The race is on

 The Olympics are on and all are in the competitive spirit.  We drew a course on the driveway and have time trials for each division.  Surprisingly we found a way to give out 3 gold metals.  The boys have been asking for lots of bike time lately so we spend lots of time in the driveway on bikes.

We have also added family walk/bike ride after dinner.  The boys put on their helmets and we are off to do the small loop behind our house.  Will and Nate are so proud of themselves and are very cute. D is a great leader.

Picnic

 We went for a fantastic hike out by Mount Hood on a really hot Saturday day that reached over 100 degrees.  We hiked, played in the river, and ate a fun lunch.  Bucky came along to play as well.  We all had lots of fun being crazy.

Super D

Derek had a fun summer school that was superhero week.  He made the very cool cape and accessories. He became superD!

New Helmets!

Will and Nate are loving the striders. We wanted them to be road ready so they got new helmets. They think they are pretty cool stuff!

Happy birthday AA

Happy birthday AA (pronounced eye eye).  We are so thankful for the 3 weeks you were here in July.  We all miss you lots.  You are the bestest!

Why Will?

We are in the habit of eating outside when it is nice out.  We had just finished lunch and I was in the kitchen when I heard Mike yelling.  He had turned around and found Will on top the trellis.  He knew he was safe for the short-term so he told me to get the camera.  The boys have been climbing a few rungs but this shocked us (it probably shouldn't have).  Just another thing to add to the hazard list around here.

Bucky

WE GOT A PUPPY!! Her name is Starbuck but we call her Bucky.  She is 4 months old and is an Australian Cattle Dog mix. She is 23 pounds and we got her at a no kill shelter.


We have been taking care of a lab for some friends for a few days and we realized how much we miss having a dog since Alex died last February.  Derek, Will and Nate have been excellent with Scout and so we started the search.. actually Mike has been looking at dogs on the web for a month.


I had D all prepped about looking at dogs and meeting one but not getting one today.  So imagine my surprise when 2 hours later we have brought a dog home.  We had a great visit with her at the shelter and Mike did some work with her to see about intelligence and discipline. We had no red flags and we all enjoyed her.  They don't hold dogs for you so here she is at our house!  Scout had done a great job settling her in.  Bucky slept on the floor in the car on the way home like a true champ.  She played out back and got to know the yard. Now she is taking a nap on the floor.  Mike is running around to stores to get all the supplies we need.

Welcome to our family Bucky!