Squirrel problem = Squirrel solution

Last year we re-seeded out back lawn.  About halfway through the process we had our local squirrel community decide that our yard would be an ideal place to bury their acorns (and who knows what else).  We watched in dismay but thought we'd had the last laugh knowing that grass would soon cover the area and the squirrels treasures would be lost to them.  Well, it turns out that squirrels have some intense internal radar locating system because they have been digging the heck out of our yard (the lawn is no deterrent) to get to what they'd buried.  

Rich finally decided he'd had enough and he set up a squirrel trap made of large PVC piping smeared with peanut butter (to lure them) and greased (to prevent exit after they'd entered).  After they are caught he takes the 10 minute drive across the river and releases them to a new home.  It has been pretty successful, with only a couple of unsuccessful relocations d/t forgetting to check the trip (turns out they die REALLY fast without food and water - oops & yuck!!!)

{T} Dragonfly Dash

Interesting fact about T...he is my only child to attend the same school all through elementary school.  T started at Boones Ferry Primary as a kindergarten student in 2014 and this year he is finishing there as a 5th grader.  

Part of being a BFPS Dragonfly is participating in the Fun Run each fall (re-branded "Dragonfly Dash" this year) and so this is T's 6th year participating.  (and, if we are being honest, his 6th year crushing it)

{K} Dinner Date

So glad that we have family not too far from K and that they drop in from time to time to take K to dinner and check in on her.

Best photo in my inbox all day!!!

mom's (gruesome) knee

A little fluid on the knee became a lot of fluid on the knee over the last 8 weeks.

Good news was that it really didn't hurt.

Bad news is that every remedy we tried didn't work.

Finally went in last week and had it drained....they pulled off about 30cc of bloody fluid...which is about twice what they expected.  There was one "sac" that we could see on ultrasound but were unable to access with the needle so the knee isn't completely better but it's much improved.

Good news is that it is no longer swollen.

Bad news is that now it hurts.

Getting old is not for the faint of heart!

{C} Hanging from the rim....

 This boy!!!  

He shoots at the gym for 2-3 hours 4-5 days a week and when he is home he is out shooting some more.  One thing he has really wanted to "get" is his slam dunk.

Looks to me that he's got it....

{C} HOCO 2019

HOCO 2019 for C included...

a limousine

ice cream @ Salt & Straw

Portland waterfront

s'mores 

10 girls and 10 guys but no "dates" 

(although C would like you to believe that he had two dates)

{OR} Hiking God's Thumb

I can't think of a better way to spend a Saturday than with incredible friends, hiking the beauty of the Oregon Coast.  That is just how I spent today and I'm beyond grateful for my many blessings.  

(bonus that the weather was beyond AMAZING!!!)

Our hiking spot was just outside of Lincoln City at a spot called "God's Thumb".  

None of us had hiked it before so it was fun to explore it together.  As we began the return hike back to our car we passed a group of women that were just off the trail eating their snacks and they looked to be about 70 years old.  We passed them and we all stopped and looked at each other and said "that is going to be us in 30 years!".  We have committed to making a September-back-to-school-mamas-only hike every year until we are as old as those cute ladies.  

Can't wait to get old with these dear friends who have truly become my family here in Oregon.

{T} Henry the Elephant

The way to T's heart is definitely soft and furry and plush.

Rich returned from a trip to the midwest with a pretty cute elephant that was quickly adopted by T who named him "Henry" and has taken great care to include him in all the happenings around the house.

Welcome to the family Henry

{J} Where I'm From

J had an introduction project for his ___ class that included a photo, 3 values, a quote and a poem about where he was from.  I saw the finished product at his back to school night and had to add it to our family blog.

3 Things J Values...

Hard Work

Family

Respect

Quote...

"The joy we feel in our life has little to do with the circumstances of our lives, and everything to do with the focus  of our lives"
~ Russell M. Nelson

"Where I'm From" poem...

I am from keep Portland weird signs, from Voodoo Donuts and Powell Books.

I am from the loving brown house on SW Orchard Dr, from pictures of family on the wall, from bickering and yet undeniable love toward each other.

I am from the dew covered evergreen trees in the morning, the cool green grass and April  showers that only bring more showers.

I am from trying to blow out all the birthday candles and yet knowing my wish will never come true, from Andrew who's like a twin to me and Parker a friend that's always stayed by my side and Kaitlyn my only sister.

I am from the "I didn't do it, he did" and knowing it was me all along.

From "buckle your buckleseat" and "have a terrifical day".

I'm from Las Vegas, Scotland and homemade mint brownies and buffets in Nevada.

From the gaga ball pits, the jumping and hopping or just squatting down to avoid the ball.

I am from bacon sizzling every Saturday morning, music playing from the fridge and losing our hats riding water slides in Disneyland.

I am from peeking at presents in December and wishing for just maybe an inch of snow.

I am from hard work

{K} convo with elementary schooler

Text from K today...

Me: *wearing flip flops*

Elementary schooler: "I love your socks!!"

Me: *takes out headphones* "what??"

Her: "your socks are cool!!"

Me: "uhhh, I'm not wearing socks??"

Her: "Oh. Cute legs"

{J} One Man Band

J has joined the middle school band and came home with this hefty instrument on the first day of instrument instruction.  

I may have commented on the size of it and the logistics of walking to and from school each day with such a large addition to his backpack.

I'm sure my comments had no bearing but J did come home the next day with a significantly smaller instrument :)

{OR} Pacific City

Our summer trip to Pacific City was on the calendar three different times in the month of August, only to get bumped each time.  With Labor Day being considered the end of summer, it was our last chance to get in our summer visit to the Oregon Coast.  

We made the trip out to Pacific City happen and we were rewarded with an AMAZING day at the beach....it was un-Oregon-like warm.  

(we weren't the only ones enjoying the day at the beach...definitely more crowds than we like but we didn't let it get us down)

We enjoyed the sand dunes, 2-on-2 football, catching waves and the time together.

Overall a great day and a great end to our summer!