Beckett Point Crab!

We dropped our first crab pot and got our first haul. Three crabs in two days. We have to get a better system for the execution because Cindy's hatchet is too small to make it quick and clean. Enough about that. We steamed it in salt water for 15 minutes, then set it in cold water, rinsed it off, then gave it another cold salt water bath until it was cool. Delicious.

The SS Collioure

We were finally able to operate our new little boat on our own. Mike put a stronger set of wheels on it and we hauled it to the beach. We have it out all weekend!

Cobbler with love

The boys picked blackberries tonight then sent us upstairs while they concocted a surprise for us. Closing our eyes, Cindy and I came downstairs to a loving card that thanks us for "letting me see the earth," and a homemade blackberry cobbler displayed on a bed of Cracker Jacks, with two sprigs of dill. 

Errand boy

Love the double digits for a high energy guy. I gave him a list, $40 and he came back with every item, including a baguette sticking out of his backpack. 

Shoppers

I left these two shopping in Portland. They look way too happy.

Portland tourney

Portland soccer tourney for Kenzie was her first. The tournament was a little rough with two own-goals and some dirty play, but it was great that David was in the same tourney. We got to spend a bunch of time with Randy and Sary-Jo, especially since their hotel was just next door. No amazing planning, just great luck. We all got to share watching a few games and even found a way to Ethiopian food. 

Here David is complaining about his bum finger, that he will be disadvantaged in eating injera. Ermias happily agrees. 

Cliff jumping

We are in Bend, Oregon, for Mason's soccer tournament. Kenzie and Ermias went cliff jumping at Steelhead Falls with Whitney's family. Mind you, Ermias learned to swim about two weeks ago! Still, he jumped! The pictures are blurry, but he jumped with his sister.

Peter Pan

Kenzie's good friend Luca was in a local play called Peter Pan. We attempted to get tickets on Saturday but the doors were locked. We were also unable to get tickets online for Kenzie and Grammy so on Sunday, like last year, the plan was for me to drop them off and they would get tickets. I waited to see if they could get in. Kenzie came back to tell me the doors were locked again. Issaquah has two theatres across the street from each other so she suggested we try the other. I parked the car and went with them. When we arrived they had two seats left but not together and in the family room. They took them because this was the last performance. As I went to leave, we ran into Lucca's mom, Kim, and she had an extra ticket. So I joined them. It was a fantastic play. I gave Kenzie the closest seat. She thoroughly enjoyed it. We all did!!

Another Gunner

Pedicures!

A much needed pampering after our wonderful vacation.