The face of fun?

So, I am hating the new format and all the issues I am having with this, BUT I wanted to get the face of enjoyment on this, so I have decided to put it on a separate pade.  Charissa wanted to ride one of two rides, one that was closed or this one which turnes you upside down and holds you there. A swinging arm then thrusts the platform to the other side repeating the torture.  That said, Rissy said this was fun, and though this picture is not the clearest, please share your thoguhts.  Does this look like the face of Wheeee???

Fair Day-Part Two

Amy deer

Learning to lock horns

Just as I was pointing to Jeff to shoot this pic, he was shooting it

I ask you whose bangs (fringe) is longer?

Awww how cute!

Charissa's Birthday Adventure

Charissa had to wait for her birthday adventure this year as the fair simply would not start until the 28th.  So, off we went to the fair on Sunday.  We had many memorable moments, but I dare say Charissa seemed to enjoy all of the moments.

I was lucky enough to walk by a goat pen in which we found two adorable kids about 2 or 3 days old.  We stood around and adored them for 10-15 minutes.  They were such fun to watch!

Next we headed over to the Dinosaur exhibit.  Because the exhibit was extra Jeff and I decided we would take the boys in.  Amy had just gotten nachos, so she used the time to eat those as the exhibit disallowed food. Charissa used the time to nurse Donovan and Neil put him to sleep.  Not only did they get to see animatronic dinosaurs, but they got to dig for bones in a sand pit, and Jordan got to ride a dinosaur.

We then headed over to the rides!  Charissa, Neil, Brandon, and Jordan all rode the Gravitron.  I had already found my favorite part of the fair.  Grilled corn on the cob!  Donovan grew hungry while awaiting his family to arrive back on earth from the Gravitron, so he got to taste the cob:-) Shhh

As you can see Everyone had fun on the Gravitron and Neil looks a bit off kilter after riding the centerfuging ride.

Jordan is about the bravest 4 year old I know.  He wanted to go on every ride that went upside down, inside out, and any which way but loose.  Though he is tall for a 4 year old, he was too short to ride the majority of the grown up ride.  Look out next year!

Neil shot this picture of Donovan while I was wearing him.  We were waiting for Brandon and Jordan to ride the Spider, the one ride I remember hating as I was terrified what I went on with Vickie as a little girl.  Jordan LOVED it.  Both boys exclaimed after they climbed off the ride "That was awesome"!

We headed for the petting zoo and had so many photo opportunities, here are my top picks:-)

Llama llove

Continued on the next post as I am having "fun" figuring out the new format:-)

Festa Italiana a.k.a. date night

The sky from downtown was picture perfect!

 
The lights of the courthouse.

Maserati-need I say more?

Dinner at Festa Italiana

Jeff and I determined that occasionally we need to put ourselves first. In order to facilitate this we decided to focus on one another once a month on a date. This means that we clean up, just as we would for a date, leave the concerns, jobs, well as much as I can when on call, and refocus our attention on one another. I decided since we are aiming to go to Italy that Festa Italiana would be a good first date.

Upon arrival there was a group of Opera students from PSU. While not bad, by any means, and certainly better than I, for one performer broke a glass, it was not our cup of tea, we opted for wine. First we had to find Casa Soldi as all purchases were to be made in Soldi only, no cash. We got a very nice Pinot Grigo to share along with dinner, Italian style of course. I got a pesto pasta and Jeff got some pork pasta. To say it was light on the sauce would be an understatement, BUT it was heavy on the pork. If that is the way pasta is served in Italy then it is no wonder people drink so much wine in Italy; something has to wash it down!

As the night progressed we went along the stairs at Pioneer Courthouse Square (Portland's living room) and listened to the tail end of the opera. Next on was a gentleman whose name now escapes me, but is billed as "The Voice". He did Frank Sinatra tunes, and pretty well. During his hour performance he got people up and dancing. Only Portlanders would use the opportunity to turn The Square in to a dance floor. Of course we mustn't forget the prolific beggars and homeless people that abound as well. I am definitely out of my comfort zone in downtown Portland. It seems EVERY homeless person, beggar, freak etc. is drawn to the one, the only, me! Crowds of people and they find me. Still not sure what I do. Tonight Stinky Sam sat alongside me. We moved and headed for Starbuck's for a coffee. I want to decontaminate and jump in an autoclave, but settled for a relatively clean sink, touch free soap, and touch free paper towels. I went back out with the attitude of just one Funky Fred is not going to ruin my night. I will be darned if Crazy Creep doesn't throw me an imaginary fishing line in an attempt to reel me in, with the rest of the audience surrounding me. We even chose somewhere in the middle of a group of people. We were on a date and wished to be free to creepy people. I cut his imaginary line and exited stage left, never looking back.

