This was the first picture on my camera.
This was the second.
These were followed by 867 photographs, all from the perspective of a six year old (with a handful sprinkled in from the height of a gangly ten year old.) I laughed.
I laughed a lot.
It was the much needed balm to teary eyes and a glum countenance. End of summer farewells are so hard; the gut-wrenching aftermath does not lessen by the year. As always, it was a summer filled to capacity. While the summer did not involve big travel plans, we covered a lot of ground - from the rolling Appalachia Mountains to the wooded pathways of Forest Park. After a hard year in China, it was pleasant to rest, relax, and be among friends and family. Therefore, once again, here is the highlight reel of another awesome summer.
Asian Nannies
With Joel and Lisa working full time this summer, we have the privilege to adventure and hang out with Kaden and Addysen for most of the summer. We stayed busy; they were continually great partners in crime and we had so much fun.
Banker Holiday
I was not on this trip and my husband is not one to expound on the details. All I know is that he went to a Cincinnati Reds and a Cincinnati FC game, both were extremely soggy, the Reds game went into the wee hours of the night, and he had a great time with his family.
Camping at Champoeg
By housemate proxy, we were drawn into this weekend trip. Our last escapades of camping were definitely pre-China, so it was nice to be reacquainted with tents, camp food (hello, Pop Tarts!), and campsite socializing. We definitely chuckled at Joel's goal that three weeks worth of food should be consumed in two nights.
Donut Taste Testing
It was an afternoon of confectionery delight. Mike came armed with the list, Zach mapped the best driving route, and we commenced the taste test after a scrumptious Mexican lunch. We nibbled our way through seven donuts, with the consensus that Angels on Alberta won the day.
A few weeks later, we had an impromptu chocolate taste test with the Baggs family. Another entertaining event with each of us choosing a chocolate from a stack, explaining why we chose our respective flavors, followed by a discussion of like/dislike after our tastings. I do not remember what won the evening, but I definitely remember the laughter.
Emerys and a Cheap Substitute
It was my annual pilgrimage to my favorite milkshake shop. The bonus was that I was able to introduce my dad to the treats and the master of the milkshake, Jason. I left, as always, with a few cards to take around the world with me.
Zach did not get to go to Emerys this year, but he did discover a similar shop in Portland. He said it was not as good, but it satisfied his one-malt-of-the-year need.
Football Golf
This activity has been on our summer bucket list for a couple of summers. One sultry and hazy afternoon, we chose to hit the green in our respective boots (or tennis shoes.) After a couple of holes, we were in complete agreement that this was a great game.
Games
This was the summer for board games, card games, and the art of learning how to lose a game with grace. One evening, Addysen thoroughly destroyed Zach and Kaden at Star Wars Monopoly and it was the talk of the house for a number of days. For Zach, it may be one of his biggest defeats of all time.
Happy Faces
Laughter is a huge part of our summer, and the moments that get captured on camera are such a fun reminder of the abundance of giggles.
For the record, this girl is hilarious. I did not take this picture, so when going through my summer pictures and I scrolled onto this one, I nearly spewed the water I was drinking from laughter.
IKEA Treats
We took the lot during one Noon Tunes. At the booth, upon spinning the prize wheel, Kaden walked away with a Frisbee and a bag of Swedish fish, Addysen and Uncle Zach won ten dollar gift cards, and Addysen got a bonus prize of Popsicle molds. Plus, each of us received a coupon for a free side table. At the end of the concert, Uncle Zach's amazing luck prevailed and he won the $50 gift card.
With our extensive loot, we spent a Friday evening enjoying Swedish food and a practically empty marketplace. Uncle Zach even took the time to instruct Kaden and Addysen on the ways to test out the many mattresses.
Just Down the Road - Little League Softball World Series
Though Alpenrose Diary Farm hosts the Little League Softball World Series every year, this was the first year we took an interest in it. Zach and Kaden moreso than the rest of us, since they went to a handful of games. Addysen and I joined the fun for the finals. Sadly, there were no fireworks to end this year's championship.
