Chatterbox

Our sweet niece Emerson was saying lots of words when we saw her last at Thanksgiving, but now she is chattering away in full sentences! It's especially irresistable when she says something which seems to be far beyond her two-and-a-half years in her cute little voice. One of our favorites, "That's an excellent idea, Mommy." Or when we were playing nap, she patted the pillow and said to me in a soft, soothing voice, "Put your head down here, Tia Mia." I love hearing her call us by our aunt and uncle names: Tia Mia and Uncage (taken from Goosage, a form of Eric's nickname, Goose).

This video is from Em's first game of Candyland, which Ann and I found at a local thrift store. Emerson got pretty excited. Every time she'd draw a card and be asked what it was, she'd say "square!" In this one, I think she was combining "square" and "green." No long narratives here, but you can hear her say "Tia Mia" at the end :) So sweet.

Relaxing like it's our job

Our week with Eric's family north of Spokane was a much-needed respite from work and challenges and day-to-day responsibilities and working out--oops, didn't really mean for that last one to be so, but it was. It is such a gift to have unscheduled days with leisurely breakfasts on the deck and days with agenda items like farmers market and golf and nap.

Here are some things our days were filled with...

Local commerce, music and produce.

Candyland (niece Emerson's first time).


Golf. I liked it the first few times that I played, but now I fear that I am really hooked!

Yummy food!

Gorgeous views.

This is the view from the site where Mike and Tanya are about to start construction on their new house! Incredible spot just outside of a small town and not too far from Spokane.

Sleeping! I really should have taken a picture in my bathrobe for all the time I spent with it on!

Ice Cream. Ann got my favorite (and hers)--Tillamook Mudslide. I think Em liked it ok, too.

Hanging out.

Have I mentioned all the delicious food?

Flying in Brody's plane. Though I battled queasiness on this windy ride with bumps galope, it was a spectacular adventure. More on this flight later!

Working on the lake cabin--Mike and Tanya had done lots and then the boys went back for a work day while we were there. The floor used to be battleship gray and the ceiling was covered in stained whitish tiles. It's becoming a bright and cheery little place.

Looking cute. Well, that was mostly just Emerson.

Golf cart rides! Em yelled instructions: "Faster!" "Slower!" "Go right!" (pointing left). "Go slowly, Tia Mia!" And she showed her approval through giggles.

Playing. Silly Uncage.

Exploring little towns.

Oh, and eating.

But no matter how fabulous our time away is, my heart swells with joy each time we come around this bend and see Mt. Hood for the first time. It is a clear sign that we are almost there--home.

Creation Vacation

Eric and I recently spent three days at Camp Magruder for Creation Vacation, a family camp for Latino families in our community that I have deaned for two years now. It is a wonderful couple of days full of fun camp activities and of relationship-building. I wrote about it and posted tons of pictures today on my ministry blog: Historias de Transformacion.

Hello, goodbye

Jessica moved to Oregon from Nashville about a year ago and we met through a friend of a friend. After our first coffee at Ava Roasteria where we knew we had lots in common, we've visited over many cups of coffee, enjoying getting to know one another and introducing each other to new favorites in the area--she said I would love Insomnia Coffee (I do) and I insisted that she try the milkshakes at Burgerville (she did). And now she is heading East again to attend graduate school and be closer to family. I'm thankful that our lives have intersected for this short period of time and that I'll have a friend in Pittsburg and Nashville when I ever get around to visiting those places :) I'll miss you Jessica!

As a going away lunch, we went to the Vita Cafe in the Alberta Arts District in North Portland and then wandered about an enjoyed the gorgeous day and cool shops. I could totally see living in that neighborhood!