Iron Man

Portland is a very bike friendly city with lots of beautiful scenery to admire. Antonio has recently bought a nice bike and started commuting to work that way three days a week. A group of friends planned a long (54 mile) bike ride up Mt. Adams and Antonio joined them. He said it was really hard, the first 10 miles were straight uphill, but I think he really enjoyed it.

Labor Day Hike

Every labor day weekend for the past few years, Antonio goes on an overnight man-hike. It usually includes him, my dad and/or his dad, and perhaps some brothers or friends if they can make it. Ninja got to go for the first time last year and was very excited to go again. It was a little lean this year, just Antonio, my dad (G-Pop), and Ninja. Uncle Gee was supposed to go but had some last minute work obligations come up. They had fun, as always, but came back very dirty and VERY mosquito bitten. I didn't even recognize Ninja because his entire face had swollen up from all the bites (as seen below). Not to worry, he has gone back to his handsome self.

Ninja is taking a little rest on the hike in. He is required to carry his pack and all his crap in it (though I think Antonio takes pity on him and carries it for a little while).

Happy Camper, Daddy

Poor, swollen, Ninja
Dinner! Two fish!

A very, very cold lake. Antonio tests his manhood every year and jumps in for a little polar swim.

Fish on a stick, anyone?

I'll take one, please!

Looking a little too much like The Joker.

Ninja and Daddy



Ninja and G-Pop

NBA - Here we come.

Ninja has found a new passion in basketball. He's always loved watching, and cheering on our Blazers, but now he's actually playing. He just started his first league and eagerly awaits Friday practices with his team. This Saturday will be his first game. Over the summer he played in a local charity tournament with his best friend, Gabe.

Showing off their medals from the tournament (and allowing a little brother to revel in their glory, as well).

More Beverly Beach Camping

.....because Antonio just uploaded more pictures.

Serious Handsome-ness

Look at what cute men I got to take to church with me last Sunday (which, by the way, I'd like to point out that I was by myself because Antonio was out of town). Ninja (6), Snooks (4), Gambit(4), Buzz (2), and Rocket (1). They were actually pretty good. I only had to leave Sacrament meeting once, and that was because Rocket needed a diaper change.

Camping

Immediately following our Reunion, we drove down the Oregon coast to Beverly Beach to camp for a few nights with Antonio's parents. It was our first attempt at camping with Rocket and he did great. It took about a week for me to recover from the trips (we accumulated a lot of laundry), but it was a wonderful week of spending time with family.

More Family Reunion

We spent day in the town of Long Beach and played at their local arcade. Rocket liked the little carousel, and the big boys enjoyed playing the arcade games. We tye dyed T-shirts, and made paper plate faces for our 'family' picture.