Mather Blather: March 2023

It's the last day of Spring Break. From years past, it sure seems like school moves into a higher gear for the final stretch. Graduation, end of year parties, field trips, plays, spring sports, and figuring out what our summer camp and vacation plans are - there is plenty to keep us occupied. We managed to get away for a long weekend up to Alderbrook at the start of Spring Break. Paul was the only one not to try Oysters yet; he very much dislikes them while everyone else does. The rest of the week was letting the kids be pretty lazy at home while we worked. Small new wins were finding new shoes for Elise, Paul baking cookies on his own for the first time, trying out a new dinner recipe, putting up Easter decorations, and playing Password (like the game show).

Sad to say Uncle Bill passed away this past week, shortly after his 80th Birthday. He had been dealing with ALS for ~2 years now. The timing of his passing was very much a surprise. We thought we'd be able to see him this summer. Uncle Bill was Nate's mom's brother. He never forgot to send all of us handwritten birthday and anniversary cards every single year. I picture him with a glass of red wine either in the Florida Keys, Paris, or Klinger Lake with his warm smile and kind eyes. You are missed.

Uncle Bill and Ray visited us in Portland before kids. A great dinner out. This was shortly before they went on an Alaskan cruise.

Here are some moments from the last several weeks:

Paul's baseball season has begun. Finalists at Tournament #1. They've already played 2 tournaments and have 3 tournaments in April. All these 11 year olds still look so little to me.

Flew to Spokane with Lily for her volleyball tournament. Enjoyed visiting downtown Spokane before heading back to the airport. She has 3 more tournaments in April and then the season starts to wind down in May. Lily is enjoying being a front row hitter.

Surprise Portland winter storm. 10 inches in one night. This is a quick walk in the neighborhood near our house. Rare to see this much snow downtown.

Paul finished up his rec basketball season. Before every game, the players and people watching had to recite a pledge to essentially not be a-holes. Paul had a great time with his crew doing basketball for the first time in any kind of organized way.

Elise got to go tubing at Mt. Hood with her Girl Scout Troop. Fun day!

Gma and Gpa visited in March. Good to have them back in Portland for a little bit and even got to see Paul play baseball. Lily's tournament was just too far away being down in Eugene.

Hosted Oma and Opa for dinner before they left for Chicago and Florida to be with Eric and Lolo. Also celebrated 60 years since Oma came to the US for the first time by boat at Ellis island.

Ages 13 and 11.

I just like this random photo of our kids hanging at a neighbor's house because there is nothing about this picture that tells me distinctly what decade it is.