Getting Ready for Halloween!

The boys and a few other kids from their youth group trooped out to Sauvie's Island to pick pumpkins for the annual church courtyard pumpkin patch fundraiser.  Despite the small numbers, they had a lot of fun.

Tim and Holly carved the pumpkins this year (with Joe providing a running commentary).  Unfortunately when we put Tim's pumpkin outside, it got a little sick

What!?! Steve is blogging about his writing?

That's right, I'm actually doing some self promotion.   I wrote an essay that was published in Brave on the Page: Oregon Writers on Craft and the Creative Life.  It's a collection of interviews by Laura Stanfill, and short essays by a number of Oregon authors.

The book was released through Forest Avenue Press and uses the Espresso Book Machine to print the books.  It's like a photocopier, only it makes books!  Actually, it's pretty impressive to watch the books being made.

Laura did an amazing job with this book.  She is a smart interviewer, gentle editor, and quite brave herself publishing this book.

If you are interested in picking up a book you can check this map, any place there is an Espresso Book Machine it can print a copy of Brave on the Page.  You can also have a copy shipped through this website.

-Steve

Tim Does Outdoor School

Tim returned Friday afternoon after a few days at Outdoor School.  He was at Camp Namanu on the Sandy River.  The weather was glorious and he had a great time - learning lots, singing songs, playing games, star gazing.  Thankfully, slug licking wasn't on the agenda.  Showers weren't either.  To the left is the motley crew from the Willamette Cabin. 

Tim was  proud to be in the group that helped plant trees.  Here's a tree he planted pictured on the right.  

Last Spring we were told that Outdoor School for 6th graders was part of the district-wide budget cuts.  When the school year started, we found out that the kids were going to be able to go for a partial week (with families chipping in).  Thanks to the Friends of Outdoor School who have kept this amazing opportunity available to all of the kids in Multnomah County!

Holly Turned 40!

Holly turned 40 back on September 23, and we had a big party the day before to celebrate.  Family, friends from all aspects of her life, coworkers and neighbors past and present came by to say hi, eat, and visit.  Thankfully the weather cooperated (there wouldn't have been enough room inside!).  Here's a picture as things were getting started. 

The rest of the weekend was birthday and family oriented since Holly's sister was in town (it was their mom's birthday on the 21st).