So, you say, they did not have a good time. Oh contrare indeed. I got to talk with Jeff about something other than diving, hold his hand, enjoyed music, visited my brand of car if not the make. The sky was perfect, the weather cool, the lighted buildings beautiful, the tea hot, the wine smooth and the memories unforgettable. Next time, it is Jeff's choice on what we will do for our date night.

My favorite thing is realizing I could be outside my comfort zone and still have fun.

My favorite thing today...

is being all caught up on my blog at long last!

Rissy's ACTUAL birthday

Charissa has wanted to go to Voodoo doughnuts for about three years since she heard about them. They do all sorts of weird doughnuts including bacon maple:-P and put something in the hole in all of their doughnuts. I must say that their plain doughnuts give you a taste of the doughnut beneath the dazzle:-)



So, after dropping off the boys at Zoo Camp this is where we headed.



Here is the doughnuts she selected for herself and her family.

THEN we were on our way to IKEA where she had heard so many people talk of IKEA but had never been herself. She was mesmerized by the individual rooms and commented that she hoped one day she would get rid of everything in her current residence and rebuild with complete rooms/ensembles from IKEA. We had a tasty lunch, and spent the day looking around, buying this-n-that. She got cool tableware for the kiddies, which she disclosed she would likely use too. She found a message board for a steal, and we left IKEA exactly on time without a minute to spare. It was so nice to have my daughter to myself save Donovan who quietly rode int eh cart or slept in the Snugly.

My favorite thing was watching her get animated when it was time to go and find the items she'd decided she wanted earlier in the day. She just enjoys each day and tends to stay in and enjoy the moment. How lucky I am to have birthed such a unique and lovely daughter 29 years ago. She has filled my life with treasures untold.

Zoo Camp

I took a picture of Jordan on the hood of the car, much like the one we have of Brandon on his first day, first year of Zoo Camp.

Of course a picture of Donovan will have to be added in the future, but by that time Brandon will be finished with camp and probably a camp counselor. Jordan will be an experienced camper.

Brandon gets to spend one night at the zoo this year and two next.

Jordan was excited for Zoo Camp and hesitant all at the same time. Charissa said that she was explaining to the counselor that he was initially shy and reserved and probably nervous just as he walked away.

Brandon reported at the end of the day that he was a little bummed because the Animal Investigators (the camp group he is with now) were split in to four groups. His is all girls except for one boy and himself and the boy is "a dork" who brought his DS to camp. He plays it every time they walk somewhere. He brought cash and continually asked the teacher when he could buy stuff. Some time a few years from now, Brandon would be able to see the benefit of being the only boy in a group of girls who is not a dork, but for now he was frustrated. Brandon updated his Mom saying that the second day was better as he made friends with one of the girls.

Jordan reported that he did not make any friends. He said he tried to help the others but they did not want his help. Charissa told him to just be himself. He is usually very good at walking up to a stranger and saying "Hi I'm Jordan." and makes instant friends with whom he runs around. Jordan reported the following day was a 180 degree turn around.

Rissy's last year in the 20's

Charissa and crew were at our house Sunday to celebrate Charissa's birthday a day early. We had a fondue dinner and dessert, cheese and chocolate respectivly. All the adults chose one thing to have in each of the fondues and we all noshed on them.

After we cleaned up the first round of fondue, we played PokerKeno, something all of us could play.

Charissa opened gifts after the game and recieved many nice things from many nice people. She recieved a check from Grandpa, whcih she is saving for something special. We are headed to IKEA for her first time tomorrow on her actual birthday. She beleives she will find something desireable there. I am guessing she will too! Pauline and Chris sent her a lovley pair of earrings that were silver, he favorite to go with her skin tone, and a game from Amy, which unfortunatly we didn't know about until AFTER we played the game. Still we have something to look forward to next time we get together.

Next came the chocolate fondue...YUM! As you can see Rissy had a bit of trouble controling the chocolate as it deorated not only our table but her face:-)

Lastly, before they headed home I took the boys out to play with swords to burn off a bit of the sugar rush before heading home for bed.

Brandon's stay

Brandon's week with us was a little uneventful initially, but I think he enjoyed relaxing all the same.

