Daddy/Maddy Camping Trip with the Sweanys

Lu gives a helping hand

Over Labor Day weekend Maddy and Steve went camping for a night with Andy, Christy and Luella Sweany at LePage Park.  I stayed home to get some things done around the house and have a little "me" time.   Maddy had fun hanging out with Lu, and Christy had Cinderella on the iPad for the girls to enjoy during down time.  Everyone had a fun time!

Relaxing in the Tent with Cinderella

 

Little Swimmer

I had a proud mom moment (several actually) on Sunday October 18, 2015 when Maddy began swim lessons again. Her class is a repeat of "pre-penguin" which she did not pass mainly because she would not put her face in the water. We told Maddy she would need to master this to pass to the next level. All summer when swimming with me and Steve she resisted practicing this skill, but once class started her reservations seemed to disappear. She was a true champ, listening to teacher Nate and performing the tasks very well! After class teacher Nate told me she's doing really well.

When leaving class I asked Maddy what had changed- how was is that she put her face in the water so well now? She responded: I just made a decision. I decided to put my face in the water and to listen to my teacher.

Well done.

August Update

Portland Thorns

Our family had a busy August filled with fun events.  Maddy, Steve and I met up with our friends Katy and John for a Portland Thorns soccer game (women's soccer) which Maddy was very excited about for weeks ahead of time.  She enjoyed the game and lasted through the whole match
(this was Maddy's first sporting event)!  She also got her first Portland Thorns t-shirt.  Lucky girl.

We also went to Sunset at the Zoo a couple of times to enjoy the Portland summer weather, do a little dancing, and get a free bandage for Maddy's little monkey-friend Grapes.  The very family oriented Sunset at the Zoo concert series was sponsored by a veterinary and they  encouraged kids to bring their stuffed animals for "check-ups", even sewing up ripped lovies for the kids.  One of our favorite local bluegrass bands, Student Loan, played one of the nights which was fun for all of us. Maddy danced up a storm!

Our 7th anniversary happened to be on a Saturday this year, and I decided to plan a surprise night away for me and Steve.  Our friends Christy, Andy and their kiddo Luella hosted Maddy for the night, and Steve and I snuck away to Astoria, the site of our engagement.  We enjoyed a flight of beer and some decadent appetizers at Buoy Brewery, walked along the Astoria River Walk, had nice dinner out and enjoyed our stay at the Cannery Pier Hotel. Since I mentioned it was our anniversary, the staff had champagne and chocolate waiting in our room which was a nice touch. Every room has a balcony overlooking the Columbia River, and the sights and sounds of the river were breathtaking.  It was a wonderful anniversary!

Dancing to Student Loan at Sunset at the Zoo

Grapes Gets a Bandage at Sunset at the Zoo

Our 7th Anniversary

Cannery Pier Hotel

Celebrating at Buoy Brewery in Astoria, OR

Grandmom and Granddad's Rock Sculpture at their home