We've been doing some boating to escape the recent heat here. We are very grateful to Kenn & Barb who allow us to take it out. It is much cooler this week, much to my relief. We went out Thursday night with Brent. We have nick-named him and Dave tweedle-dee and tweedle-dum. When we were taking the boat out, Dave miscalculated the distance between the boat and dock and disappeared into the river...right in front of a restaurant packed with diners. The kids loved that one. Then, not ten minutes later, Brent lost his footing getting out of the boat while it was on the trailer and landed flat on his back on the pavement. That wasn't funny until we realized he wasn't hurt...then it was hilarious.

We went out again on Friday and Saturday - this time we met some friends. They took us to a sandy beach down the Columbia - we anchored way out and walked into the beach - lots of shallow area. About an hour into the day, I watched as an older couple strolled down the beach to the water. Nothing unusual - except that they were completely naked. Turns out this beach was a popular spot for nudists. We all took it in stride - until some guy (naked, of course) decided to walk right up to us and remind us, on behalf of the Oregon Nudist Society, to pick up our garbage before we left. Yes - it's very important to keep the beach clean for the nudies - nevermind the psychological damage my children suffer staring at this middle-aged man with no clothes on. It's ironic how the people who elect to take off all their clothes in public - are the very ones who really shouldn't. My favorite part of the day was hearing Parker say, "Look, Mom - the nudes are in the water!" Priceless.

Isaac is 13. He had a great birthday. Thanks for all his well-wishes. He is going out for football this year - starts next week. If there are any bits of advice for my 80 lb. son who is going to play tackle football, please share.

Morgan lost a front tooth. The tooth fairy promptly delivered a dollar to her - only to realize in the morning that this particular dollar had a message written on the top: Call for a good time: 503-254-.... Now Morgan insists we need to call because it is a message from the tooth fairy.

We go to Phantom of the Opera tomorrow night. Morgan has requested that she be made to look like Christine. Wish me luck.

Hood to Coast is Friday. We feel ready, training wise - but we have much to do before we are ready to be in a car for 30+ hours, running a relay. I am thankful that there are so many familiar faces in our van: Dave, Kenn (our fearless driver), Paige, Meagan (Brooke's sister) & Voss (friend from ward). My first leg takes me through downtown Portland at about 11 pm- lots of turns and opportunity to get off course - so I have been memorizing my route. I think it will be a great experience.

Keep the blogs comin'.

Adina

If you look closely enough, you can catch a glimpse of some 'nudes' in the background. :)

Morgan - minus a tooth.