Return and Report...

This week went pretty good.  Monday, I did as planned. The boys and I took MAX into Portland where we toured the Pioneer Courthouse. This is the oldest building still in use, this side of the Mississippi. It was built a long time ago :o)  They were going to tear it down once, but then didn't have the funds to do so, then they were going to sell it but the market dropped (I have been there, done that) and then someone came along and decided it should be remodeled and made a National Landmark.  It was a pretty cool looking building.
First stop was the original elevator. Paden thought it was very cool and loved being the Elevator Man.

 There were five floors in the courthouse. All with one or two oak staircases.

 The top floor was the Cupola. This was in great shape too. The glass was the old beveled glass. Here are the boys contemplating being Citizens in the Nation.

 Paden on one of the many Oak Staircases.

 This is Keaton in the Court of Appeals room. It is still used today. He loved this room because he could get WiFi on his IPod...gotta have our priorities straight...right.

 There were several libraries in the Courthouse.  As you can see by the look on Paden's face, this is no light reading. :o)

 Keaton is doing his best "Chuck" impression and breaking into one of the safes.

 Now Keaton is being studious by looking up a word in the dictionary.

 And after our tour, we ate lunch in Pioneer Square, where Keaton was able to touch the top of the Courthouse.

We did not get to eat Domo Dogs, as our friends that run the place were not feeling good that day and did not open...but we ate at Pioneer Square where the Portland Farmers Market was going on.  We hung around Portland for a bit longer, going to Finnegans Toy Store and to the Lloyd Center.  All in all, it was a great day with the boys.

On Tuesday, we got up and played some more. This time we went to a park in Hillsboro. I wish I could remember the name, but I don't. We were invited to go with some friends, the Daily's and it is definitely a  park we will return to. It had something for everyone.

 Keaton and his friend Taylor played some one on one basketball.

 He's no Michael Jordan, but he sure has is own moves :o)

 Paden, Kyle and Liam had fun in the water fountains.

 Paden liked pretending he was orchestrating the water...Like Mickey Mouse in Fantasia.

 Then he just smiles...:o)

 There had a great playground...where one of the things was this awesome saucer swing.

 And then the giant merry go round thingy that everyone loves.

As I said, a great playground that we will be revisiting...sooner then later I hope.

Wednesday we went bowling.  For the most part, this was fun.  We have some competitive blood in our genes, and not always the healthy kind, so this event may or may not happen again...even though it is KidsBowlFree..two games, every day for the entire summer.  Maybe I will have to make this a one on one date with the boys and things will go better.

Thursday, I woke up early to take Keaton to the church for his Boy Scout Backpacking Trip. He was very excited to go and I was excited for him.  I was just wishing that I could stow away and go with them. I miss backpacking. Sometimes I think back and wonder if it was really me that used to Backpack. It seems like so long ago. I really need to do it again.  Maybe...if not, I will just live vicariously through my sons trips now. :o)

Later that day, Paden and I met Bruce in Beaverton to sign papers to sell our house.  A bitter sweet moment. It is a good thing. It means we can move forward and forward is always a good way to move.

Friday, Paden and I and one of Paden's friends, Kaleb, went to OMSI.  The exhibit was Narnia.  I was so excited. I imagined a lot of fun interaction...nope.  You had to pay extra to see it.  You could NOT take pictures and there was only one thing that was interactive. Don't get me wrong, some of the sets and costumes they had to display were cool, but not what I was expecting. We then visited the rest of OMSI and it was FUN as usual.

 The water rockets are one of Paden's favorites. He is very careful about how much water and air he lets into the bottle with the hopes of having the bottle hit the top.

 He and Kaleb are working together and anticipating success.

 In the Physics lab...they do an electricity experiment. Paden is holding some small foil tins in his hand and as the electricity is sent through the ball and then him...the tins float out of his hand one by one.....

 And make his hair stand up :o)

 Kaleb tries it too.

 They watch the videos on how to make a good airplane and then put it to the test.

 Here they are in the Earthquake simulation house.

Just smile and wave boys!

They also saw the Omnimax movie Tornados.  We ate lunch at Five Guys and then finished up the evening with Cars2 in 3D.  That was a great movie...much better then expected.

Today is Saturday.  Woke up early to ride to the airport with a friend of mine.  We had a great visit. Just what I needed. Ran a few errands with Bruce and Paden  and waited for Keaton to return.  He came home happy and said he had a great time. I loved that his leader said Keaton is a good hiker...that makes me smile :o)  I like to think he got that from me.  He wasn't home long though...he showered and got ready for a stake dance...to take place on the beach.  I never went to dances on the beach...oh yeah...I didn't grow up on the coast.  I am now waiting up for he and his dad to return home safe and sound and then we can all go to sleep and prepare for the Sabbath Day.  A day of renewal and rest. I can't wait. 

This week went pretty well.  More like what I want my summer to be like. I love hanging out with the boys and having some Grand Adventures. It is all part of the Merrill Madness that I love.