Jack's 6th birthday

For Jack's birthday we went to Voodoo Donuts, a Portland must-visit.  We were lucky enough to have our great friends, the Lovetts, here for a visit.  Pictured below from left to right:  Extreme sprinkles, crushed oreo, bubblegum and marshmallows.  (The kids are:  Annika, Ava, Lena, and Jack)

We held Jack's birthday party at the neighborhood swimming pool again this year.  It wasn't as hot as last year, but good enough for swimming. 

This summer Jack has really enjoyed snorkeling in the pool...

and he thinks crabs are funny!

We all had a good day,

 even Betsy got a special new haircut for the occasion.

Playing in the surf

Last week we went to Short Sands beach with some friends. We enjoyed the waves with Boogie Boards and Mat, Ava, and Jack tried the surf board. Mat was the only one of the three that was able to stand. I think he's getting the hang of it.

What we've been doing

Each of these probably should have had it's own post, if I wasn't such a slacker.

Easter

Grandma Vicki came for a visit

Jack's last day of preschool

Ava's last day of 2nd grade

We put in a big window in the basement...

and finished the basement (finally!!)

Grandma Dolly and Papa Jim came for a visit

Jack lost his first tooth

A few other things that have been keeping us busy.

• Preparing the backyard for a landscaping renovation, which includes digging out bamboo and ripping out the old deck.
• The kids have been involved in piano lessons, swimming lessons and tennis lessons. (I'll add pictures of that later this week.)
• Mat took Ava on her first backpacking trip. They went with one of Ava's friends and her dad for an overnight. They hiked in 2 miles, jumped in the Salmon River (which was freezing), and had a great time.

check out the new slide show for additional pictures