Kilos of Blueberries
On a sunny morning, we joined forces with the Jason and Labrum family at the Captain Blueberry farm to pick our fill of blueberries. As always, it was fun and we left with many, many, many blueberries. Though at summer's end, while looking through the camera, I have no pictures of this day. Apparently, we were too busy picking and eating the yummy fruit.
Living Museum Finds
My parents' home has been occupied for generations, an old farmhouse that has had an abundance of things stashed over the decades. I joke with them that they reside in a living museum; I pull out a box and discover something new every time I visit. During this visit, I was looking for a cutting mat and uncovered a box that held metal plate photos, my dad's third grade homework and student card, a teaching book from the late 1800s, and a horde of recipes - one may even be the lost barbecue chicken recipe. I found this amazing picture - the wedding photo of my Aunt Margaret (who I remember as an avid doll collector not a tiara-wearing beauty.)
I found this photo of my grandfather playing football in university.
This picture of Nanny brought tears to my eyes - this is where I learned to quilt, by her side.
I even found a photo of my dad playing basketball. I was surprised and pleased to know that two of the dearest men to me have played their respective sport wearing a jersey numbered 21.
These are just a handful of what I uncovered in that box, and I never did find the cutting mat.
Music
This year we spent many an afternoon downtown listening to free concerts provided by Noon Tunes at Pioneer Courthouse Square and Music on Main beside the Arlene Schnitzer Hall. Sometimes we went solo, sometimes we had friends join the musical fun.
New Path
My days in Kentucky started before the sun rose, primarily due to mom's physical therapy appointments. While rising before the sun is not nor has ever been a favorite pastime of mine, these rare early morning ventures into Brandenburg with mom allowed me to discover a truly fantastic oasis of calm and serenity along the Ohio River - Buttermilk Falls. The city has done a stellar job of creating a great walking/running path along an old road route. In true small town feel, I met a few people on the trail who knew my family and were perplexed as to why I did not speak like a local. We always had a good laugh, and I walked away from every encounter with an aunt or uncle or parent to say hello to when I saw them next.
Open and Free Tour
On a jaunt downtown, Zach noticed a sign outside the Schnitzer Concert Hall advertising free theatre tours on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Interested in the arts, we decided to enjoy the free venture one Wednesday (which is how we actually discovered the Music on Main event.) It was an enjoyable tour, lasting a little over an hour. During that time, we were walked through the multiple theatres and learning the nuances and specialties of each. The kids saw a ghost light for the main theatre was set for the current opera in residence. We learned the Portland sign in front had to be replaced due to a large hive of bees taking residence and creating a very heavy honey haven. We were shown the architectural brilliance of not hiding the next door church's stained glass windows (which prompted a side trip after the tour to visit the sanctuary, which was fantastic.)
Paddling the Willamette
We broke Gerty out of dry dock, finagled a way to strap her to the top of the Accord, and spent hours on the high seas of the Willamette. Sadly, our fellow fleet captain, Robert, and his trusty SS The Good Ship Lollipop were doomed with back issues and unyielding knees...and probably a lost paddle with the streak of misfortune. Though, speaking of paddles, we had a first experience of leaving a paddle at home while the boat and crew were at the dock. Zach saved the day, while the crew and I bided our time with a book and a lot of laughs about such a mishap.
Our hours on the Willamette were refreshing. We spent a substantial amount of time in port on Ross Island - the kids created waterfalls and mud dams, while I picked blackberries and read. We even had the delight of seeing a bald eagle in the wild, which Addysen captured so well on camera. We were so close to it!
I do not take my water moments for granted, and I love that I have a great crew. Though, after this season, we may have to expand the fleet because my skippers are starting to get really long legs.
Quilt Projects
The summer involved a lot of time with needle, thread and a sewing machine for me. I had a lot of projects I wanted to finish as well as some to begin before returning to China. By the end, I had accomplished my goal with the completion of two quilts, new binding on Kaden's quilt, and two quilt tops. The bonus was that Kaden and Addysen helped a quite a lot during all the projects - Kaden is fantastic with the sewing machine, and Addysen honed her hand quilting skills.
