16 November 2008

Becky has no interest in cars and Brandan has no time, so a good mechanic is essential for our family. Luckily, we have a GREAT mechanic named Bob. He's quick, knowlegeable, skilled and completely honest. On Monday, he outdid himself by dropping our van off at our front door after completing some maintenance. Good service like that is priceless!


The kids were out of school on Tuesday for Veteran's Day. We went to the dedication of a memorial to Oregon's fallen combat veterans from all wars. The memorial is beautiful and such a good reminder that we live a pretty posh life at the same time Americans are risking their lives in two wars. One speaker said every combat soldier takes a bullet to the heart-- emotionally if not physically. The rain and low clouds prevented a scheduled F-16 flyover (this is the carrot Becky dangled to get the kids out there in the rain), but we were so glad we went and honored all our veterans. Sophie's friend, Rylee, came with us.


Becky's grandpa and dad both served in the Army, in the 82nd Airborne division. These are the guys who jump out of airplanes. Her grandpa served in France during World War II. The photo below is of her dad in his uniform-- so brave, young and handsome.


Thursday afternoon was beautiful and warm-- T-shirt weather-- so we went to the park. Gibson loves to go down the slide by himself, although he looks nervous in this photo as he lets go.

Saturday Brandan took the kids to the Clayfolk show, an artisan pottery exhibit. The kids had fun making their own projects out of clay. Brandan was inspired by the beautiful pieces they saw and wants to get his pottery wheel out and experiment on some plates and platters. Becky wouldn't mind-- her favorite dessert bowls are some Brandan made in college.