Kicking Around on a Summer Day

We had fun taking photo by some abandoned Railroad cars in Sellwood. It isn't often we have days without much going on, so we enjoyed ourselves.

Hike To Ramona Falls

We decided to hike to Ramona falls off Lolo Pass Road on Mt Hood late in the day. The falls are beautiful and cascade over basalt rock formations in a cove, but there wasn't enough light to get a photo of the falls. You'll have to take the hike yourself to see it. Its about 3.5 miles each way and worth the trip. The trail goes along the Sandy river and then crosses on a small bridge to the other side and winds through the forest. Our late start was rewarded with an amazing sunset for walk back. We only had to use a flashlight the last 10 or 15 minutes of our hike.

Getting Ready for A Camping Trip

Adrian, Alex, Linda and Brenda getting ready for Adrian and Auntie's annual camp-out. We had to test the air matresses. It was a little wobbly on top, but definitely the place to be.

Wild Flowers.. Not So Wild Animal

McKinley in a patch of wildflowers in Manzanita. Couldn't decide which photo I liked best. I missed the shot where he actually stiffed the flowers. At home sometimes he eats them or licks the water off. When he was a puppy he used to dive off the deck into the plants.

Summer Outing

We started at Mission State Park near Salem to take a walk and look for that spot where the trees make an archway. We found it, along with the beautiful black horse that was used for part of a civil war re-enactment. Then we made our way to Silver Falls State park, only to discover they do not allow dogs to hike down in the canyon, even on a leash. But it was a nice drive anyway.

Brenda's First Triathalon Sprint

Saturday August 1st, I finished my first Triathalon Sprint (1/2 mile swim, 12.5 mile bike, 3.1 mile run) at Blue Lake. I was scared to death of the swimming but that turned out to be my favorite part. It was an all women event and every one was very supportive. I did the event with my friend Shelley Normine and her friend Janet (both first timers too). They put our race number and age in marking pen on the back of our legs.. I figured it was so they could identify the bodies when we expired. But we survived and my final time was 1 hr 51 min. I never understood the reason for events like this before, but it helped motivate me to get in shape and I feel better than ever. Without it, I would not have discovered how much I like to swim. I think it may become an annual event and I might even consider doing a full triathalon now.

July Beach Trip 09

Dave, Adrian, Alex and I did a beach trip this summer. Alex and Adrian's friends Sara and Phillip joined us. These pictures are from two places, the surf scenes are at Short Sands near Manzanita and the other beach with all the driftwood is near the Jetty at Rockaway. We go there to collect mussels for dinner and build cool forts.

Batter Up at the Fun Center

Adrian and I met Linda and Shauna with her parents and nieces at the fun center in Wilsonville, sometime this summer. We played mini golf, lazer tag, bumper boats, go carts and of course the batting cages.

Alex's 8th Grade Promotion and Art Capstone

Alex and Sara with the Connie the founder of the school at 8th grade promotion. The mural was done in her core classroom with her friend Simogne as part of their art capstone project. It was done with a mix of paint and college from magazines and wraping paper.