BAM JAMMIN' the Downers

The week has been a full one, capped off with a visit from Mike, Tiina and their kids; as well as a downtown three on three tournament in Boise. There is no better time than piling six kids into two cars to roll in to Boise for some hoops.

Friday night, Ryan played the first two games the tournament. They eventually played a total of six games, continuing into Saturday, to place third over-all in the 4th grade (he's playing up) bracket. I was honored to be the coach of Team Uprise.

(VERY dangerous)

Following Friday night's games, we collectively turned our kids loose to terrorize Boise downtown. We had a great time walking to the town square which is better known as "The Grove," where we landed in the Brick Oven Bistro; the kids had root beer floats and the adults ate too much dessert.

It has been a treat to host the Downers' visiting Boise, who are visiting for a wedding in Tiina's family. The kids have effectively paired off (as have the adults) and it has been fun playing and fellowshipping for everyone.

Girls Day Out

Lisa and Abby took Tursday off, to spend together. Their day began at Monkey-Doos salon, where Abby not only had her first haircut, but she also had her first manicure. From there, they went to lunch at the Cheesecake Factory. Next was a stop at Build-a-Bear. The day wrapped up with studio pics of "glam-girl," with her new hair-do and nails, which are adorable.

My girls had a great time alone. They returned from their day trip so happy. It was great for them to have special time together to do girl stuff--both of them were so please with how they had spent the day. When I told Abby, "you look SOOOOO pretty with your new hair and nails," she promptly stomped on my foot. It must be true that you can't judge a book by it's cover.

Mighty Willamette

The 18th was Drew's Birthday. He wanted the family to celebrate on the water. Kinnamans descended on Hillsboro from accross the nation in response to Drew's birthday wish, resulting in a fantastic day on the water.

Abby believes in boating.

My Aunt, Sandi brought Brendan and Kendra to party.
It was great to spend time with Kev, if only for a short weekend. (Holly was in CO, at a wedding)

Mom was armed to the teeth with foodstuffs and sandwich supplies. Had we needed to, I'm sure that we could have survived out there for days.

The Kinnaman family acrobats......coming soon to a circus, near you.
Drew and his girlfriend, Melanie.

Drew and his favorite niece, Abby Lou.

Kinnamans who prefer Dew, drink Dew.
Happy Birthday #22, Uncle Drew.

Big D is 6

Saturday was D's birthday. Aunt Nini threw a party that the kids will never forget. Rather than go out and spend tons of cash on games and junk, at a place like Chuck e Cheeze, she rented a bouncy-house blow-up thing. The kids had fun. The adults event hopped in and bounced a bit (all the while making sure to avoid injury).

The kids bounced in that thing for two straight days. They made up all kinds of games and competitions. They played HARD and slept hard and were thrilled by the novelty of D's big birthday event.

Happy Birthday, Dylan.

Way to go, Tiff!

Caravan cheer for Aunt Nini...
*CLAP* - RAH!

Roundball Fever

If you have read my blog at all, you are aware that we have become a basketball family. Ryan is playing a summer league/camp which is organized by PAL (police activities league). His heart and intensity coupled with his great ball-handling, make him a tough opponent. I am training members of the High School team so he is also gaining a great deal of confidence from their interest in him (he and Will are cute, funny, can play ball, and talk hoops with all of the players and coaches). This has become a terrific summer activity.

(no-look pass)

Crouch-ing on the 4th

We have just returned from what has become a family tradition.

We were in Crouch, ID camping for the Fourth of July weekend.

Crouch has recently become a popular destination for the Fouth weekend and has become increasingly full of people.

Rick and Robbyn took the kids Tuesday in order to secure a river front site.

As you can see, the kids took full advantage of our proximity to the water.

They fished and played in the water for hours. (Ry has graduated to a big-boy reel and caught a lot of fish--hopefully he will be baiting his own hook, soon.) This year seemed to be a bit tougher on the adults, than years past. We had fun, despite rain showers, 4am thunder storms which sounded like WWIII, and a late night show-down between Rick and a skunk--I suppose all trips yield great memories; some vacations are just more restful than others. So long as there is sun, good fishing, and family in town,

one thing is certain, the kids will be applying a great deal of pressure to maintain the tradition. Translation: we'll be back next year.