Midsummer 2025

Summer with all teenagers for the first time is definitely a bit different from previous years.  They all want to make money, sleep in very late, and hang out with friends between impressively lazy days.  Sure, it can drive us nuts at times because we believe this is a great time to develop life skills but we are also teetering very close to the next phase of our oldest not only driving more and more but also leaving home and we just like hanging around at home (most of the time).  

The biggest excitement at the end of the school year was watching Lily compete at Hayward Field for Track and Field State Championships in high jump.  Paul and I had a blast taking in our first full track meet.

Celebrated with a few friends to mark the end of the school year.  Instead of sliders,  I made what are now coined "smashers" because I used way too much beef.  The beef was probably 2 inches high.

A recent routine has been giving Moxie her treat during breakfast and eats in a "civilized" manner.

I never thought I'd say this but a weekend in Yakima was one of the best trips ever.  Paul had a tennis tournament there so it was just the two of us having a blast in the Yak.  The tennis was disappointing.  The city is equally disappointing.  Yet, Paul and I stayed busy creating memories together.  He's such a fun travel buddy. 

Elise enjoyed a week away in Orlando with her Girl Scout troop.  They have been saving $$ for many years to plan a dream trip for the group from cookie sales.  They planned it all from location to accommodations to activities.  From swimming with manatees to holding a gator, we are so proud of Elise and the whole troop for what they experienced.

We made our 8th summer trip to Sunriver as a family.  We didn't go last year because of our big Japan trip.  It felt really good to be back.  Complaints were minimal so cheers to that.

Nate and Paul were able to squeeze in a couple 1/2 day mountain bike rides by Mt. Bachelor

The girls and I enjoy cruiser rides on paved flat roads taking in the views.

We usually hit the SHARC pool complex but they preferred the quiet pool at the cabin complex instead. Lots of Marco Polo.

Kayaking on Sparks Lake

We redid the Tumalo mountain trail after a 7 year hiatus.  Of course we had to recreate the photo.  

Watching Arrested Development and beach volleyball were probably the most frequent activities during our time there.

My "I hate hiking" Lily has changed.  She is now a regular hiker and already has plans to explore more this summer.  Go Lily.

                            
Nate's sister and family came to to the PNW.  Good to see the cousins together and having them out here for a visit.

Nate's cousin Georgia made a stop in Portland on her solo 3 month trek around the US in her car.

With our close long-time friends for a beautiful summer evening celebrating birthdays

Cheers to more summer memories and the work stress to disappear as quickly as my kids do whenever I ask them for help around the house.