Reunion
While this meet up was completely overdue, this was a surprise moment in our time in Kentucky. While my mom was working at her last stop of the business trip, Zach and I met my college roommate, Jenny (aka Bodi) for coffee/tea. We had a lot of life to catch up on and it was so enjoyable. A multitude of my university memories involve Bodi, so it was pleasant to reminisce as well as talk about our journeys since graduation. This morning was a reminder that while time lapses, there are friendships that can feel as though no time has passed.
Swimming
We spent a lot of time in Wilson Pool, as always.
Transit - Tram Day
Early in our Portland days, Addysen declared that she wanted to ride the tram. Every journey near or under the tram, she would point out the tram and say, "I want to ride that." Eventually, the street car was added to that wish list, which resulted in our public transit day. On that day, we rode the bus, street car, Max, and the tram. We even had the joy of picking up Lisa after work to ride the tram down, so she could enjoy some of the fun with us.
Unique Sight
The Mother Goose House in Hazard wins this award.
Visiting the New Niece
Before we headed east to the mountains, mom and I went west to Paducah. In this quick trip, I met my new niece, Charli. A delightful, squirmy bundle of baby, she and I got to spend some quality time cuddling, giggling, and making faces at each other. While meeting her face to face was wonderful, I found that seeing my mom as a grandmother and my sister as a mother completely fascinating. It is extraordinary to see roles change and how much joy such a shift can bring. We had a great trip and I look forward to many more reunions with she who shares my birth month celebrations - and her parents.
Sarah and James' Wedding
She who introduced us to the lovely world of Indonesia, who saw and experienced our travel curse firsthand, and has been a dear friend for a long time - embarked on a new adventure of marriage this summer. It was an enjoyable afternoon and evening spent with great friends.
It also must be noted that instead of our annual brunch date, we traded our brunch attire for fancy attire and spent the evening catching up with Chris and Libby.
Xtra Photos
It was another take-your-daughter-to-work day complete with a visit from my favorite customer, George. I cannot imagine a visit to the hardware store that does not include this guy.
The upper barn was a place I avoided my entire childhood because my Uncle Mac told me it was infested with snakes. The other barns of the farm I romped, climbed, and explored with abundant gusto, but not this one. During my visit this summer, Uncle Mac sold this barn. I had no idea that buying barns was a thing, but thanks to a current TV show, barns and barn wood are extremely popular. In the following discussions of this transaction, I mentioned the constant reminder to not play in the barn due to its reptile infestation, to which I learned it had been a sham. Uncle Mac has no recollection of this dire warning of impending doom and all adults agreed that perhaps only one snake had been sighted in the area in over 20 years. I really started to question childhood warnings at this point.
This lady is such an inspiration for fitness and continues to be one of my favoritest people to hang out with in Portland.
The markets of Portland are wonderful.
Addysen is currently into tea pots, tea cups, and tea parties. It became our morning ritual to have morning tea, talk about whatever she wanted, and enjoy some calm before we began the adventure of the day.
I am an avid lover of handwritten notes. I cherish them. Upon my return to Portland after Kentucky, I found this note from my dad in my backpack. His handwriting is distinct and his notes always short and succinct - I love them. I always cry when I find one.
I snapped this photo during my road trip with mom. She was so diligent about her post-knee surgery exercises. I was so proud of her and the progress she made while I was there.
I love picnics with friends.
It had been a couple of years between visits with the Holcombs, so this evening spent laughing and catching up on life was good for the soul.
Zach and I made sure to get pictures with family this year. Aunt Becky warned me to not post it, but I really like the pictures, so I am. Truly, the joy of living on the other side of the world is she cannot get me.
I like this picture with mom and dad.
Yelling at Football
The schedule was in our favor this summer, thus we spent many evenings at Providence Park yelling for our beloved Timbers and Thorns. We even had the opportunity to cheer for Kaden in a weekend tournament.
