Run For The Cheetah

Brittany (and her friend, Amy) had to participate in a 5k public run/walk of any kind for a PE class in school. They were originally going to run/walk in the Race For The Cure (for breast cancer) or the Memory Walk (for Alzheimers), but their schedules didn't cooperate. So, they signed up for the "Run For The Cheetah". Yes, people are trying to save the Cheetahs, folks.

This morning, they took off at 7:00 for the Portland Zoo. When they got there, they quickly realized just how SERIOUS the other participants were. I guess there was lots of spandex, sleek fitting sunglasses and serious running shirts that had the coveted Ipod/phone pocket in the back. And, imagine this...they ALL ran! In Brittany's words, "These people were freakin RUNNING FOR THE CHEETAH!" I don't know exactly what she was expecting, but hey, it's Portland! What DID they expect?! The course was the narrow and windy road going from the zoo to the Rose Garden. They also soon discovered that it was very hilly, making for more of a workout for them.

It was a good experience. They didn't get any pictures during the race because Brittany didn't have one of those serious shirts with the special little Ipod/phone pocket in the back. But, she was more than willing to pose for you all with her free shirt that she got for participating in the walk/run...I mean run...seriously.

Senior Pic Shoot

Brittany had her Senior pictures taken on Friday. We had Mossbarger Photography take them. They did my graduation (cap and gown) photo, the Stanton family photo, our engagement and wedding photos and Andy's senior pics...so, it seems to have become a family tradition. The photo shoot went great. We had wonderful weather, although a bit chillier than we wanted! Brittany loved the whole experience. It's going to be REALLY hard to pick and choose!

Congratulations Juli & Rian!

Some old friends of ours had another wedding in their family. Lamar and I, along with our friends Lynnette and Lorraine drove up to Olympia to witness the renewing of the vows of Juli Davis and Rian Demery. Rian just got back from Iraq. Before he left, they got married by a judge, but saved the wedding and reception for when he came back. It was very lovely and we were honored to be invited to such a wonderful celebration!

One Tough Mouse

The other day, we were picking apples and checking things out in our Secret Garden, when all of a sudden, our cat, Meeko charged up the apple tree. Now, this isn't unusual. But this time, instead of charging up and flying back down with his tail fluffed up and his body bouncing around with little jerking motions, he stayed put. We could definitely tell he was up to something. It wasn't long before we spotted a little mouse out on one of the highest branches. This was the same mouse that we saw earlier that both our cats had cornered, but managed to get away. Usually, we look the other way when our cats are hunting, but this mouse had worked way too hard to stay alive. So, while Lamar distracted the cat, the mouse jumped out of the tree (no animals were injured in this scene) and I guided the mouse to safer grounds. We believe the mouse made it. But, just in case he didn't, we'd rather not know.
If you'd like to see the pictures bigger, just click on the collage. I wish that I could have captured the mouse better than I did, but he was hiding, you know.