Our Summer So Far

It's been a busy summer so far and unfortunately it hasn't left much Sunday evening time for blogging. I'll try to do a bit of a catch up this week.  Some of the pictures were on my phone and due to technical difficulties, I'm having trouble getting them downloaded.  If they ever make it, I'll add them to a later blog.

A couple of weeks ago, Mason and Luis went Junior's family to the Timbers game!  Mason and cousins were all dressed in proper Timbers swag, complete with Mason's new Timbers jersey.

Goooaaalllll!  And the crowd goes wild!!

The Timbers got the shut out win.  They've been having a good season this year and even I've gotten into it.

While the boys were out watching soccer, Siena and I had a girls afternoon.  We rented the Katy Perry movie, bought some candy and settled in.  I think we all had fun.

After several years of declining health, my wonderful Grandpa Art passed away on July 3.  While not unexpected, it was still sad for us all.  His passing brought back wonderful memories of time spent with him. He was a man of incredible character and work ethic.  He loved his family very much.  He will be missed.

 

The Torland family 4th of July picnic was the day after Grandpa passed.  We went, along with my parents, and saw a lot of the extended Torland family relatives.  I had considered not going given Grandpa's passing, but realized that it would have made him happy if we went.  After the picnic, we went up to my parents and lit off some fireworks with the kids.  It was nice to spend time together as a family and do something fun.

The next day we had originally planned to go down to the coast for the long weekend but it was the day of the memorial service.  My dad and his sisters planned a wonderful service.  They did all of the speaking (no pastor or officiant) which I thought was nice.  My dad made a great video, which didn't go easily.

After the service, the family went over to Joanne's so the kids could swim and we could all visit and relax.  Cousin Travis was wonderful playing with all the kids in the pool.  And the kids absolutely LOVED it!

The 4 of us went straight from Joanne's to the beach that night, arriving somewhat late.  And I forgot the camera in a haste to get to the service and pack for the beach.  Hence the reliance on the phone which was a fail.  Anyway, we just did our usual at the beach - breakfast at Spouting Horn, trip down to Newport, etc. The weather was great and the kids and I spent time playing on the beach and wading in the water.

Last night Ellia came for a sleepover with Mason and Siena.  I took the three kids down to our little neighborhood island park to explore in the afternoon.

Siena on a rock.

The three kids crossing the land bridge.  In the winter, this bridge is underwater.

Did I mention this weekend was beautiful too?  Especially in late afternoon on the river.

The kids did some river wading and jumping boat waves.

Trapped in quicksand!!  Or, more accurately, mud.

Ready...go!

Mason after a rock climb.

I finally nabbed a picture of our neighborhood bald eagle nest.  It's near the park.  One of the eagles babies is standing in the nest.  The adult eagle is huge.  It's definitely cool having a bald eagle in the 'hood.

I'm not sure what the rest of the summer will hold but it's certainly been fast paced so far.