October 11, 2011

When I got the catalog for the Fall classes at the East Portland Community Center this year, the class listings were particularly interesting to me. See Alex turned two in September. There aren’t many classes and activities available for kids younger than two, but at two years of age, Alex is now old enough to choose from a few of the classes the center has available. Since Alex loves balls, the choice was a no brainer. I signed Alex up for “Balls! Balls! Balls!.” We signed up for the Tuesday session which ran from October 11 until November 8.

November 20, 2011

One of the first things strangers say when they walk into my house is often something like “So, you like horses…” It isn’t much of a stretch when you see the horse paintings and figures that decorate my house. Anyone who knows me, knows I have a horse of my own as well.

So when I heard Cavalia was coming to town, I really wanted to go. I had read about the show in several of my horse magazines, and I do love horses. The only problem is the show is very expensive. And while a common misconception is that you have to be rich to own a horse, a more accurate observation is that you will always be broke if you have a horse.

October 30, 2011

I have a good memory of going to Chuck E Cheese’s as a kid. I can’t remember any specifics, I think I only went once for another kid’s birthday party, but the thought of going to Chuck E Cheese’s makes me smile.

The bowling alley where my husband, Brian, bowls each week is located across the street from a Chuck E Cheese’s. Alex goes to the bowling alley with his dad every week, though Alex plays with his grandma while the adults bowl. Alex loves bowling, even though he has not had the chance to bowl in the real alley yet. He has a toy bowling set (Sponge Bob) and loves to draw and sculpt bowling balls and pins. So Brian and I have been wanting to take him to the alley some time when he would be able to bowl.

November 5, 2011

Alex loves trains. We went and rode on Thomas the Train earlier this year and have since accumulated a small collection of Thomas trains and videos. Recently I found a collection of model railroad DVD’s at a thrift store called “I Love Toy Trains.”. The DVD’s are very interesting and fun to watch.

Of course I am not surprised Alex is fascinated by trains. His grandfather is too. My dad had a small toy train set up in the basement when we were growing up. I remember watching the trains go around the miniature landscape with all the amazing tiny details.

October 8, 2011

Saturday was beautiful sunny day, so I gathered up Alex and his grandparents Kathy and Wayne and we headed out to Liepold Farms pumpkin patch in Boring, Oregon. This was our first visit to Liepold Farms. Last year Alex and I went to Fir Point Farms and had a great time, but with so many pumpkin patches in the area, I want to visit a different one each year.

Halloween is just around the corner and it’s time to start thinking about getting a pumpkin. Picking out a pumpkin is a great family activity, plus while you are at the farm, you can navigate a corn maze, pet farm animals, enjoy fall treats, and more. Here is a list of some of the area’s pumpkin patches.

Albeke Farms
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9-7, Sat. 9-5, Sun. 12-5
Activities: U-pick and fresh pumpkins, vegetables, and fruit, and crafts.
Location: 16107 S Wilson Road, Oregon City, 503-632-3989

Sunriver is a four hour drive from Portland, which is just a little too far to be a good day trip. Luckily there is plenty of room available to rent in the resort for overnight stays or people who enjoy camping can find a spot in the nearby Deschutes National Forest.

I took Alex to Sunriver recently to visit with my family who were in town for the Sunriver Music Festival (my sister was performing with the orchestra this year). We drove to Sunriver Tuesday, August 16. Alex slept most of the drive, waking up in Redmond. We stopped for lunch when he woke up then completed the drive without further stops.

August 22, 2011

Weekdays are a great time to visit the Portland Children’s Museum because the crowds are considerably smaller than they are on the weekend. I took Alex, my sister, my 3 ½ year old niece, my cousin, and her 3 year old daughter to the museum this last Monday. Having a membership to the museum really paid for itself as we saved a bundle on admission.

August 2, 2011

Summer has finally arrived in Portland, and it sure took its time about coming this year! It is very difficult to stay pent up in the house when the weather is so beautiful outside. After sitting at the computer working for an hour or so this morning, I broke down and asked Alex if he would like to go to the park. Stupid question, of course he would!

July 30, 2011

I first heard about the Great Oregon Steam-Up last fall when I took Alex and my parents to Antique Powerland. Antique Powerland hosts the annual event each year on the last weekend of July and the first weekend of August. The popular event features operating antique farm and steam equipment, trucks, a large model railroad, and more.

My parents were not able to make it to the Steam-Up this year, but my husband Brian, his parents, my son Alex, and I all went on Saturday morning. We parked in a grassy field and walked over to the event, though there was a vehicle giving rides to and from the parking lot. Admission to the event was $10 each (cash), and kids under 12 were free.