Oregon
Here are pictures of some of our favorite people and favorite places that we were able to see during our recent trip to Oregon. I have a few hundred more pictures where these came from. We had an awesome time and wish we could have stayed longer (especially at the coast with the cool temps - coming home to the heat and humidity has been killer). Cadie especially liked the giant sandbox at the ocean and having friends around all the time to cater to her every whim. I loved just sitting around talking to friends (and family) - this usually involved food. What could be better? I wish I could bottle you all up and take you home with me.






Although many things in Oregon are still the same there were a few changes that tug on my heart. The difficult things that some of our friends are experiencing and the strength and courage that they exemplify makes me want to be a better person and make the most out of every moment. This reminds me of a quote from a horrible (but strangly good) movie, Harold and Maude. Also quoted recently by my friend at her husband's funeral:
Maude: "A lot of people enjoy being dead. But they are not dead, really. They're just backing away from life. Reach out. Take a chance. Get hurt even. But play as well as you can. Go team, go! Give me an L. Give me an I. Give me a V. Give me an E. L-I-V-E. LIVE! Otherwise, you got nothing to talk about in the locker room."

One more picture...

Summer, here we come
Visit from out-of-town friends, parade, gardening, grilling, Grandview Hop, church, naps, bike ride, COSI (science museum), and a Clipper's double-header. Unfortunately a church breakfast was rained out and it was NOT dime-a-dog night at the ball park or this weekend might have been in danger of exploding from awesomeness.
A great way to start the summer if I can just keep my head in the game for one more week of classes.



Cadie wanted to know where the Clipper's Parrot, Krash, was at every moment but when we finally got up close she wasn't so excited.

Oddities
Elephants in our neighborhood (really!) on their way to the circus downtown.
The climbing gear finally getting some use - Eric fixing roof damage from pesky racoons. Finally, we always know what season it is or what holiday is coming up based on the costumes on our neighbors geese. Can't wait for the pool to open!

Ohiopyle, PA and Fallingwater


More to come, but after an awesome weekend with a self-imposed computer ban, I need to write 2 exams and figure out a few lectures.

Car Rides


We have spent a lot of time in the car recently - a spring break to Amish country (planned) and a weekend trip to DC (unplanned). Cadie seems to enjoy going places as evidenced by the full tantrum she threw when we pulled into the garage this evening. "No Cadie's home!"

With a little help from my friends
My camera's memory card is full and rather than organize, download, and delete I'm ignoring the problem and relying on friends to take photos for me. Here are some recent great ones:
Playgroup at the park this week with 80 degree weather (from friend Amber):

Out to dinner a few weeks ago with freezing weather: Cadie wishing for warmer weather with her swim suit on top of her clothes (from sister Paige):

I'm teaching 2 classes this term and unfortunately they are on opposite days so I am on campus every afternoon M-F. The great thing about this term is that both Eric and I are only teaching classes that we have already taught - things are so much easier the second time around. We just finished week 1 but the stress level around our home is much lower than last term.
C's vocab is growing exponentially (finally!). I love the funny things that come out of her mouth. Today: (while inspecting her straight arm) "Mom, where elbow go?" and then bending her arm to get a better look: "Oh - hi elbow!"

Spring and Such

This isn't the greatest photo but I don't want to look at the snow pictures anymore. Something happened in Columbus a couple of week ago and we went from freezing weather to flowers. I don't ever want to go back. Ok maybe next year but right now I'm trying to soak up the rays any chance I get.
This week is spring break but not really, next week the maddness begins anew. Eric and I are spending the week in preparation for next term.
On a happy note, we signed up for a community garden plot again and have been planning our veggies. Yum yum. I love summer.