believe that winter passed in a blur and spring was already upon us.  Even though Trey did not enjoy soccer, I got convinced to have him give tee ball a shot.  Our neighbor friends were all on the team, and they said it would be better than soccer.  They were right!  While Trey was never a huge fan of the sport, he participated without tears and improved over the course of the season.  We had a fun connecting with our friends at practices and games, and I am glad that we gave it a chance.

Grady started with the team but then decided he was more interested in superheroes.

But he sure looked cute while he was out there! 


Hanging out with Case at practice

At the first practice game, Trey decided the glove fit better on his head.

But he did hit the ball!

Trey has decided that Tuesday nights are game nights.  
Bailey likes to play too.  

Beautiful spring day!

Trey reading to the guide dogs at the public library

More tee ball pics...I will say that tee ball was a better sport for Trey than soccer because it was not quite as active or competitive.  It also didn't seem to take quite as much skill, which was good for my little athlete...


The helmet was a little big for him...


Grandpa and Grady watching the game


Go Zombie Blazers!

More Tuesday night game night with Hedbanz...

Love my little game player!  
He might like board games more than sports, 
but I love that about him!

Easter 2016

The last day of spring break was Easter.  We continued our tradition of celebrating with the Kopplins and the Rugges.  This has been a great tradition each year, and it has been such fun to see the boys grow.

I made Randy stay up with fill eggs with me, 
which was kind of hilarious considering how the last blog post ended...

Finishing up the hard work with Bruin and Kathleen.

Searching for eggs in the Kopplins' front yard.   Hurry!!!


Garland, Maclyn, Trey, Kai, and Zander

The grown-ups...and I use that word loosely.


Maclyn, Trey, and Garland

We wrapped up Easter by going to the playground and I started my reading for my spring term.  

Spring Break 2016

Ohmygod, you guys, I know I say this all the time, but I need to stay updated on my blog.  I was just looking back at the pictures that should go into this post, and my memories are pretty vague.  Summer/Fall Resolution 2016: don't wait so long between blog posts.

I just saw this article on Facebook today (actually, I saw it weeks ago when I started this blog post and never finished it...).  Maybe this is why I can't remember back to March.
Neuroscientists say multitasking literally drains the energy reserves from your brain

For spring break this year, we stayed home and had fun around town.  It was a nice break from work and from grad school, and I really enjoyed lying low and spending some quality time with friends and family.

We started out spring break with some margaritas on the deck.  It was a sunny evening (at least it looks like it was from this picture), and who doesn't love some delicious cocktails with friends?

Curt, Kris, John, Randy, and Moi

Trey and Ana had their first sleepover, and it went off without a hitch.  They have so much fun together, and it has been great to watch their friendship grow.  I was impressed that they slept through the night, but I wish they would have slept in past 6am!


I have been continuing to assist at Hipcooks in North Portland for their cooking classes.  The class I helped with over spring break was an Indian cooking class, and it was cool to learn about some new foods.  When I assist in the classes, I get to watch how to make all the foods and taste everything, and all I need to do is wash dishes.  After three classes, I get to participate in a free class.  FUN!

The Menu

The class set up

I have been listening to a podcast that I really love called What Should I Read Next? It comes out on Tuesdays, and I look forward to it every week.  Many of the books I have been reading are mentioned on this podcast.  The format is that Anne Bogel, also known as Modern Mrs. Darcy, has her guests list three books they love, one book they hate, and what they are reading now.  Then she recommends three books that she thinks they would like.  I usually get at least one new title to put on my TBR list each week.  

My most recent library pick-up.  Three of the four come from the book podcast.  I have been enjoying Louise Penny's mystery series, even though I'm not a mystery reader, and at this point have read the first three in the series.  I liked When Breath Becomes Air okay, but not as much as I thought I would.  Wednesday Wars is a young adult book that one of the podcast guest said was her "favorite book ever."  I thought it was alright.  The one on the bottom was also a podcast rec, but I only read a few pages and returned it.

One day over spring break we went wine tasting with Kris and John.  One of the places we stopped had a helicopter out front to advertise for helicopter tours.  Trey thought it was pretty cool as he has never seen a helicopter up close before.



Snacks and coloring/writing utensils...perfect! 


We had fun writing a joint book throughout our wine tasting adventures.  I can't remember the story exactly, but I know we all thought it was hilarious.


We must have made brownies for something! 

He's a batter monster! 

I'm a really good babysitter! 

We have been having so much fun with our neighbor friends who we have met through soccer and kindergarten.  They all came over for dinner over spring break, and one could say the house was loud!  
Jaxon, Ryder, Zach, Owen and Trey


Checking out Randy's boa


One of our favorite holiday traditions is to make sugar cookies and frost them.  It's even more fun with the cousins!




Park visit!

Reading with Grandpa

Playing Memory with Grandpa

The spring brewfest was the last weekend of spring break, and it is one of our favorite events.  We went with Missy, Kourt, and Wyatt, and had a fabulous time! 


After the brewfest, we went to Missy and Kourt's house and hung out on their front porch for awhile.  Missy's sister came by, and it was an old-friend reunion as Randy grew up with these ladies in Texas and then Walla Walla.

We ended the night at Ted and Sara's house with Kris and John.  One could say it was a long wonderful day with friends!



Silas, Trey, and Fin

Cards Against Humanity after a long wonderful day with friends is, needless to say, hilarious! 

Such a fun night - good thing we don't have pictures of how we all felt the next morning!