Smith and Bybee Lakes

After seeing these lakes during a class research trip at PSU, Andrew took us kayaking in them!

The day was very sunny and warm as we paddled through the mangrove and wetlands.

We saw an osprey, heron, ducks, an otter, and turtles.

The water was very clear, and we could see the creatures on the lake bottom. 

What a peaceful, relaxing, and gorgeous outing!

Doggie Dash 2011

The Riggs Family participated in the annual OHS Doggie Dash in downtown Portland.

 

The weather was great, and we took the 5 mile loop around the Waterfront and Esplanade.  

We crossed the Hawthorne Bridge and Steel Bridge with thousands of other people and dogs.  

Saleh wore her knight in shining armor-horseback costume and got lots of compliments.

Andrew entered the Frisbee toss contest with her, but she didn't do so hot.

She had fun being social with all of her friends.

California Adventure

Catering to our spontaneous nature, we packed the kids up and drove to California for the weekend! 

 

 

We checked out the southern Oregon coast on the way down.  It was a beautiful day at the beach!

 

 

Once in the Golden State we checked into a hotel and spent the evening swimming with the kids.  

We spotted a sad, yet handsome blue whale who lost his tail in Crescent City.  Poor guy.  We really wanted to bring him home and put him in our yard.

The next day we drove the Redwood Highway and met Paul Bunyan (and Babe)!

We adventured through the giant redwoods and the Trees of Mystery! 

There were some amazing trees, and some amazingly creepy carvings. 

 

We saw little people crouching in the forest, giant rustic bears, and all sorts of random creatures. 

The Sky Tram took us to the top of the steep mountain for a great view.  

Haylee was scared about being so high up, but Blu loved it!  

While driving home we passed a very odd collection of crazy tree houses and fountains.  Check out this one with purple water...

We ended up with a weekend full of fun and great weather!

Red Dogs Baseball

Our little Blu played baseball for the first time this year!

He joined the Challengers Red Dogs team through South Clackamas Little League.

Andrew and I coached his team, and had a blast!

The kids ranged in age from 4 to 15, and came in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and personalities.

They were SO amazing to coach, watch, and get to know.

Everyone had a turn to bat each inning, and received as many pitches as they needed to hit the ball (sometimes going up to 30 or more!).

 

The kids NEVER got frustrated or impatient with each other.  

 

In fact, they cheered for and encouraged each other frequently.

You could tell by the looks on their faces that each and every one of them thought they were in the big leagues.  

Serious hitting and fielding, serious running and sliding.  

Blu's favorite part was running the bases, FAST!  (Andrew or I would push him)

Blu made several friends during this season, and simply had a great time playing!