Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Summer in Portland


Roger and I are enjoying almost five weeks with family in Portland.





We sat in the audience section for three of Grayson's karate classes. His group of three-to-six year old boys and girls really listen and follow directions during each 45 minute session! 

We also attended the performance and graduation of all Mr. Simpson's students, including these youngsters, along with other class groups, whose students range from eight-year old kids to men and women in their 30s and 40s. This is an outstanding and very positive sport for people of all ages!







August 3 karate demonstration and graduation
Collins visits with Grandma at karate



On Saturdays this summer the Oregon Progressive Shortline Railroad offers round trip train rides from Oaks Station to the Oregon Rail Heritage Center. We sat in the caboose during the 45-minute trip to the ORHC. We disembarked at the museum with its three huge steam locomotives, a diesel engine, and a caboose you can climb around in and explore. Everyone checked out the gift shop while Collins played at a Chuggington train table. We stayed about an hour at the museum and then made the return trip to Oaks Station in the open air car directly behind the engine. Heads Up--the whistle sounds much louder when you sit next to the engine. Next time we may choose the caboose for the return trip, too.

All aboard for the Oregon Rail Heritage Center




Lavender field seen from the train

"Awesome!" is the word for this train ride.





Engine 4449

The 700 is very tall
Roger and Sean read about the museum's locomotives


Grayson said it for all of us--This is awesome!




Grayson celebrated Birthday No.5--Pizza and salad and cupcakes and ice cream. Yum!
Oh yeah . . . and presents.


Collins waits patiently for cupcake and ice cream