Cheering on the Generals

Audrey and Kate and their friend Hannah went to Grant High School tonight to cheer on the girls basketball team in their game against Lincoln. They enjoyed the concessions (and hopefully the basketball, too). One of the coaches let the girls hold onto a few of the basketballs.

RIP Snowflake

The kids got a little lesson in the circle of life yesterday. Kate's betta fish, Snowflake, died unexpectedly, after we had her for only about four month. Kate and Audrey and their friend and neighbor Olivia held a small burial service today to honor Snowflake's short life.

Winter Sunriver trip

Audrey and Kate spent the MLK holiday weekend in Sunriver with cousins Lily and Cora. They drove down on Friday night. On Saturday, the girls swam at the SHARC and ice skated in Sunriver Village. On Sunday, they drove up Mount Bachelor to find snow to sled in (there was no snow in Sunriver itself; it was rainy and in the 40s), and went on a bike ride to Fort Rock Park. They also watched a lot of cable television and splashed around in the hot tub.

Lil' hoopsters

Audrey and Kate started some basketball lessons today at Grant High School. They were coached by Grant student basketball players. They were initially reluctant to go, but participated the whole time and seemed to like it. They practicing dribbling, shooting, passing, layups, and a little defense.

New Year's Beach Trip

Audrey and Kate rang in the new year with a trip to the "beach house." In addition to the usual beach activities -- swimming in the condo swimming pool, eating at Mo's, watching a lot of cable television -- they also explored a new beach, visited the Yaquina Head lighthouse and tide pools (unfortunately, the lighthouse was closed and shrouded in plastic for painting), and checked out -- at Aunt Jill's suggestion -- the Rogue Brewery and restaurant. Kate also convinced Mama and Dada that she should have a cake to celebrate her "half-birthday" on January 3.

Return trip to the "Other Portland"

Audrey and Kate enjoyed their staycation in NW Portland last fall and wanted to go back. Either because she misheard or misunderstood "Northwest Portland," or because it felt so different from her own part of the city, Kate once referred to her trip "to the other Portland." The name stuck, and Mama arranged a return trip to "The Other Portland" this weekend.

After getting settled in at the Inn at Northrup Station and watching some cable TV, Audrey and Kate headed up to Northwest 23rd to have dinner at Little Big Burger, do a little toy shopping, and eat some gelato. The next day, they went back to the toy store, rode the streetcar to the Central Library, then went back to get their car and head to a showing of "Mary Poppins" at the Northwest Children's Theater.

Christmas 2015

Audrey and Kate had a busy couple of days of Christmas celebrations. It started on Christmas Eve at Grandpa Dave and Judy's house, after which the girls and cousins Lily and Elsa went bowling at Big Al's. They then went to GG's house for dinner and more gifts, followed by Christmas Eve church services at GG's church. They came home, made preparations for Santa's arrival, and then went to bed. On Christmas morning, they opened some gifts and then packed up themselves (and their American Girl dolls) and headed over to Honey and GPa's house. (If the slideshow below doesn't work or doesn't appear, click here.)