Happy Anniversary to my wonderful Wife!

12 years ago today, I uttered the smartest words of my life - "I do." I'm so deliriously lucky to spend each day with the love of my life. Susan, thanks for a truly delightful dozen! Happy Anniversary, Baby!

 

Hello, Fall

His version of a bear skin rug.

Let the rains begin!

Gently Down the Stream

Summer's not over yet, so last weekend we headed out on our first family canoe trip. 

We tackled the mighty Tualatin River, just about 10 miles from Portland. At Cook Park, we rented a canoe from Tualatin Riverkeepers, a non-profit organization that works to protect and restore the river. The person who was working that day couldn't have been nicer, and I loved that he asked Anthony, without any hesitation,  if he wanted a paddle. I have to admit, I didn't consider giving him one until then. A reminder to never underestimate our little guy.

We were so proud of our little oarsman. He got right in there and helped us paddle upstream. This kid definitely has an adventurous streak.

"What? You didn't think I could handle a canoe?"

Signing "boat". The sign for canoe is just what you'd think it is- you make like you're rowing a canoe.

The whistle was tricky, but he kept at it.

It wasn't all hard work. There was time to put our paddles down and let Daddy do all the rowing.

Nice, right?

A blue heron. We saw several along the way.

Phew! Back on dry land.

There's still time to make your own river adventure, but hurry. Rental hours are 9am until 7pm, Saturdays and Sundays after Labor Day until the end of September. Boat rentals from Tualatin Riverkeepers at Cook Park in Tigard on a drop-in basis, no reservations required. Rental rates are $20 for solo kayaks, $30/canoe or tandem kayak for up to 4 hours and $10 for additional hours. 

It's Buddy Walk Time: Join Team Anthony!

It's that time again! 

Please join Team Anthony

for the Northwest Down Syndrome Association Buddy Walk and Festival

Sat, Sept 28th, 2013

10:00 am-1:00 pm

Rose Quarter Commons, next to the Rose Garden Arena

Some of last year's little buddies. 

It's always a fun day and funds raised from the event support NWDSA's programs and mission of creating a loving and inclusive society for all people with Down syndrome. $12 registration fee includes a t-shirt, food and fun!

Click here to register for Team Anthony. For more information on NWDSA, click here.

This year, we're also supporting a second Buddy Walk team! The members of our local parent literacy group, Literacy Launch Pad, are joining forces to raise funds for NWDSA. If we raise $3500 we'll win an iPad, which we'll donate to a little reader who could use one. 

Click here to join Team "Book Buddies & Pen Pals" and show your support for our little readers!

We'll see you at the Buddy Walk!

Summer Vacation: The Movie

Our friends Auntie Denise and her son Joey came all the way from Vermont to see us, so we knew we had to show them a good time. We spent a week hitting all the Portland-area hot spots, including...

 Manzanita!

Mount Hood!

Mississippi Avenue!

And More... (stay tuned)

You'll think Joey's as amazing as we do when you see how he somehow distilled down a week's worth of footage into this awesome 6-minute Portlandia travelogue.

Someone get that kid an agent!

Happy 4th!

A Rainy Sunday Parkways

It was a little rainy, but today Portland Sunday Parkways came to our neighborhood, so we braved the elements, strapped the little guy into his seat, and set off on a family bike ride. Paul promptly ate a bug but gamely soldiered on.

Sunday Parkways is fun- the city closes off major streets so you can ride your bike traffic free. The route goes by different parks where there's music, Zumba classes (we didn't partake) and food stands (we did partake). Great people watching.

Anthony fell asleep within minutes of us setting out, which he always seems to do on the bike lately. He spent the first part of the ride nodding off or being cranky.

Refusing to have a good time.

A stop for ice cream made it all worthwhile, though.

Next Sunday Parkways is July 28th in North Portland.