Pure Fun

We went to Hood River this past weekend to visit our friends, Kevin and Melissa. On Saturday night we went to an event at the waterfront park. The evening was perfect. The sun was shining, there was a light breeze and a fabulous playground that the girls could not get enough of!

Pearl mastered the "baby" climbing wall in minutes and was soon climbing next to Carli on the big climbing wall. Pearl kicked and screamed when it was time to go. It was pure, unadulterated fun for the girls. I wonder why we stop having pure joy in something so simple as adults?

Weekend at the Beach

We went to Arch Cape Thursday through Sunday and had a great time. The weather was perfectly sunny three out of the four days and we felt fortunate since Oregon coast weather is typically wet, cold and windy. We ate a lot (fish and chips rule), managed to find over 50 sand dollars and score lots of salt water taffy. It did not seem to matter that the water was freezing, the girls had a great time romping and splashing in the water. Overall, a fun-filled, restful weekend with our friends Amy, Greg and Abigail.

Last Day of School

I am in shock that today is the last day of school. How is it possible that Carli is entering fourth grade in the fall??!!

Today Carli's class had an event called "Coffee House". The room was arranged as an intimate cafe with shimmering candles on each desk. The kids were dressed in black and saucily snapped their fingers when they approved of something. Each student read poems and stories they had written throughout the year.

Carli wrote about meeting her sister for the first time. I immediately had tears in my eyes. Her piece was so heartwarming. It began like this: "She touched me with her warm, delicate hand when I saw her for the first time. I looked at her and knew she would be my sister. I touched that wonderful, little girl; the little girl that I was going to spend the rest of my life with!" How could you not cry, with an opening line like that?!

Carli is a gifted writer. She knows how to write with a unique voice and chooses emotional subject matter. Carli also had a great report card.

First Recital

Carli had her first recital yesterday. She played three songs and did a great job. She also played a duet with her piano teacher. About 20 kids played and there was a little reception afterwards. Carli had a big smile on her face--she knew she played well and I think there was a bit of relief, also.

Flower Power

For the last month, Carli's class has been creating a flower shop called "The Golden Rose". They created a shop, television ads and informational posters. Carli has been really inspired by the entire exercise. Today was the grand opening so we visited the shop.