HIllsboro Hops, part II

As part of our Hillsboro Hops package we "won" at the St. Matthew Auction, we had a 2nd game available to us.  We had 10 seats total, PLUS a great tailgater before the game.  We decided to take the family, plus a pair of friends to fill in for grammae and papa, who had other commitments that night.

First we met at a school parent's house in town.  It was a beautiful setting!  The house was brand-new and the highlight was a fantastic outdoor patio kitchen and backyard:

I was totally drooling, and it wasn't because of the food.
~I want this outdoor kitchen!!!!~

The food and the company were both great.

We didn't know child care would be included!
(My friends Gus and Kerry were helping with the tailgater,
and they couldn't keep their hands off of Celeste.)

On our way to the game.  I was the designated driver.  :o)

great seats on first base

We got on "TV" a lot!

It was a beautiful night.
(Is it bad that I don't remember who won?)

James had wanted his ball (from the other night) signed by more players.  I am a bad mom and I didn't want to do it.  ;o)  But Nicole is always game for something crazy--she is so nice!!  So Marcus gave her the ball and she went right up to the dugout to wait for players:

getting the ball signed by one of the star players

He is a cutie!!!

(on an unrelated note, I REALLY want to host a player
at our house next year….)  ;o)

It was a great night--a lot of fun!

Bunny's riding lessons

Bunny has been asking forEHver to take riding lessons, and I've always pushed her requests aside.  I didn't really want to get caught up in the horse world and have to navigate through all its demands on time and money.  But I DID want her to be around horses and to have some fun in a barn…so I kept an open mind and even considered seeking out some local lessons.

But as often happens with me…something landed in my lap!  My friend Angela has an adult daughter who is excellent with horses and who has begun to take on students for lessons.  The barn is very close to us, and it's not a "horse show barn" with crazy demands and high pressure.  Even better, Kendra agreed that we can take lessons only 2x a month (instead of the usually 4x a month) so that it isn't a strain on my calendar.  Perfect!!

Bunny has been really enjoying her time at the barn.  Kendra is a tough teacher but that means Bunny is learning a lot.  Teva is a great horse for Bunny--not exactly "push-button" but still very well trained so that a beginner can ride.  And the barn is small (about 5 horses) but still "large" with a fantastic indoor arena and all the amenities of a larger operation.

Here are some pics of one of Bunny's first lessons:

Usually one of the kids comes to watch.

some groundwork

in the saddle

learning about the tack

Bunny is all smiles!

Happy Fourth!

Happy Fourth!!

…of July, that is!  (Ok, it's only 2 months ago.  I've been busy.)

;o) 

Just wanted to get these pics in for posterity.  

Burn Ban = no illegal fireworks ;o)

Hillsboro Hops with the kids

At last spring's school auction, Marcus and I won a Hillsboro Hops package.  One of the items in the package was a 4-person event with tickets and a behind-the-scenes tour.  What a great opportunity!  We knew the older kids would love it so we took them with us.

First was the tour under the stadium.  We learned that there are 6 levels of pro baseball, and the Hops are the 2nd level, with the Arizona Diamondbacks being the 6th/top level.  Players are happy to play in Hillsboro because of the fantastic community support and the brand-new facilities.  Also--the Portland area is hard to beat for youngsters like these ball players.  :o)

the dugout, after touring the training facilities (they wouldn't
let us take photos down there)

on the field

great seats!  And I was happy that we were behind the net.

7th Inning Stretch

mascot (we call him Hoppy--not sure what his
real name is--maybe that's it!)

He came up to give high-fives!

James got a signature after the game

We had a lot of fun--it was a great family atmosphere.  This is definitely something we want to do every summer!

Seddy's 3-year drs. visit

I just HAD to post more pictures of Sedric's drs. visit, because they're so darn cute!!

I love it when my little kids are docile…even
if it only lasts a few minutes...

baby and helper

"Raise your hand when you hear the beep!"

Time for Dr. Shah (Mariposa took the pics)

normal

As chaotic as that last picture looks (and yes, that IS normal), it wasn't a bad visit!  Dr. Shah is great and his office is very very close.  He never pushes any optional treatments but he does answer my questions honestly and often answers with the framework of "what would I do for my daughters?" (he has 2 young girls).  Great experience all around.  :o)

some fun in July

Aackkk!  I haven't downloaded photos in a month!!

Here's some fun from the first half of July:

Bunny started taking lessons--here she is, meeting her horse
Teva for the first time.

Mass at Migrant Ministry

Hillsboro Hops baseball with Bunny, James,
and Celeste

Sed 3 yr drs appt.

lazy days of summer (by Gemma)

4th of July parade

4th of July pool party

another Hops game (adults only!)

tomatoes came early

garden is doing well

Migrant Ministry bingo

Mrs. N picking plums for the kids, after they exhausted
all the low-hanging ones

visiting Tess at the farmer's market