Autism Walkathon 2008

We participated in the Autism Society of Oregon's Annual Autism Walkathon this Sunday for the first time. Our team consisted of our brood: Mike, Cathy, Vanessa, Jack, Josie, Colette & Sassy; Grandmom & Pop, Eileen & Declan, Bern and Shawn. The walk was held at Oaks Park--a very nice setting, but the walk itself was a bit disorganized and chaotic. For a walk held for kids with Autism, the walk started late and all the kids were going crazy waiting around. All-in-all it was for a good cause, but we're hoping next year will be better!

Thank you to all who donated to our cause! Many of the donations were for Jack and in honor of Jack's late Grand-Uncle Ken whose birthday is in April.

Cannon Beach Getaway

Last weekend, we took some time out and went to Cannon Beach on the Oregon Coast. It's under 2 hours away, but a world away from our busy suburban lives. Aunt Bern and Uncle Shawn took a break and came with us for some Q.T. with the kids. We rented a modest vacation home just north of the supercute downtown area.

Rainy Saturday
Saturday couldn't have been wetter, but we ventured out to the beach anyway. The kids loved sloshing around in the rain. They don't seem to care if they are cold and wet. Amazing!

Sassy got comfortable with Mike.

Josie & Uncle Shawn killed some time during the rain to do some much needed computer work.

Sunny Sunday at the Rock

Sunday's weather cooperated with us a lot more by granting us many sun breaks. As it always is at the Oregon coast, it was windy making it seem much colder than it really is. This time we ventured closer to Cannon Beach's most popular landmark, Haystack Rock.

I have to share this story about Mike. We were staring at the rock and he [seriously] said: "I wonder why they call it 'Haystack Rock'". I love you, Honey, but REALLY? We all got a chuckle out of that one.

The quintesential self-portrait. My sister and I are experts. Note the perfect placement of Haystack Rock.

We LOVED the trip even though the weather was only 50/50 for us. We can't wait to go back!

Oregon Zoo, Part II: Jack's Turn

Jack is on spring break this week, so it was his turn for Mom to take him to the zoo. Here are some shots from our trip yesterday. I tried to get different aninals from my post with Vanessa. Josie got a treat and got to go to the zoo 2 weeks in a row!

Jack at the Mountain Goats

Visit to the sea lions

The black sun bear was out!

Giddy-up!

Jack and the ducks

Jack and the turtles

Sleeping beavers!

Jack and Jos

Playful Polar Bears!

Orangatans close up

Really big male orangatan

Visiting the Chimps

Holy Hippos!

Josie and the kelp forest

Two sleeping leopards!

(I called them Jaguars last time, I stand corrected.)

And of course, the self portrait

Thanks to all the animals for a great time!

Colette then Jackie-boy

Here's just a little bit of video of Colette (Mike in the background) in her supersaucer. Jack comes in a bit later with his Care Bears. This is just a little taste of our silly house.

Vanessa's Piano Recital

Vanessa has been taking piano lessons for nearly 3 years now. She was slow to really, truly enjoy it, but in the last 6 months she has embraced it. This is her most recent recital earlier this month.