Fun with Friends

We had a very fun weekend with a great visit from the Adjiblys. We went to the Beaverton City Park where we walked around the farmers market, played in the fountain, and had a picnic. We came home for a yummy barbecue, and the kids had fun shucking the corn in the back yard. On Sunday we met our friends who were staying in Cannon Beach. The kids buried each other in the sand and spent lots of time digging holes. McKenzie ended up staying in Cannon Beach overnight with her 2 friends. On Monday morning Katie, Peter, and I did our 13-mile walk for our training for the Helvetia 1/2 marathon.

Today we bought some new chairs to go on our deck. I actually put everything together myself while Peter was at work. We had fun eating dinner out there tonight after McKenzie's softball game. We also added some steps up to our bench - a perfect spot for a father-daughter talk this evening :)

Happy 13th Birthday, Conner!

It's official....we now have a teenager living in our house! Conner celebrated his 13th birthday by opening up his first guitar. He wasn't too sure about the gift until he plugged it in, watched a DVD about how to play, and learned his first 2 chords within a few minutes. He is a natural and loves his new present. We are really looking forward to him learning new songs. Who knows, we might have our own little band soon...Kelsey wants to play piano, McKenzie wants to sing, and Peter can play the guitar with Conner. Peter and I both took today off from work and did hours and hours of yard work. We now have a new side yard with 2 garden boxes and a path. It looks great, but we're moving slowly tonight... We need to rest up for Conner's laser tag and sleepover party tomorrow night :)

Cooking Class

Kelsey and her cousin Sara took a cooking class at the Merry Kitchen in NE Portland. This class was a Christmas present given to Kelsey by her grandparents. The woman who owns this business teaches cooking classes out of her home. Kelsey had a wonderful time making a delicious brunch. She learned how to make Asparagus and Ham Frittata, French Toast Casserole, and Cinnamon Rolls. After everything was finished, the kids and parents ate brunch outside at the picnic table, enjoying the delicious food and the beautiful sunshine. Kelsey is excited to take another class soon!

Outdoor School

McKenzie went to outdoor school the past two days. I'm hoping she learned something other than how to make peace signs and crazy faces with her friends. She did take a couple neat pictures of nature and 135 pictures of her friends.

My Mom

"When I count my blessings, I count you twice" -Irish Proverb

Mom, you are truly an incredible blessing in my life. You are the most thoughtful, kind, helpful, and generous person I have ever known. Your deep love overflows in the way you interact with people every day. Each person you talk to feels more loved after spending time with you. I can't begin to explain the amazing amount of love I feel every moment I get to be with you. You always have a kind word, a listening ear, a positive outlook, and a way of encouraging me as I make my way through this life. I thank you for the many years that you put up with my strong personality while at the same time helping me develop my strengths. I owe so much of who I am to your loving ways. I am so grateful for your health this past year. Who would have thought one year ago that you would be able to go on a 10-mile walk now? I am so proud to have you as my mom, and I thank God for giving me you.

Poetry Night

Kelsey had Poetry Night at her school this evening where each child read two poems that they had written. It was quite fancy with the lights dimmed, and a spotlight on the child speaking. Kelsey was excited to use a microphone as she read her poems to about 50 people. After poetry night she enjoyed playing on the playground with some of her friends! Here are a couple of poems that she wrote:

Happiness is like bright pink.

It sounds like a toddler laughing.

It smells like Mr. Porter's fresh, sweet cookies

It tastes like sprinkles!

It looks like playing alligator.

It feels like seeing my grandma.

Kelsey

Especially

Loves her family

Sometimes shy

Eats ice cream

Your friend

Kelsey

Joyful, awesome, active

Daughter of Peter and Tricia

Lover of soccer, basketball, softball

Who feels joyful, excited, shocked

Who needs food, family, water, love

Who gives love, happiness, joy

Who fears spiders, big brothers, Beavers

Who would love to see Sea World, New York, Hawaii

Resident of Beaverton, Oregon

Moore

My Family Tree

by Kelsey

The trunk of the tree is dad

Who is strong

And can walk fast

And loves my family

The bark of the tree is mom

Who is nice

and can cook

and loves puppies

The branch of the tree is Conner

Who is kind

and can bike

and loves tech decks

The blossom of the tree is my sister

Who is beautiful

and can do the splits

and loves dancing

The leaves of the tree is me

Who is nice

and can cook

and loves tech decks

My family tree is mysterious

A tree that no one can find!

Here are a few things that always make my heart happy: flowers, sunsets, and seeing the kids smile :)