From one side to the other

of the country that is.

Blog posts have been slim because I've been cross-country visiting with the Mooregons in Portland, OR!

We didn't see them in March because we were just there in December.  But an opportunity (albeit a sad one) presented itself and I decided to go.
Sadly, Kathy's father passed away last month and they planned a "Celebration of Life" this past weekend.  I wanted to help in anyway I could so that Kathy and her family could spend their time with family and friends that came from near (Salem, OR) and far (Juneau, Alaska).

It hit me Thursday morning that Chris and Nate aren't little boys any more....no toys in the tub and no big bins of toys around the playroom.  There were bunk beds and a big desk in their room.  :o(

But when they weren't at camp, we did get to spend time together.  (I was thrilled when Nate asked if I would help him count and organize their chapter books!  I don't think anyone saw me do a little happy-dance.  I just love to organize!)  :o)

Chris and Nate heading off to camp for the day.

Local park where the boys had camp.

While the boys were at camp, Kathy had several errands to run so it was "Take your Sister to Work Day" with Daniel.  We stopped by the office and I met many of the people he works with and we got to check on a few of his projects.  Amazing how many balls he juggles (for each project) and if something happens to one of the pieces, it can really throw a kink into the plan.  (And oh yes, even got to experience a flat tire!)

Picking up the boys early from camp. 

Chris and Nate have quite the vegetable garden, in several spots in their yard.  Tomatoes, beans, potatoes, zucchini (with HUGE blossoms), peppers, strawberries and lettuce.

Chris is quite skilled with a magnifying glass and piece of wood!  He's been able to catch the sun just right and burn some spots on scraps of wood.

 Nate likes to do it too, but the sun just wasn't as cooperative for him that day. 

Now that the boys are older, it's fun to take them to the movies.  This trip we went to see Mr. Popper's Penguins at McMenamin's Kennedy School.  (Kathy read the book to her class last year so she was anxious to see a current adaptation.)  It was fun and we all enjoyed pizza and popcorn while watching the movie.



Nate and Chris have lots of energy and they enjoy several sports, a few of which they can play in the front yard with Dad.

One evening it was football with Chris and me on one team and Dan and Nate on the other. 



In the huddle.

 Chris going out for a pass.  (Yes, I throw like a girl.)

 This time, it was a hand-off.

 Chris is on the run and Nate's trying to get the ball.

Below are pictures from the garden at the boys' school.  The PTA planted it and fruits and vegetables are available for school families as well as used in lunches.

 Chris describing the watermelon or pumpkin growing there.

So proud of their participation and helping with the garden.

Two full days followed with trips to and from Salem where a "Celebration of Life" for Kathy's father, Stu, was taking place.  It was great to see the members Kathy's family I hadn't seen in a while, and to meet people I had heard so much about.

It was a great trip and the weather was absolutely perfect!