The first day we were together we started off the morning walking Finnegan, which Brandon was shall we say, less than thrilled to be doing, BUT ended up having fun as we were allowed access to Big Al's before it opened and given a tour of sorts by John, the General Manager. Most people in our neighborhood have been anxiously awaiting the opening of Big Al's. When first I proposed we take a look inside the windows to satisfy his curiosity he was hesitant as he is not one to not follow rules, or color outside the lines. I assured him that walking in the parking lot was permissible. When we walked near the doors it just so happened that John was right by the opening and invited us in, Finnegan and all.

Tuesday he made good on a promise to visit Elizabeth Huber at the Hallmark shop where she permitted Brandon to put up a flier for a tournament he was hosting prior to his trip to Australia. He was told by her that she never put fliers up, but would make an exception just for him IF he would agree to write an essay telling her of the adventures he had in Australia. He was very glad to get that monkey off his back. I think he also enjoyed going in the back office and sitting with her and chatting about Australia, life, travel. She also invited him to come and say hello any time he was near her store. I believe Brandon has a fan for life as she was just so enamoured with him and took time to read and discuss the essay with him on the spot. He also got to have a treat at the Godiva Chocolate shop adjacent to her store. He found that while he is not a big fan of Godiva, the experience was pleasant.

Brandon also got to see the new library closest to our condo. Brandon loves books, reading, libraries, and I think libraries are quite possible his happy place, surrounded by books, and soft cushions and people whispering and on their best behavior. We found the new library to be small and quiet as compared to the main library but quiet and quaint. No doubt we will be spending countless hours there this school year.

I can no longer recall why we had Jordan for part of a day, but we did. The funniest thing I recall is Jordan coming up with his "Dancing Eyes". Brandon laughed so hard watching Jordan's eyes dart to and fro in time with the music.

Thursday we went to the Enchanted Forest amusement park. It is old fashioned and reminiscent of a time long ago. But he went with a friend from Village Home and I just tagged along behind them. While his friend was cynical, Brandon by contrast just enjoyed the moment and was happy to be there. I told Brandon that while I liked his friend, I did hope that he did not adopt his friend's sour attitude and outlook on life! It did seem that they had the most fun on a roller coaster and the log ride was a favorite and even his friend could not mask pure joy at shooting down a hill awaiting the inevitable SPLASH!

Saturday we had a party to attend, but because he was with us, he was invited to attend as well. He did very well at chatting with the adults in the crowd and found a new love:

At the weekend we watched a movie he'd been wanting to see. Sunday he got the piece de resistance...a trip with Grandpa to Bullwinkle's Family Fun Center. There was games, golf, laser tag, ropes course, go carts, and rock wall, all for the taking! What more could you ask!?!

Dive Master

I am so pleased to be able to share this moment captured on film for all the world to see. This is Jeff receiving a card from students at their open water weekend congratulating him on his accomplishment, a long time coming and hours of study, practice etc. He now has the distinction of Dive Master. He was so excited to be finished with all of the preparation and study, tests and practical exams. I would like to tell you his Dive Master Number, BUT for reasons unknown to him, it is not yet available, but Dave (the gentleman you see handing him the card, and Dive Instructor) did not want him to have to wait another six weeks to be recognized as a Dive Master.

Even better, Brandon and I were able to go with him. I am frequently on call when he has open water weekends, where he helps out. This time I was blissfully not on call. Brandon happened to be with us right before he went up and asked if he could go too. His Mom and Dad and everyone involved agreed. It was extra special to have Brandon place his Dive Master cap on his Grandpa's head!

My favorite thing was the look of pride, well deserved on not only Jeff's face,but on Brandon's as well recognizing his Grandpa's accomplishment.

Congratulations Jeff!

The incredicle (in)edible egg

It may seem like no big deal, but I was pleased to be able to prepare French Eggs for my Dad. He really seemed to enjoy them and that made me happy. I recall one time as an older teenager I tried to prepare soft boiled eggs as a treat for my Dad. There were anything BUT a treat! By the time the eggs were cool enough for me to handle; and my inept hands could manage to free the egg white and yolk from it's protective shell, and add butter, salt and pepper they were stone cold and very unappetizing. While I have since made them hot or at least lukewarm for my daughter and oldest grandson when sick, I can't make soft boiled eggs to this day without apprehension. I felt so bad as he slammed the spoon down and declared them inedible, that preparing eggs, while differently; in a manner which he found appetizing, felt like the pleasure a novice chef must feel when preparing their first edible dish. I was really pleased, and it will be one of my favorite memories to recall him eating and enjoying a HOT egg dish.

I then took him to the airport and we enjoyed a hot meal prepared by a chef along with light conversation. While watching him leave was not my favorite thing, I am pleased to say that I tried very hard to accommodate his wishes for a relaxing holiday, and think by and large, I, and certainly not me alone, managed to accomplish just that.

