Oregon Trip Part 1-Multnomah Falls

My favorite part about Oregon: Ferns grow like weeds. We enjoyed them on our hike up Multnomah falls. There were so many trees for climbing and sticks for swords that Ben just couldn't contain his excitement.
View from the top of the falls.

Perfect cousin hide-out.

Grace was very happy to have a "date" with daddy.

Looking up at the grandeur of the falls. Grandpa Steve was gracious enough to carry Tessa much of the way up. (Grandpa is Tessa's buddy.)

Allie's Project

I finally decided to do something about the ideas I've been holding onto for a couple years now. I am rather pleased with the final product, but I must admit not all the ideas were originally mine. I antiqued the frames and actually got out the sewing kit (note: that was not the sewing machine). If James hadn't taken the fast computer on his business trip, I'd include more photos to see if you can guess which silhouette belongs to which kid.

Cub Scout Day Camp

I've done myself a disservice. I organized the perfect day camp. I'm sure my fate in scouting is doomed. Now, they'll never release me. We did it for half the price and twice the fun we would have had if we had attended the district-sponsored program. No one missed work, or had to attend a single training. It was sheer genius...

When the boys arrived, they made t-shirts by popping Rit Dye-filled water balloons with darts.

Heating charcoal for s'mores.

Painting clay Indian figurines

Water Balloon Volleyball

Soda-bottle Rockets and Launchers

Laser Tag in the dark hallways

Wind Chimes

Water relays

Two-legged race

Popsicle breakThis kid was my favorite: "This is the best day of my life. It's better than I ever dreamed!"

Ultimate Frisbee and Sharks and Minnows in the cool, air-conditioned building.

Tessa's Baking Birthday Party

Tessa's party invitations welcomed attendees to her culinary school. When they arrived, the kids puffy-painted aprons then made pizza and decorated sugar cookies. The afternoon included hot potato and egg and spoon races. It was lots of fun. Thank you, Aunt Molly, for your help.

Back to Boston

Eight years ago James and I left Boston. Having lived in one dumpy apartment with a new baby, I never got the opportunity to visit some of the prettier parts of this historic city. Thanks to Grandma Jane, I was able to return to Boston to help my sister welcome two new boys into their family. I have since discovered some of the beauties that keep Staci on the East coast. View from Staci's hospital window.
Out with Liz (the summer nanny) on the Freedom Trail






Jelly fish infested the Boston harbor where the USS Constitution is docked.


Ready for surgery in case Andrew didn't make it to the hospital in time. (Yes, I still wear my retainer at night.)



There's still no parking in Brighton.

Good old 199 Strathmore Rd. I wonder what they're charing for rent these days.