off to the fest

here we go!

overcompensating, i know, but hey! Free WiFi

emmett and i are at the portland airport. there is free wifi, a kids' play area, a Powell's bookstore that charges the same prices the regular stores do, and drinking fountains with free water. WHY DID I EVER MOVE?

sometimes i wonder about myself.

here is a pic of emmett and i as we set off on our adventure, tentatively titled "Sweatin' with the Volzes"



check back for updates soon. this blogger is re-energized! RWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH

Portland summer 2010 photo blitz #1

notice the summer freckles




cousins rule!

Vietnam Trip, part one

Here's some shots from Vietnam. Steve's camera has lots more, so I will get my hands on those and post some.

For now, here is me at the War Crimes Museum in Saigon. After years of searching, I found what every historian seeks.



In Ha Long Bay, we had been on the boat all of 8 minutes before they handed us the wheel. (not kidding)



In Hanoi, I found the hotel where I spent 2 months, back in '97. Looks great, they've added a travel agency desk in the lobby, removed the TV on which the "security guard" watched pro wrestling with me, but otherwise, same ol' hotel.

fun in Portland

beautiful weather. many friends and family members. fresh strawberries. perfect beer.

Such has been our summer in Portland, so far.

Desi is camping in a cabin in eastern Oregon, with his cousins. Emmett is about to go to Chicago and St. Louis with me, for a week. Sarah has 3 days to herself. Look out, P-Town!!

Beach pics soon, once I stop eating berries long enough to blog more. For now, a shot from Katie's iPhone...

home at last

we are in Portland. loving life. weather in the 70s, been to the park twice in 2 days. seen some folks, will see many more this week. then the beach for July 4th.

Gary was in Vietnam for 10 days and had fun with Steve. Did some relaxing on the beach and on a boat in Ha Long Bay (see below). Also some war tourism at museums and plane crash sites in Hanoi.



In Hoi An (on the beach), Steve couldn't resist making a fashion statement. (That's the Pacific in the background)



While the guys were doing that, Sarah and the boys were in Vegas with Erica and Janet and Grandpa Gary. Lots of swimming in the blow-up pool, and a circus and a jousting show and some watching PBS Kids and they even got to check out 5 books at the Vegas library. also i won them some stuffed dogs at Circus Circus. Special thanks to Auntie E for being such a good host.




Pics to follow soon. For now, it's time for lunch from our favorite grocery store (New Seasons) and then Gary is off to a massage from our friend Chris. Yes, she's that good, that I live in China (the land of cheap and good massage) and I look forward to summer so I can get one from her.

Tonight we see Nawwal, our former babysitter. woo hoo!

Time flies

Today is the last (half-)day of first grade and pre-pre-K. Tomorrow is teachers' last half-day. I fly to Viet Nam with Steve tomorrow night. Sarah and Janet and the boys head to Vegas Saturday. I will blog as much as I can from within the not-so-great firewall of Viet Nam. Make up for lost time, maybe even do a photo retrospective of the last few months. For now, here is D showing off his publication at his Celebration of Learning.



gotta run. time to wave to the departing buses 1 last time. annual tradition. lots of squirt guns and silliness!!