Many thanks to Charissa who had to juggle home life, and the office on her own as Neil was away in England on a family emergency. Amy who arranged her days off to include time here with my Dad, when I know she uses those week days off to accomplish tasks and goals. Brandon, Jordan and Donovan for being so flexible with bedtimes, playtime with freinds etc. to include going with mom to take care of the office and seeing Grandpa whenever possible. They did as they were asked and enjoyed his company without totally overwhelming him. Jeff of course for being so supportive and taking time off work, and away from SCUBA. Stephanie, for being so generous to offer the ticket so that he might take the long journey to see us, as a thank you for the tireless hours he spent helping her to live a dream. And last, but certainly not least, my Dad who endured uncomfortable plane rides, coughing people, lousy "food" just to come and see all of us and I think, even grew to like Finnegan:-)

Monday July 19th

Today was busy and I felt bad having to leave Dad the day before he left, but duty calls even when I wish it wouldn't. Sunday was quiet as I recall because I was busy preparing for work on Monday. Fortunately I was able to get home in the afternoon between appointments.

I went to work Monday after making breakfast. When I returned home the boys, Jeff and Dad that is, were playing Cribbage.



Charissa and little ones arrived to spend part of the day with Grandpa too as they were uncertain whether they would make it over to see him on Tuesday, his departure day. Dad drew on the white board with Jordan and Brandon. It was nice to see him sharing the same entertainment with my grandchildren as he did with me.

Still, my favorite thing was returning home to find my Dad and Jeff watching a movie and laughing at the same part so hard, they didn't even realize I had taken this picture.

Golf?

Today we played on the pro courses, all 18 holes, okay miniaturized to 14% of their original size, and with carpeting instead of grass, and shag carpet instead of sand, BUT the grass was real around the greens and the water very real.







Dad and Jeff started the day with Cribbage on the deck, the sun was shining and the view was great. Should we ever decide to move,the view is one thing I shall miss. You can see a bit of it here in the picture. On a clear day you can even see the top 1/3 of Mt. St. Helen's. I digress, they started off playing Cribbage on the deck, I brought coffee, or tea and did laundry.



Mid-morning, I decided that the weather was just perfect to get Dad out and about as he had been receiving visitors all week, but had very little time out. There is a little miniature golf course that I thought might be fun. The bonus was that they had a restaurant on site, as it is also a driving range and full golf course. Dad seemed to enjoy 9 holes with a break for lunch in between. It seemed he had enough after 18 holes and was in dire pain so we returned home so that he might rest. Still, pain aside, he did seem to enjoy himself.

My favorite was seeing a glimpse of the vibrant character I grew up with, that all my friends envied my Dad over their hardworking sometime dour fathers. In the picture above one cannot tell whether he is playing baseball of golf.

The boys wear out Dad

Friday the 16th the morning was quiet and pleasant. We spent the morning playing Scrabble, a favorite of my Dad's; I do beleive it ranks right up there with Cribbage. Brandon won Scrabble fair and square with just a hint or two from Dad.




After Scrabble I went to prepare lunch while Charissa went to get Jordan from climbing camp. Dad took a siesta before lunch...---------------->PROOF:-)









Upon Jordan's return the relative silence was broken! We ate lunch and the boys played with toys I have stored over here. I have a bin of toys that are beads, and the like.









Brandon decided to model them, or be a tree? I am not sure.






Donovan decided to eat them...>


Jordan decided what fun it would be to drape them over Grandpa Vergara...
all in all, great fun...great memories!

Australia abounds

Though Brandon had to wait to share his trip with Grandpa Vergara, it turned out for the better as that day Amy was able to come and visit Dad so she got to see Brandon's pictures and hear the narrative as well. Jordan was in camp again making it feasible to hear Brandon narrate his photos. We all sat around and watched as he described his trip in detail. I loved watching Dad show or at least feign genuine interest in Brandon's trip and photos. He is always very good at tuning in and making the other person feel really important.

Brandon always kind of takes a back seat to his younger brothers excitement and demand for attention. It was great to see him get top banana for a morning, although we all turned our attention away for a moment to see Donovan the youngest chewing on Finnegan's dog bone.

After they went to get Jordan from camp and head back to their home, Amy Jeff and Dad got to share some quiet time and Amy and Dad seemed to grow closer. I enjoyed watching the interaction betwixt them as though they have known each other for more than half a lifetime for Amy, but they never got the opportunity to really become acquainted. Jeff in his usual grace would interject here and there and facilitate conversation but never intruded.

We had a great time playing games, chatting, eating together and just hanging out.