Last Sunday of summer

Quick trip to Jantzen Beach

The boys and I drove the convertible to church with the top down.  When we left church we went out for the 5 for $5 cheeseburgers at Burgerville. Then we headed north to the Petco at Jantzen Beach. Even though the mall itself has been demolished there are still many stores open as the sign indicates.

Charred remains

 When Har and I had dinner with his brothers at the Quay we looked across the river at this vacant hotel and were remembering what a beautiful place it was and how sad it was to see it empty and dark. Well it wasn't dark early Sunday morning... the old Thunderbird Hotel was burning! They don't know what started the fire as it's still under investigation.

Open - Open - Open, Please

Here are a few pictures of the new Target store on Hayden Island. It won't be open for a couple of months yet but it was sort of cool to be driving on a newly paved road to get this view.  We drove right through where the old mall was.  

 Petco Pal

Cam was keeping the new fish from being bounced around too much on our ride home. 

Hayden was taking pictures for me since I was driving.

 A new resident needs a new residence. The plecostomus we bought is hiding under one of the cave type structures.  I'm sure he or she will be out and getting acquainted with the neighbors before too long.

The Rose Quarter

 I got to take some pictures on our way out to get the kids. All of the mountains were out yesterday. We saw the top of Rainier and Adams as well as St Helens and Hood from the Fremont bridge.

Two teeth gap

 You have to look really closely but there is a tongue showing through where there once were two teeth on top. It's surprising how different she sounds with that second one gone. She's gonna be lisping her way into first grade.

Only two days away!

It was a sunny day and after we picked up the kids we had to run to Freddies. I've never seen a yellow car cart but it seemed appropriate with the whole back to school themed displays all over. 

 This is the first year, ever, that I'll be packing lunches. I'll be doing some recipe searches for kid friendly and nutritious shelf stable stuff.

New McDonald's in the area

Joylynn wanted us to see the new McDonald's not far from their house. She ran in to get something for her own supper, since Jess was working late.  We parked in the shade and waited near this water feature. You could tell by looking around that, this wasn't one of our urban McD's.  Not even close to a  sub-urban one.  We were getting out to a rural area. Milk can fountains? What will they think of next?

 Look at that pouty face! Somebody was complaining because I moo-ved into the drivers seat after getting out to take a picture of the milk cans. I guess he figured Grampa should be sitting there.

Our California traveler is back!

Courtney flew back to Portland last night from San Diego. She had a great time traveling down through Oregon and the entire length of California with Cherise and the kids as Kiel drove the moving truck. 

Thanks for giving her the opportunity for such a big adventure K&C!

Hayden was helpful and went to pick up Courtney's suitcase off of the conveyor belt at baggage claim. I don't think he realized that people might think her heart covered luggage was his.  They probably thought to themselves..."He has a very pretty suitcase." It sure was easy to spot though! 

It's good to have everyone back home 

and ready for back-to-school.

I'm looking forward to having a routine again.