Lost and Found (or, "Brian Spends the Night on a Big Volcano")

Brian and brother-in-law Ryan spent the day (and night) riding at Mt. St. Helens. We started out with a plan for a 14 mile loop out of a guide book.

First part of the day is awesome, lots of climbing and pretty wild terrain, but lots of fun.

Our guide book was published in 2005, which unfortunately pre-dates the massive landslides that shook up the west side of St. Helens a few years ago. We ride around the corner and the trail just drops away into a huge ravine. We have to find a way down, across, and then back up to where the trail continues on. We lose a lot of time on this one.

Five minutes after conquering the first ravine, we run into another one.

Brian is now wondering about our initial time frame and our ability to be done before dark.

The ravines are not easy to get across when lugging a 28 pound full-suspension bicycle.

And then there was ANOTHER ravine! And another! AND ANOTHER! I stop counting after the tenth one.
We finally get above the tree line at 4,800 feet, but it's after 4pm and Brian is seriously concerned about how long it will take to get back down.

We ride until we enjoy a beautiful sunset and then hunker down on a rock next to the trail after our wives call Search and Rescue, who find us at 2:30 in the morning. The give us hot chocolate, snacks, and flashlights and we all start down together. We get to the bottom just before 5:00 where we meet some of the 18 people who spent the night looking for us and get a stern talking-to from the Sheriff. We load up the bikes into the car and drive home in time to see the girls off to school. We were very lucky that we had nice weather all night and so many helpful S.A.R. folks who are real pros.

Now I'm going to bed.

Pirate Day!

Tomorrow is National Talk Like a Pirate Day (seriously, Google it). Portland had a big festival with lots to do and an abundance of characters. AArrgh!

If they only knew....

The girls are always worried that Brogan is bored at home with out them, or WORSE that he is having more fun without them. Well, today he had more fun. We found a charming little place called "Sip 'N Play". It is basically a coffee house for moms with an indoor play ground area for kids. It's genius. I want to open one in NH. They have a bunch of healthy snacks and lunch options as well as an impressive collection of hot and cold drinks. So much fun AND, the best part, it is located RIGHT across the street! Hooray!

Check out our little super hero. This cape was the best. I believe he needs one for his birthday in November (hint, if anyone is looking for one).

Puppets! A frog and an alligator told me a lovely story.
Brogan and his "nice jobs"....he lined these up over and over again. They are actually separate pieces that are magnetic. After a while, we had some impressive sculptures going.
"I SEE YOU, MOMMY!"
Time for lunch in these adorable overstuffed chairs. Dino chicken nuggets (gluten free!), fish crackers, fresh fruit and apple juice. Tasty. One of the dino's got a little over done. Brogan studied it for a moment and declared, "This one rolled in the mud" and refused to eat it. Oh well.
We will probably be spending rainy afternoons here. And I think it's gonna be a "Brogan and Mommy" secret place. Just the 2 of us for special days. We have a punch card now. :)

Portland Children's Museum

We've found a new FAVORITE place. It's the Portland Children's Museum. It's awesome.

In the picture below you can see our children brushing up on their dental habits, at lest, they are helping the huge alligator keep up.

Kayla loved the pretend grocery store...she was caught snatching groceries from Cassidy's abandoned cart and filling her own.

Brian, Brogan and I took a time out in a HUGE hollowed out tree with a comfy cushion installed.

Not surprising, the boy found the building area and was quickly all decked out in "worker" gear.

We'll be going back.....many many many more times (we bought a membership).

I'm so Happy, I could CRY....

See this boy? Man boy, I should say......

That's a clock he's holding....it's 12:30am on September 14th.

That's the new and LAST Halo game....Halo Reach.

And cradled in the crook of his arm is a Saranac Rootbeer.

He's so happy, he could cry. And it is possible that he did. At least ONCE. While playing the game with my baby brother until about 4:30am....and most of today...and is STILL currently playing. Taking breaks to eat because I remind him that it needs to happen. It will wear off, eventually. But for now...this is one VERY VERY happy boy!

Park Time

We are discovering that the Northwest REALLY knows how to build parks! They are everywhere. We go to a new park every week....we could go every day. The photos below happen to include images of our park adventures in Yakima. Good times. More to come.

Happy Happy Birthday Missy KK!

Miss Kayla Meagan turned 6 on September 4th. She requested a ladybug cake and a trip to the circus (see post below). She was celebrated by family with balloons and crepe paper and presents.

Kayla is a remarkable little girl. She is bright and clever. She LOVES people. She has a flare for the dramatic (and has recently joined the drama club at school). She makes friends easily. She has a gift for making people feel important....like YOU have a special bond with HER. And the truth of the matter is, SHE feels that way too. She really does have a special bond with everyone and it is legit. She's a pretty great little girl. If you've met her, you love her. She captures hearts and makes us SO proud and happy.

Cassidy hits the Rodeo

While KK was busy celebrating her birthday at the circus (see post below), Cassidy was living it up HER way with Grandma Reynolds and Grandpa Bob at the Rodeo in Selah. She went to a parade, got to pan for gold, watch women weave, see LOTS and LOTS of horses and...

R I D E

A

B U C K I N G B R O N C O !!

Yep...her Grandma signed the waver absolving all folks involved of any blame should an injury occur to Cassidy while involved in this event. Of course, Cassidy LOVED it and was a star. She stayed on the Bronco for 4 whole minutes. She is a true cowgirl at heart. Just look at this precious face....

I'm sure there are more RODEOS in the future.

Kayla Goes to the Circus

Happy Birthday to Kayla! Missy KK turned 6 years old today, and her activity of choice was the Barnum & Bailey / Ringling Bros. Circus, which was really impressive.

First Day of School!

First day of school for the girls and the first day of NO school for Brian! The girls are attending a terrific school one mile away from the house (we'll walk while the weather is nice).

Cassidy outside her "permanent portable" classroom.

Kayla is just around the corner in (appropriately enough)room six. Shhh! Brogan is blending into the wall with his camo!

Cassidy sits down and gets right to work!