Zhanjiang
After a happy dance down the gangplank to board the plane and an hour and half in the air, we landed in the muggy, tropical lands of Zhanjiang. We had a few days between the end of the semester and our trek to the motherland, we made a reservation at the Pandaroo B&B with our dear friends, Roger and Ada. We wanted to begin our summer well, so we retreated to our Chinese hometown. As always, we had so much fun. Our days were filled with ever-flowing tea, massages, and swim lessons, while our nights were spent eating and laughing with friends. A crew of us even stayed up into the wee hours of the night to scream at the football match.
This was the second.
These were followed by 867 photographs, all from the perspective of a six year old (with a handful sprinkled in from the height of a gangly ten year old.) I laughed.
I laughed a lot.
It was the much needed balm to teary eyes and a glum countenance. End of summer farewells are so hard; the gut-wrenching aftermath does not lessen by the year. As always, it was a summer filled to capacity. While the summer did not involve big travel plans, we covered a lot of ground - from the rolling Appalachia Mountains to the wooded pathways of Forest Park. After a hard year in China, it was pleasant to rest, relax, and be among friends and family. Therefore, once again, here is the highlight reel of another awesome summer.
Asian Nannies
With Joel and Lisa working full time this summer, we have the privilege to adventure and hang out with Kaden and Addysen for most of the summer. We stayed busy; they were continually great partners in crime and we had so much fun.
Banker Holiday
I was not on this trip and my husband is not one to expound on the details. All I know is that he went to a Cincinnati Reds and a Cincinnati FC game, both were extremely soggy, the Reds game went into the wee hours of the night, and he had a great time with his family.
Camping at Champoeg
By housemate proxy, we were drawn into this weekend trip. Our last escapades of camping were definitely pre-China, so it was nice to be reacquainted with tents, camp food (hello, Pop Tarts!), and campsite socializing. We definitely chuckled at Joel's goal that three weeks worth of food should be consumed in two nights.
Donut Taste Testing
It was an afternoon of confectionery delight. Mike came armed with the list, Zach mapped the best driving route, and we commenced the taste test after a scrumptious Mexican lunch. We nibbled our way through seven donuts, with the consensus that Angels on Alberta won the day.
A few weeks later, we had an impromptu chocolate taste test with the Baggs family. Another entertaining event with each of us choosing a chocolate from a stack, explaining why we chose our respective flavors, followed by a discussion of like/dislike after our tastings. I do not remember what won the evening, but I definitely remember the laughter.
Emerys and a Cheap Substitute
It was my annual pilgrimage to my favorite milkshake shop. The bonus was that I was able to introduce my dad to the treats and the master of the milkshake, Jason. I left, as always, with a few cards to take around the world with me.
Zach did not get to go to Emerys this year, but he did discover a similar shop in Portland. He said it was not as good, but it satisfied his one-malt-of-the-year need.
Football Golf
This activity has been on our summer bucket list for a couple of summers. One sultry and hazy afternoon, we chose to hit the green in our respective boots (or tennis shoes.) After a couple of holes, we were in complete agreement that this was a great game.
Games
This was the summer for board games, card games, and the art of learning how to lose a game with grace. One evening, Addysen thoroughly destroyed Zach and Kaden at Star Wars Monopoly and it was the talk of the house for a number of days. For Zach, it may be one of his biggest defeats of all time.
Happy Faces
Laughter is a huge part of our summer, and the moments that get captured on camera are such a fun reminder of the abundance of giggles.
For the record, this girl is hilarious. I did not take this picture, so when going through my summer pictures and I scrolled onto this one, I nearly spewed the water I was drinking from laughter.
IKEA Treats
We took the lot during one Noon Tunes. At the booth, upon spinning the prize wheel, Kaden walked away with a Frisbee and a bag of Swedish fish, Addysen and Uncle Zach won ten dollar gift cards, and Addysen got a bonus prize of Popsicle molds. Plus, each of us received a coupon for a free side table. At the end of the concert, Uncle Zach's amazing luck prevailed and he won the $50 gift card.
With our extensive loot, we spent a Friday evening enjoying Swedish food and a practically empty marketplace. Uncle Zach even took the time to instruct Kaden and Addysen on the ways to test out the many mattresses.
