Sam's Birthday

Again, back in May (I'm still back-blogging), Sam had his birthday, and he turned 9 years old.  This year we took his whole class bowling after school.  The kids got to bowl, then they enjoyed pizza and cake.  After that they got to play in the arcade a bit.  I think he had a lot of fun, and he enjoyed sharing it with his friends.

Bloomsday 2017

The first Sunday in May is set aside for running, if you like that sort of thing.  It's when the annual run, Bloomsday, is run every year in Spokane, WA.  My family has been doing it for years, and while I haven't done it as many times as they have, I still have done it about 20 times.  And I was a part of it again this year.  It's a hilly 12K course.  Really quite a good work out.

My sister Laura was also present, visiting from California.  And I flew over on Saturday, ran Sunday, and flew back home again.  It was rainy and cool in the morning, but at the start of the race, the sun broke through, and it stopped raining.  It was a fun run, and I'm sure I'll do it again!

Lego Exhibit at OMSI

When my sister and her family were here back in April, we went to OMSI.  At the time we went, they were having a traveling Lego Exhibit.  We really enjoyed walking through and seeing what this artist is able to do with bricks.  I was really impressed.  At the end of the exhibit, they had a room for the kids to play in with legos.  I was glad we went.

Visit from the Roberts

At the end of last April, my sister Cheryl along with her husband Kent and 2 kids, Justin and Emma, drove over from Coeur d'Alene, ID for a visit.  They arrived late Friday night.  On Saturday, we enjoyed the day by going to the zoo.  We had fun seeing many of the animals.  That night we went out to dinner in downtown Portland.  On Sunday, we went to OMSI.  They had a great Lego Exhibit, which I will talk about in my next blog.  We had a late lunch/early dinner at some nearby food carts.  Monday morning they left.  We had a nice visit, and I'm so happy they were able to come see us.

Sam, Waiting for MAX

My sister and I

Simon, Emma and Sam on the MAX

Sam, Daniel, Simon and Emma at the Lego Exhibit

Emma, Sam and Simon building legos

All of us eating at the food carts

Walk/Jog-A-Thon

Back at the end of April, the boys were involved with a fundraiser to raise money for their school.  The school held a Walk-a-thon.  The boys collected money from sponsors who either sponsored them a flat rate, or an amount per lap.  Then they ran laps for one hour.  The boys did great.  Simon and Sam bettered their laps this year.  Daniel did about the same as last year.  I also ran and bettered my laps by 1!  It's a fun event.

Simon

Sam

Daniel

Easter

For Easter this year, my parents were visiting from Idaho.  On the Saturday before, the boys colored eggs.  Then on Sunday, our friends Hannah, Ryan, Genevieve and Everett came over for a brunch and an Easter egg hunt.  It was a fun way to spend the day!

Daniel

Simon

Sam

All of the Kids

Daniel and Sam Recital

Back in April, Daniel and Sam had a piano recital.  They did a nice job.  Not only did they learn a piece to play for the recital, but they also played a piece that they had written themselves.  It was nice.  Also, around that same time, Daniel went to a Band Festival.  Usually only 7th and 8th graders are allowed to attend, but because his band teacher said he was doing so well, he was allowed to attend.  We are very proud of him.

Daniel at the Band Festival

Daniel 

Sam

Simon Attended

Whistler Ski Trip Part 3

In between our ski days, we took one day off to relax and do some different things.  The boys played games in the condo.  I went and walked through the village and did a little shopping.  Then in the afternoon, we decided to go ice skating.  The boys really hadn't done this before, so this was a new experience for them to try.  Daniel and Sam got the hang of it, but Simon struggled a bit.  I guess we need more practice!  Our trip to Whistler was fun, and I hope we can go again!

Daniel Ice Skating

Sam Ice Skating

Simon Ice Skating

The Boys With The Olympic Rings