August Play Day

Kylah & Kallie came over on Wednesday to play with us. We picked up Kylah from Cheerleading Camp, oh the memories...

she's so cute, little and happy!

When we got home, she showed off some of her moves so that I could take pictures.

Then she showed us a stunt.

Then she wanted to teach Makena some moves.

I think I have a picture of Dylona & I just like this!

Kallie-Bug We had snacks, played outside, painted our nails, blew bubbles and made pictures with side-walk chalk. Many more great 'reasons to smile'!

A couple of pictures that Makena took in the morning.

It's always fun to see what pictures she takes.

Walden Island 75, 76 & 77

Jamie and I headed back up to the lake early Friday evening. When we arrived, our neighbors were preparing for the Walden Island Fundraiser - 17th Annual Walden Island High Tea and 11th Annual Walden Island Beef & Brew - both benefit the Castle Rock Children's Clothes Closet. I helped arrange some of the flowers and did what I could to help. Then I got up early the next morning to take pictures of everything.

This is my favorite place setting.

If I actually attend the tea next year, this is where I want to sit.

KC hand painted each menu. Her mom, Lorriane, had always done this for the menus and invitations. KC had asked her to design this year's before she passed away - making it so much more memorable.

The Tea Girls' Table and gifts

some of the Tea Girls found the pond

off to the Beef & Brew

Because this is a fundraiser, several items were donated for raffle prizes. This seemed to be where they raised the most money. Also, one of the neighbors on the island owns and printing shop and designs tshirts, hats and tank tops for the event this year. The 2009 had "I'll Fly Away" on them - a song that was sung at Lorraine's funeral. We purchased our first Walden Island tshirts this year.

A lot of great food was donated and prepared for the BBQ - as well as some good beer! I think I sat next to the keg too long tho! (Yes...there is such a thing.)

We were eager to help with this fundraiser, and can't wait until next year. (Yes - there are more things to volunteer for!) I've already been invited to be the 'official photographer' and help out as much as possible.

We had a wonderful breakfast with other islanders on Sunday and then most of us went back for naps. Lots more great reasons to smile...

Walden Island Days 71 - 74

After the Beaverton Relay, Makena and I picked up Hailee. She stayed with us at the lake until Tuesday. Again, a lot more swimming and tubing! The girls also spent time reading, playing board games, walking and talking (about stuff I wasn't supposed to hear).

Then I drove so that Jamie and Hailee could go tubing. (Makena had enough for the year.) I'm not the best driver yet, so I think I just beat them up. They fell off a couple of times and got back on, and also said that they had fun, so who knows. Makena took the following pictures.

Makena and Hailee love to swim, so they spent a lot of time in the water and jumping off the trampoline. We did go out in the boat a couple of times, but they decided not to go out on the wave runners this time.

Lily decided to come back out in the boat with us

Beaverton Relay For Life

Makena and I drove in from the lake early Saturday morning. I wanted to make sure that I attended the Opening Ceremony/Survivor Lap at the Relay For Life of Beaverton. My friend and fellow Relayer, Kathy Cina, was the Event Chair for Beaverton this year. Even though she is greatly missed in Hillsboro, she brings great enthusiasm and ideas to Beaverton.

Kathy's team - Wee Bees For A Cure

Look at all of those beautiful Survivors!
Kathy at the Opening Ceremony

Then Makena and I did a few laps around their track. People were still setting up their campsites, but we could already see the excitement!

Kathy's daughter Charlotte in her Team Captain shirt - too cute!

Great job Beaverton! We had a great time, you guys passed some amazing goals and celebrated many wonderful Survivors! I can't wait for next year!

Walden Island Days 69 & 70

The Flahertys came out to 'Auntie Amber's Island' (what Kylah & Kallie call it) for couple of days. It was when Mother Nature decided to bring the 100 degrees to Oregon, so perfect timing!
We arrived at the lake around 10:30pm on Wednesday night. We brought with us a little 5cuft freezer - worked out great! We are trying to bring the least amount of stuff with us each time we go up - bringing less food really helps.

I got up on Thursday morning and walked around the island a bit. One of the neighbors is having someone clear out their yard and fix up their house. The yard was totally overgrown in blackberry bushes, but we kinda liked that! Apparently there used to be a beautiful English Garden there...I found some of the remains. Beautiful...

Then the Flahertys arrived! Jamie helped Jason & Dylona set up their tent while I kept the girls busy...my favorite part.

As soon as everything was done, we headed down to the refreshing water!

And then went boating and swimming.

Lily decided to come with us

Lily likes to give Moxie kisses...

Then we headed back for dinner.

Everyone needs a little 'hammock time'

it cooled down enough for a fire

Jamie and I made breakfast for everyone on Friday.

Kylah wanted to help too

Then we went for a walk...and enjoyed the slight overcast weather at the lake.

Kylah wanted a picture of me taking a picture of her : )

Then we headed back out to the boat to do some tubing.

Kallie even went out!

Kylah too!

and Dylona!

Kylah watching Mom & Dad

Jason drove so Jamie & I could go tubing too

Jason had to go back to work on Saturday, so they left Friday evening. We were exhausted from playing, so we went to bed early and watched a movie. Many reasons to smile!

Another week

Wow...another week down and no blogging...what has become of me?!? After being at the lake for almost a week...then home for a couple of days...then back to lake...I've been busy! : ) I have a ton of pictures to add, but that will have to wait until I can figure out where I put my laptop at. (It could be under a pile of papers on my desk or under laundry that needs to be done...who knows.)

I received the 2008 - 2009 CASA Report Card today:

• 97 new CASAs and 46 re-activated CASAs were assigned to new cases providing advocacy for 281 children!
• Our 431 active CASAs advocated for 891 children in Multnomah & Washington counties!
• CASAs donated over 103,000 hours of un-paid volunteer advocacy - the equivalent of 50 full-time employees - saving tax payers close to $1.8 million dollars!
• CASA volunteers successfully closed the cases of 216 kids!

Our Mission: We are advocates for the best interests of children who have been abused or neglected and are under the protection of the Juvenile Courts in Multnomah and Washington counties in Oregon. Our purpose is to secure a safe and permanent family for each child as quickly as possible.

Go to www.casahelpskids.org for more information. I have enjoyed my last 2 years as a CASA and will continue to do what I can for the CASA children that I have been assigned.

I'm off to look for my laptop...