spring breakers

Posted on April 1, 2013 by burpobanter

Last week we joined the gazillions of families who use their little ones’ spring break as an opportunity for some family togetherness. We feel lucky that we don’t have to venture far for great vacation options. We passed up the ever-popular Sunriver for Brasada Ranch in the Powell Butte area outside of Bend. Despite some bumps during the booking process and pre-arrival, I can’t think of many bad things to say about it once we were on the property. It was great.

After five(ish) days of R&R, we returned to gorgeous weather in Portland over the weekend. Our second Easter in our home with the gift of sunshine and perfect temperatures. It was a lovely week, and very appreciated time as we return to our day jobs, volunteer work for two upcoming schools events, and the start of Little League and swimming again this week. I think it’s going to be a busy spring.

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doing my job for me

Posted on August 2, 2012 by burpobanter

I suggested to Ian tonight that maybe he’d like to read Elena a bedtime story and he happily took me up on it. Of course for once she did not pick Harold and the Purple Crayon. Figures.

what’s wrong with this picture?

Posted on July 1, 2012 by burpobanter

Elena likes putting on her sunglasses (and taking them off, and putting them on, and taking them off…), but for some reason usually puts them on upside down. One morning last week I was driving she and Ian to their respective camp/daycare locations when I couldn’t help but snap this picture at a stoplight. I must admit it might be one of my favorite impromptu pics of her yet.

morning sun

Posted on May 25, 2012 by burpobanter

I think this is my favorite room in the house right now, especially in the morning sunlight with everything blooming outside. (Wallpaper: Graham & Brown Darcy; Paint: Benjamin Moore Castle Gate; couch and chair from consignment store)

i never promised you a rose garden…or did i?

Posted on May 19, 2012 by burpobanter

It’s apparent that the elderly couple who owned our home previous to us really loved roses. The window next to the front door is stained glass featuring a rose, and just off the back deck they dedicated a whole little area – complete with pavers going through the middle – to their own version of Portland’s rose garden. Perhaps they took the whole “City of Roses” thing to heart. Whatever it was, like the rest of our garden, the roses are all starting to come into bloom and wow – what fun. We pulled out some bud vases and are just now starting to enjoy fresh roses in the house, but aside from that – seeing them blooming in the yard is fun. I mean, who doesn’t like the look and smell of a blooming rose?