RoyalMom

We have to go around from the front to get to the backyard while the deck is in progress...our dog Luke has escaped a few times with the kids going through the gate, not paying attention.

We've bailed him out of the pound once and a couple times he came back quickly on his own. This time he's been gone a few hours and it is dark now:( Waaaah! Where are you dog?

I'm going to be heartbroken if something happens to him. He's 8 years old and our first baby.

The kids took this pic of him earlier today...

He was picked up across the busy road. Thank goodness he's okay! I picked him up and went straight to the Pet Smart to replace his lost tag.

Now if we can just get the stairs and rails finished up on the deck so the kids aren't having to use the gate.

My friend Barbra married her long time beau, Chris, today. It was so nice! We still have to party it up at the Fez club tonight.

Barbra and Chris's wedding had the usual ceremony and reception in the afternoon and then an "after party" at the club.

Jason and I enjoyed the night of dancing and drinks, chatting and snuggling.

A cool bunch of people...

I have NEVER eaten a Sloppy Joe in my life. I don't know what they are and they always seemed...well, sloppy. But I found a recipe for lentil sloppy joes and I love lentils so I thought I'd give it a go. WOW! Only two ingredients, easy to whip up in the crock pot and super delicious over a whole wheat bun. You could make your own sauce but the canned stuff is very low cal and zero fat.

Xander made a cake and couldn't get enough leverage to pour the batter from the table, since he is still a little height challenged. We moved his operation to the floor and I had to snap a pic. Do you think this would pass a food handlers inspection?

Two of my brothers had birthdays this month. We didn't exactly celebrate with them but we still had some cake in their honor. hehe!

The kids and I did a small hike today. I've been meaning to try a more adventurous outing with the kids and it went well. Simon (and Xander) is getting a little bigger now and single parent outings might be able to go a little longer than the usual stuff.

Just for fun, we conquered these steps.

water backpack and snacks:)

and look how big the chicks are getting! Two are definitely looking roo-ish. Only the little all-black chick is a lady. Mama hen is still tending to them around the clock.

Isaac asked if we could go camping. I'm guessing most people would say it's too late to get a camping site booked on a friday afternoon before a holiday weekend? Not us! Jason found us a spot at the Cascade Locks KOA. Not too far from home and the blaring trains, every hour just a short walk from our sleeping heads didn't stop us.

We enjoyed the walks along the Columbia river and the beautiful Columbia Gorge views.

Bridge of the Gods...

this spot was so windy, Xander had to feel it blow through his hair and WIDE open mouth. LOL!

lots of fishing poles in the water along here.

From the campgrounds we could venture over the train tracks, over this lumberyard/quarry to a path that runs along the river. The kids were certain the huge pile of gravel was left specifically for them to jump on.

Master of the fire and important jobs such as acquiring hot dogs and froofy alcoholic beverages...