summer's over already??

School started on the 7th so I guess it really is over. July & August seemed to be a blur of ballet classes, performances & camp, and more classes. We did get a 2 week break at the end of August - one of those weeks we spent in AZ. Here's a quick run down of some summer highlights:

~ thru most of July & August, Amy took ballet class with 3 different schools/instructors so there was lots of scheduling and driving. We are so happy that everything in Bend is within a 15 minute drive. I did a lot of reading while waiting between classes.

~ Our nephew, Mike, was on a cross country trip with 2 college buddies and made a stop in Bend. It was quick but so great to see him and hear some funny stories from his college cohorts.





~ Amy performed in Central Oregon School of Ballet's production of "Giselle"


~ Amy and I went to Portland in late July to join my niece, Nancy, at her wedding dress fitting. We had a great time at lunch and shopping in downtown Portland. I think Amy tried on every dress in the Betsey Johnson store!

I must say, Nan is going to be one spectacular bride! September 30th is the BIG day!

~ In August, we took Amy to Eugene for a week long dance camp at the Eugene Ballet Academy. This camp did not provide any overnight accomodations so we had to get creative. Staying in a motel for 6 nights was not in our budget and driving 2 1/2 hrs over the mountains each way for 6 days did not seem like fun so...
I put together a little advertisement asking for 'volunteers' to take our kid for a week. And the ballet school posted it on the door. We didn't get a response till the day before we were leaving. A lovely family that had a daughter attending the camp stepped up and took Amy into their home. Amy was a bit apprehensive but she ended up having a wonderful time and has made a good friend in the deal.



~ Our big project this summer involved tiling the dining room floor. When we bought our house we knew we would want to replace the crummy carpet eventually and so we started with the smallest room. Of course, Dan did most of the hard labor - and it was alot of work! But it is beautiful - so worth the effort. Now onto the family room...




~ Earlier this year Dan & I started volunteering at The Giving Plate, a local food pantry. Our involvement has gradually increased to the point now that Dan is the Chairman of the Board of Directors. In these hard economic times, we are seeing that more and more people are finding themselves in need of a little help and we have the time and desire to help out. Amy has also found time to get involved, so it is truly a family affair.

~ The last week of August we spent at a time share in Sedona, AZ. Here is a slide show of our trip.

Another free picture slideshow by Smilebox

Amy has finished her 1st week of High School. She may even go to her 1st football game tonight - Go Bend High Lava Bears!! -
Of course, Dan is thrilled that college football is finally here. His beloved Ducks didn't fare too well in their opening game but there is always tomorrow!

As Coach Kelly says, "Win the Day!"