And We're Off!!!

I have to admit something here to everyone that reads this blog. When I leave, I cry. It doesn't matter where I leave, how long I've been there, or where I'm going... I always cry. It's one of those things that you try to call endearing to make yourself feel better, but secretly it's a negative attribute that clouds ones personality. When Maddie was born, I promised myself that I would try really, really hard not to pass that personality trait on to her. Life is about enjoying the moment and looking forward to the wonderful possibilities that come your way.

Obviously, she is older now and more aware of the whole leaving aspect. She's aware of what "missing you" feels like... it hurts sometimes and I don't blame her one little bit for trying to avoid it at all costs. The way Maddie is growing up though, she is always going to be missing somebody, but I want her to learn that she gets to go on life adventures and then come back to share all that she has learned, hopefully enriching her life and the lives of everyone she touches.

The adventures this summer have been most excellent. Thanks to Grandma Barbara and Grandpa Earl for getting us set up in our new home. Thanks to Connor and Sam for spending such quality time with us and building memories. Thanks to Susan and Doug for striving to bring the family together for special occasions (you prove that it CAN be done)! Thanks to Larry and Kim for helping with move and sharing your wonderful AND GROWING family with us. Thanks to Grandma Dotty for showing us the Wild West and all the wonderful things it has to offer. There are so many thanks for so many things... this was just the tip of the iceberg.

So... we'll be missing you (the ones we saw and the ones we didn't... and we'll be looking forward to the next time we meet face to face where we'll enrich each others lives and enjoy the moment.

And.... WE'RE OFF!

A Daddy Day!

I was along for the ride all day, but I was the official photo taker - I've gotta blog more! I like to tell stories about Madeline. We started the morning off with heading out to Reedville Cafe in the morning for some excellent grub... there's nothing better than a hometown breakfast on a rainy day! Maddie, of course, had her fill of pancakes which left her in an excellent mood!

We then went shopping with Dad and got some things for him - he still needs more things but getting him to shop for himself is almost impossible. He bought some new running shoes with Maddie's approval on the color choice. It will surprise you to know that she felt if he bought anything other than pink, then he just was not a hip dad!

We then HAD to stop by the golf store and as soon as we got in there, I took Maddie to the putting green in order to let dad concentrate on mecca experience around him. Immediately, Maddie went to the PINK gripped putter and started putting away. She was cute in that she would plant her feet and kind of rock back and forth on them to get set up and then she line up the putter and usually get it in. Granted, she was swinging the putter between her legs, but the ball was getting in! We had just bought her a PINK baseball cap at REI and she told me that her pink cap gave her luck.

The lucky pink hat was simply too tempting for Andy so Maddie and I politely sat on the putting green and watched daddy work his magic. We have him the courtesy golf clap and then decided to go ahead and get a putter for Maddie. It does not have a pink grip, but she wanted it and I know she'll use it. We live on a golf course in China and we best take advantage of it while we have it! I envision waking up on Saturday morning and heading to the club house while dad goes to the driving range and Maddie and I hit the putting green!

When we left there, we headed to the recycling place and Maddie knew exactly what to do She is a true Oregonian at heart and gets the recycling thing. When she finished with something that is recyclable, she puts in the our recycle bin without thinking twice. She's a green girl!!

Four more sleeps until we get on that plane! The next couple of days will be spent playing with the boys, getting some last minute shopping in and simply enjoying the moment. It's raining and it's gorgeous... the air is fresh, the birds are singing, the grass is green... I love Oregon - I simply love it. I'm glad that Maddie is proving to love it too!

A Beautiful Oregon Day!

Today we jumped on the MAX train in Hillsboro and made our way down to the Rose City and the Portland Saturday Market. It's a great place to find cool things by local artists. Today we found a bracelet for Maddie where the artist resized it just for her. Amazingly, she wore it all day long and it was torture getting it off her wrist at bedtime. We also found some great flannels for both Maddie and Amelia for when we come home at Christmas time. I do think that Maddie's most special find was the balloon man. I'm still amazed that she has conversations with people she doesn't know, but the though of getting a flower balloon hat definitely got rid of all inhibitions!!!

When we left the Saturday Market, we made our way to Dan and Louis Oyster Bar. When Andy was growing up and lived in Eastern Oregon he and his family would eat here so it's always fun to go back. On the way though, we saw "Shanghai"sign that was definitely a photo opportunity - how could we not?! Once again, Maddie ate shrimps for lunch - I think she's addicted!

We ate our Oyster Stew, Clam Chowder, and Shrimp before hopping on MAX back to Hillsboro. I think I love living so close close to Max - it's just so easy to get into Portland and Maddie thinks that all trains are just way too cool.

Maddie helped us pick up the house a bit and Andy started cooking for our first dinner guests. Barbara and Earl came over for a great dinner of yummy oven poached salmon (Andy used the Convection Oven for the first time), fresh corn on the cob, delightful olive ciabatta, and a garden fresh salad complete with dill and smoked salmon. I tell ya, my husband can really cook! We completed the night with Grandma Barbara ready Maddie's entire library to her on the couch. Maddie loved it and I can tell that she misses the stimulation of school. She's just one of those kids that thirsty for knowledge as her wheels are always spinning!

It was an amazing Portland, Oregon day and we'll treasure it!!