Back to School Night

We had Back to School Night last night. The kids got to see their classrooms, talk to their teachers, and drop off their school supplies. Lisa is starting kindergarten, and Stanley is starting 3rd grade. Unfortunately, the teachers have voted to strike, so if there isn't a contract deal by Tuesday, Sept. 4 (the first day of school), summer break will continue.

Lisa's seat at her table in kindergarten!

Cute little playhouse area in her classroom

Lisa's kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Schram

Stanley's seat at his table in third grade!

Stanley's third grade teacher, Mrs. Buchanan

Other recent happenings...

Lisa starts soccer!
Lisa had her first soccer practice with her team, the Ladybugs! Lots of her pre-K friends are on the team, and her pre-K teacher is even the assistant coach!

Trip to the Dentist
The kids had a great check up at the dentist! No cavities and they got lots of toys!

Piano
The kids are progressing on their piano. Here are a few videos of Stanley and Lisa playing duets with their piano teacher.

Lisa:

Stanley:

Lauren's Trip to Half Moon Bay, CA

Ok, so this isn't about the kids, but I wanted to put some pictures from my Half Moon Bay trip here, too. The company I work for, Advantage Testing, flew me down to Half Moon Bay, CA (outside of San Francisco) to attend a yearly company meeting. The meeting was at my boss's house (which overlooks the ocean) and really it was just a fun dinner and time to get together! We have employees that work all over the country, so it's the one time we all get together and get to know each other. I flew down on Sunday and came back Monday, and really enjoyed the time spent walking on the beach and eating some yummy food! Thanks to Matt for holding down the fort while I was gone.

Fishing boats

Beautiful view with a pelican flying

Sea birds

Seal

Seal Lion

Bait vending machine

Fishing boat named "Lisa"

Only on the coast...

What a walk!

So happy! 

Video of a Sea Lion swimming around the dock:

Oaks Park Amusement Park

Stanley's best friend had his birthday party at Oaks Park Amusement Park in SE Portland. Lisa & I tagged along and also enjoyed the rides!

Happy riding a horse

The Scrambler

Buddies

Getting ready to ride the roller coaster

Girls car

2016

2018

Roller coaster video:

Swimming Lessons

Lisa & Stanley are continuing their swim lessons. Stanley is working on the breast stroke, diving, and front crawl. Lisa is working on elementary back stroke and side breathing. It's so fun to watch them continue to improve!

My cute little swimmer

Lisa swimming freestyle stroke:

Lisa jumping off the diving board and swimming to the edge of the pool:

Stanley swimming front crawl:

Veggie Derby

We went to the Camas Farmers' Market for the Veggie Derby. The kids made cars out of fruits and vegetables, and raced them down a ramp. They each got $2 tokens to spend at the market, too. Lisa bought apples, and Stanley bought plums and a peach.

Making their cars

Thinking through his design

Lisa's finished car

Stan's finished car

The derby kids

Stanley racing his car:

Friend's Wedding Party

We went to a dear friend's party to celebrate her recent marriage. It was at Smith's Berry Barn, a beautiful berry farm outside of Portland. We had so much fun picking berries, dancing, and watching the goats & chickens.

Lisa found a piece of bread shaped like a heart for love.

Stanley had fun exploring the farm.

This is pretty dressed-up for us.

Lisa & Stanley made a new friend.

Picking berries

Good friends

Camas Days Parade

Camas Days is a fun festival in downtown Camas, complete with a parade!

Santa was at the parade!

Watching horses!

In a town with a paper mill, you don't only catch candy at a parade, you also get toilet paper!:

Camas High School Papermakers Band:

Indiana Trip Part 2

The second part of our trip we spent in Fort Wayne with the Wootens. Stanley and Lisa visited with their Uncle Mike, Aunt Stephenie, Uncle John, Grandma & Grandpa Wooty, cousin Elizabeth & her baby Madeline, and cousin Kris. We also saw our college friends Margey & Noelle, and their kids. We went to the Fort Wayne zoo and the Allen County Fair!

Family trip to the zoo

Boat ride at the zoo

Petting zoo

Feeding a giraffe

Old friends and future Boilermakers

Riding a horse at the zoo

Lisa's first time on a horse!

She was having so much fun!

Great day at the zoo!

Lisa petting a mini-horse at the fair

Indiana cows

Fun at the fair!

Spending time with Uncle Mike at the fair

Meeting a llama

Playing in the pool with first cousin once removed, Madeline

Grandma & Grandpa Wooty

Uncle John

Having fun with Grandma Wooty

Flying home

Good bye, Indiana