Happy Rock

Maddy and her rock of many colors

Yesterday on our way home from Maddy's school, Maddy was looking at the rock she had painted.

Then she said: "Mommy, we should put colored rocks all around in different places."

I asked: "Why?"

She replied: "So maybe if someone is having a sad day, they will find one of the colored rocks and it will make them happier."

Portland Pickles Baseball!

Photo Op with Dillon the Pickle!!!

We had the opportunity to see a Portland Pickles baseball game this summer!  It was fun to see a team playing with wood bats on a lovely evening.  We joined the Gregoriches and Sweanys for the event.  Luella, Althea and Maddy spent most of the game running around, with one or more adults chasing or keeping an eye on them.  We were way in the outfield and there was plenty of room for the kids to play.  We each got a hat, I got 2 Portland Pickles shirts (my favorite says "Just dill with it" and Maddy's favorite snack = a giant pickle on a stick!

Luella, Althea and Maddy

Maddy's got her giant pickle!

Andy and Stacey Rae's Wedding

Stacey and Andy were married Saturday, July 30, 2016 at Alpental Lodge, Washington.  A good sized crew of us headed to Washington for the celebration and we all stayed together at a beautiful house not far from the venue.  Andy and Stacey arranged bus transportation for all of us to and from their wedding ceremony/reception which was a welcome arrangement.  The ceremony was beautiful as was the weather, and of course the bride!  Happiness was all around.  And then came the dinner - fabulous - and the dancing...which was phenomenal.  The DJ knew all the right songs, one after another, and I've never seen such non-stop dancing at a wedding.  Well done, friends.  Well done.

Congratulations Stacey and Andy.  Wishing you a lifetime of joy together!

Our Celebration Crew: Before

Our Celebration Crew: After

Bob and Nancy's Garden Party

Bob and Nancy's annual Garden Party was a hit once again.  Steve and Maddy set off on a scavenger hunt to find different plants/fruit/vegetables on a list Bob and Nancy put together, then I helped Maddy paint a bee house to put up at our home (for Mason bees - they help pollinate but don't sting!).  There was good food, good drinks for adults and kids and even yard games. Bob liked to make Maddy smile by calling her "Sunshine", his nickname for her.  Everyone that came had a wonderful time - it was a beautiful afternoon to spend outdoors and we enjoyed every moment.

Maddy and Bob digging for potatoes

Steve, Maddy and Bob

Bob and Nancy's Garden

Painting Bee Houses with Ariel and Nate

Hanging out with Daddy