Just Down the Road - Little League Softball World Series
Though Alpenrose Diary Farm hosts the Little League Softball World Series every year, this was the first year we took an interest in it. Zach and Kaden moreso than the rest of us, since they went to a handful of games. Addysen and I joined the fun for the finals. Sadly, there were no fireworks to end this year's championship.
Kilos of Blueberries
On a sunny morning, we joined forces with the Jason and Labrum family at the Captain Blueberry farm to pick our fill of blueberries. As always, it was fun and we left with many, many, many blueberries. Though at summer's end, while looking through the camera, I have no pictures of this day. Apparently, we were too busy picking and eating the yummy fruit.
Living Museum Finds
My parents' home has been occupied for generations, an old farmhouse that has had an abundance of things stashed over the decades. I joke with them that they reside in a living museum; I pull out a box and discover something new every time I visit. During this visit, I was looking for a cutting mat and uncovered a box that held metal plate photos, my dad's third grade homework and student card, a teaching book from the late 1800s, and a horde of recipes - one may even be the lost barbecue chicken recipe. I found this amazing picture - the wedding photo of my Aunt Margaret (who I remember as an avid doll collector not a tiara-wearing beauty.)
I found this photo of my grandfather playing football in university.
This picture of Nanny brought tears to my eyes - this is where I learned to quilt, by her side.
I even found a photo of my dad playing basketball. I was surprised and pleased to know that two of the dearest men to me have played their respective sport wearing a jersey numbered 21.
These are just a handful of what I uncovered in that box, and I never did find the cutting mat.
Music
This year we spent many an afternoon downtown listening to free concerts provided by Noon Tunes at Pioneer Courthouse Square and Music on Main beside the Arlene Schnitzer Hall. Sometimes we went solo, sometimes we had friends join the musical fun.
New Path
My days in Kentucky started before the sun rose, primarily due to mom's physical therapy appointments. While rising before the sun is not nor has ever been a favorite pastime of mine, these rare early morning ventures into Brandenburg with mom allowed me to discover a truly fantastic oasis of calm and serenity along the Ohio River - Buttermilk Falls. The city has done a stellar job of creating a great walking/running path along an old road route. In true small town feel, I met a few people on the trail who knew my family and were perplexed as to why I did not speak like a local. We always had a good laugh, and I walked away from every encounter with an aunt or uncle or parent to say hello to when I saw them next.
Open and Free Tour
On a jaunt downtown, Zach noticed a sign outside the Schnitzer Concert Hall advertising free theatre tours on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Interested in the arts, we decided to enjoy the free venture one Wednesday (which is how we actually discovered the Music on Main event.) It was an enjoyable tour, lasting a little over an hour. During that time, we were walked through the multiple theatres and learning the nuances and specialties of each. The kids saw a ghost light for the main theatre was set for the current opera in residence. We learned the Portland sign in front had to be replaced due to a large hive of bees taking residence and creating a very heavy honey haven. We were shown the architectural brilliance of not hiding the next door church's stained glass windows (which prompted a side trip after the tour to visit the sanctuary, which was fantastic.)
Paddling the Willamette
We broke Gerty out of dry dock, finagled a way to strap her to the top of the Accord, and spent hours on the high seas of the Willamette. Sadly, our fellow fleet captain, Robert, and his trusty SS The Good Ship Lollipop were doomed with back issues and unyielding knees...and probably a lost paddle with the streak of misfortune. Though, speaking of paddles, we had a first experience of leaving a paddle at home while the boat and crew were at the dock. Zach saved the day, while the crew and I bided our time with a book and a lot of laughs about such a mishap.
Our hours on the Willamette were refreshing. We spent a substantial amount of time in port on Ross Island - the kids created waterfalls and mud dams, while I picked blackberries and read. We even had the delight of seeing a bald eagle in the wild, which Addysen captured so well on camera. We were so close to it!
I do not take my water moments for granted, and I love that I have a great crew. Though, after this season, we may have to expand the fleet because my skippers are starting to get really long legs.
