We spent this last week out of our house and in a hotel. Our house is 107 years old, and needed lead paint abatement. Lead is especially hazardous to young children and nursing moms. That means we’ll all be healthier now that it’s taken care of…it also meant we couldn’t be around as they stirred up lead dust and finally cleaned things up.
So we took to the city. We rode the train downtown, and spent a day in the almost empty Oregon Historical Society. We got to see a woven sandal from 9,000 years ago found on Sauvie Island–the same place we pick blueberries and pumpkins. We went swimming at the hotel pool. We finished Little Britches by Ralph Moody and started Anne of Windy Poplars by L.M. Montgomery. We went out to eat. We took hot chocolate to go and spent a sunny morning running around the park. We went to the central library–the kids have discovered Where’s Waldo and needed new volumes! We read Greek myths and did a little drawing.
Finally, it was time to check out of the hotel and head home. We had time to kill before our bus came, so we walked over to the Moda Center where the Blazers play basketball. One of the few words that Joseph can say is “Blazers!” He uses a deep, loud voice when he says it–his announcer’s voice! Before we left home, I packed the camera, thinking of all the places we’d go. Turns out my hands were already full carrying the toddler + stroller + snacks + bus tickets. This cell phone shot is the only picture I got of our week of adventures.
So an out of the ordinary week, filled with ordinary moments spent reading aloud, riding the bus, drawing together…and some extra ordinary ones too!
Well you certainly made lemonade out of lemons! I hope things with your home are resolved quickly (I love old houses!). We are in the midst of a major remodel over here and it’s our first year homeschooling so I could relate to the being uprooted part. We love read alouds over here too. Glad to have found you this morning!
Read alouds are some of the most profitable time we spend I think.
Do you know the Read Aloud Revival Podcast? http://amongstlovelythings.com/read-aloud-revival-the-podcast/ So many good resources there.
Peace keep you.
The one picture you did get said it all! And there are the memories each of you have of exploring the city and learning new things. I love thinking of the sandals from Sauvie Island and the good times we have had there. And Joe using his announcer’s voice!
Joseph is so LOUD!
What a fun week! Love the pic! I too love old houses. Darn that lead paint! But made for a week you’re kids will remember for a long to come, I bet. Thanks for sharing.
It was a looong week But you are right it was a good, blessed week. Thanks for stopping by.