Some Things Never Change

Oh those Cougs. Since I had taken Nat and J on their Father/Daughter trips it was time to do the same with Cade. We had originally planned a camping trip but due to football commitments and Labor Day reservations we had to make alternate plans which turned out to be a trip to Seattle to watch the Gridiron Classic - OSU vs. WSU. The Cougs still do those things that make you sick to your stomach - jump offsides, false starts, personal fouls that take away momentum, missed extra points, special teams breakdowns, and dropped passes. Ahhh, just like old times. Afterwards, we visited a favorite restaurant in Seattle where I asked Cade his favorite part of the game...."Being with you," he replied. Took the words right out of my mouth.

Recapture the Wonder

A favorite author of mine, Ravi Zacharias, wrote a book that is the same as the title of this post. On the cover it has a picture similar to this one. I'll let you read the book and draw your own conclusions but worship is a central theme. Realizing how small we are and embracing that sense of awe and mystery coupled with a response of worship brings meaning and purpose to our lives. Good stuff.

Talons

Napoleon would be impressed with this guy's talons. We took the kids to the zoo here in Portland and they did a bird demonstration which is when I was able to snap a picture of Baldy here. I must say that they are very intimidating. Anyway, a beautiful bird indeed.

Canal Pointe Blvd.

The title says it all. I like the lines.

Getting Ready For Fall

One of the things I will miss the most about the East coast is the changing of the colors in the fall. With my job starting soon (well, in about a month) and fall sports starting and school just around the corner fall will be here SOON. I snapped this picture the first September we were in Princeton when the colors were amazing. Hopefully, I'll get some color-full pictures of the Gorge this fall.

Falls 2

Since a lot of people seemed to like the last picture of "the falls" I thought I'd add another. I took Nat on a "father/daughter" weekend and we found this place called Bushkill Falls in Pennsylvania. It was a neat little hike with a number of pretty waterfalls. We followed that up with a visit to the Crayola Factory. Nat did a great job hiking around the falls - A LOT OF STAIRS!

Re-visit

There is this little place in Amish country Pennsylvania that we first visited when Cade was a little over one year old. We ate dinner there with Sarah's dad, fed some goats, and saw this sign by the road. Back then, I was taking pictures with my first SLR camera - the Minolta Vectis APS SLR. My how technology has changed. That camera ended up being my first sale on ebay.
We visited the same place with friends during our time in Princeton and I have to say I was a little nostalgic. Here is the sign along with a couple of Amish carts and buggies.

A Photo You Wish To See Hmmm

This is actually two pictures stitched together. I was proud of myself for getting the exposure and level right and finally being able to stitch two pictures together and then I met Joey. Joey is about 50 levels higher in photographic ability than I am and he showed me a photo stitch that he did consisting of 40 pictures. FORTY! In other words, Joey is like Yoda and I am like Luke. May the force be with you.

CRW Night

This was taken just outside our front door in Princeton. Nice sky, bright moon, the lingering smell of BBQ, and mosquitoes nipping at your heels. Ahhh, the memories.

Jersey Dew

Sarah said today that she liked this picture so I'm putting it out here for you too. I noticed one fall morning as we went out to the playground in Princeton that water droplets had formed on some of the leaves and so I just took some pics while the kids played. There never seemed to be a shortage of water in New Jersey. I now know what the word "saturation" means.

All Work and No Play

We visited this playground today by the Portland Rose Garden. Sarah's cousin had said it was "the biggest play structure in the Northwest." NOT. Anyway, the kids lasted about 15 minutes there and then we went to a fountain to cool off. Word on the street is that it rains a lot in Portland. It has rained about a total of 2 hours since we moved here in mid June. Is this the calm (and HOT) before the storm? I happened to get this kinda cool picture of part of the "biggest play structure in the Northwest."

Blast From the Past

Every Christmas we had this tradition of going to the forest outside of Naches Washington and cutting down our Christmas tree with friends. Whether there was snow on the ground (most common) or not, it was always cold - this explains why Jlyn looks like the Michelin Man or maybe that kid from the movie "A Christmas Story." When it's 40 degrees out nothing beats a campfire, some hot soup, and being dressed in 27 layers.

Garden of Eden?

This picture is from an incredible place we visited in New Jersey - Longwood Gardens. I think it was Natalie that asked the question, "Is this the Garden of Eden?" It really was a neat place to visit complete with a lot of lit up trees. If you're in the area it is worth your time.

Cape Cod

This is a shot of some rocks on Cape Cod. It's a beautiful place and there is a great little ice cream place in the town of Brewster where we stayed. Ice cream and beach - you can't do much better than that.

Winter in August

I was going through old pictures today and ran across this one. I know it is random but...who cares? This is Harrison (the dog) chasing the ball (tennis) thrown by Jonathan (from Texas). I like that all three made it into the frame. Grab a cup of hot chocolate and throw a blanket over yourself and look at this picture for at least 2 minutes. Then go do something more worthwhile.

The Timeless Art of Seduction

I claim no rights to the photo on the left. However, I claim not only the photo, but also the stunning good looks and chiseled marble physique of the lad on the right. George Costanza has nothing on this guy. Click on the photo and get a better look.

Do I Smell?

Another day and another trip to one of Portland's great places - this time the Portland Rose Garden. I must say that I am not that into flowers but this place was impressive. Trying to get the "original" picture is something that makes the visit even more interesting. These two pics were my favorites.....the rest just looked like closeups of flowers....blah!

Save Me A Piece Of That Corn

While in Princeton we often took the kids to Howell Living History Farm. This picture was taken one fall weekend at the farm after a hay ride. They always had great activities for the kids and really good home-made treats for me. All of the workers on the farm dressed as though they were in the 1800's so it was a little strange when we saw some of them at a Trenton Thunder game dressed as regular civilians. Once again, it is baseball that unites us all.

Rocky

On the canal in Princeton. I like the rocks.