Quilt Projects
The summer involved a lot of time with needle, thread and a sewing machine for me. I had a lot of projects I wanted to finish as well as some to begin before returning to China. By the end, I had accomplished my goal with the completion of two quilts, new binding on Kaden's quilt, and two quilt tops. The bonus was that Kaden and Addysen helped a quite a lot during all the projects - Kaden is fantastic with the sewing machine, and Addysen honed her hand quilting skills.
Reunion
While this meet up was completely overdue, this was a surprise moment in our time in Kentucky. While my mom was working at her last stop of the business trip, Zach and I met my college roommate, Jenny (aka Bodi) for coffee/tea. We had a lot of life to catch up on and it was so enjoyable. A multitude of my university memories involve Bodi, so it was pleasant to reminisce as well as talk about our journeys since graduation. This morning was a reminder that while time lapses, there are friendships that can feel as though no time has passed.
Swimming
We spent a lot of time in Wilson Pool, as always.
Transit - Tram Day
Early in our Portland days, Addysen declared that she wanted to ride the tram. Every journey near or under the tram, she would point out the tram and say, "I want to ride that." Eventually, the street car was added to that wish list, which resulted in our public transit day. On that day, we rode the bus, street car, Max, and the tram. We even had the joy of picking up Lisa after work to ride the tram down, so she could enjoy some of the fun with us.
Unique Sight
The Mother Goose House in Hazard wins this award.
Visiting the New Niece
Before we headed east to the mountains, mom and I went west to Paducah. In this quick trip, I met my new niece, Charli. A delightful, squirmy bundle of baby, she and I got to spend some quality time cuddling, giggling, and making faces at each other. While meeting her face to face was wonderful, I found that seeing my mom as a grandmother and my sister as a mother completely fascinating. It is extraordinary to see roles change and how much joy such a shift can bring. We had a great trip and I look forward to many more reunions with she who shares my birth month celebrations - and her parents.
Sarah and James' Wedding
She who introduced us to the lovely world of Indonesia, who saw and experienced our travel curse firsthand, and has been a dear friend for a long time - embarked on a new adventure of marriage this summer. It was an enjoyable afternoon and evening spent with great friends.
It also must be noted that instead of our annual brunch date, we traded our brunch attire for fancy attire and spent the evening catching up with Chris and Libby.
Xtra Photos
It was another take-your-daughter-to-work day complete with a visit from my favorite customer, George. I cannot imagine a visit to the hardware store that does not include this guy.
This lady is such an inspiration for fitness and continues to be one of my favoritest people to hang out with in Portland.
The markets of Portland are wonderful.
Addysen is currently into tea pots, tea cups, and tea parties. It became our morning ritual to have morning tea, talk about whatever she wanted, and enjoy some calm before we began the adventure of the day.
I am an avid lover of handwritten notes. I cherish them. Upon my return to Portland after Kentucky, I found this note from my dad in my backpack. His handwriting is distinct and his notes always short and succinct - I love them. I always cry when I find one.
I snapped this photo during my road trip with mom. She was so diligent about her post-knee surgery exercises. I was so proud of her and the progress she made while I was there.
I love picnics with friends.
It had been a couple of years between visits with the Holcombs, so this evening spent laughing and catching up on life was good for the soul.
I like this picture with mom and dad.
Yelling at Football
The schedule was in our favor this summer, thus we spent many evenings at Providence Park yelling for our beloved Timbers and Thorns. We even had the opportunity to cheer for Kaden in a weekend tournament.
Zhanjiang
After a happy dance down the gangplank to board the plane and an hour and half in the air, we landed in the muggy, tropical lands of Zhanjiang. We had a few days between the end of the semester and our trek to the motherland, we made a reservation at the Pandaroo B&B with our dear friends, Roger and Ada. We wanted to begin our summer well, so we retreated to our Chinese hometown. As always, we had so much fun. Our days were filled with ever-flowing tea, massages, and swim lessons, while our nights were spent eating and laughing with friends. A crew of us even stayed up into the wee hours of the night to scream at the football match.
