British Soccer Camps: Summer Camp Fun

Last year Anika attended a summer soccer camp held by Challenger Sports, and this year I think that I will have Noah attend soccer camp. He has fallen in love with soccer and I think he is at the perfect age to attend something like this.

A Trip to the Timberline Lodge

Last month for Emma’s birthday she decided to have an overnight trip to the mountain with family instead of a birthday party. She had always wanted to go up into the snow so this year I made it happen and we drove the two hour drive to Mt. Hood and stayed at the historic Timberline Lodge.

If you are from Oregon I’m sure you’ve heard of the lodge, which was declared a historic landmark in 1977 and has nearly 2 million visitors a year. Timberline is also the hotel that was filmed in Stephen King’s movie The Shining.

Snow Tubing at The Mt. Hood Ski Bowl

A couple of weeks ago we took my Dad and the kids on an overnight adventure to Mt. Hood for Emma’s 8th birthday. None of us had ever spent much time at the mountain (which probably sounds crazy to Portlanders) and I was trying to figure out exactly what we could do and where we could stay. We ended up staying at The Timberline Lodge (more on that in the future), but stopped at the Mt. Hood Ski Bowl to do some snow tubing first.

Living Locally: The Oregon Coast Aquarium

One of our favorite quick weekend getaways is heading to the beach. We live about an hour from the Oregon coast, making it easy to drive over for the night or even just for a day trip. One town we like to visit is Newport, Oregon, which is in the central Oregon coast. Newport has a population of just over 10,000 and has several districts that offer different interesting activities for all ages - with one of the most popular attractions being the Oregon Coast Aquarium.

We usually visit the Aquarium once every year or two; letting the kids explore all of the exhibits that cover the 39 acres which overlook the Yaquina Bay. The aquarium was established in 1992 and brings in approximately 450,000 visitors every year.

The kids love looking at the indoor exhibits that hold vibrantly colored fish and mesmerizing jellyfish. They also love exploring through the outdoor exhibits which are characterized with rugged cliffs, caves, and pools where sea otters, harbor seals, and California sea lions make their home.

A Recap of Feast Portland 2015

Last month (I can’t believe it’s been 4 weeks already!) I attended one of the best foodie festivals around: Feast Portland.

This was the second year I was given a blogger pass, and after the amazing time I had last year at Feast, I couldn’t pass up another opportunity to attend. Feast is made up of many events across 4 days; marquee events, hands on classes, dinners, and plenty of additional parties throughout, with proceeds going to a good cause.

Living Locally: An Evening at Stoller Family Estates

A few weeks ago Wayne and I headed over to Stoller Family Estates with a couple of friends for an evening outside under the stars to watch a live performance of Shakespeare’s “Taming of the Shrew”. We had never done anything like that before, however since we pretty much live a hop skip and a jump away from Stoller (I know, how lucky, right?) we decided to just do it – and we were so glad we did!

Living Locally: Our First Portland Thorns Game

A couple of weeks ago Anika and I watched our first professional soccer game together. The Portland Thorns had a rivalry game against the Seattle Reign's at Providence Park, and I was lucky enough to get some tickets from the National Mango Board and my Friend Marlynn from Urban Bliss Life. I received four tickets, so I decided to take a couple of friends with us.

British Soccer Camp Fun

I’m back! How was your weekend? I don’t know about you, but mine flew by way too fast! Half of it was spent working, but Friday night I had some fun as my co-workers and I wished one of our fellow employee’s goodbye at a crazy farewell party!

Last week though, I put my ‘mom’ soccer hat back on and chauffeured Anika back and forth to her Challenger Soccer Camp in Salem. At the camp she practiced many different soccer skills and drills, getting her ready for the upcoming season which will be here before you know it!

The British Soccer Camp has an innovative curriculum that develops skills, speed and confidence in players ages 3-18, British Soccer Camps provide boys and girls with the rare opportunity to receive high-level soccer coaching from a team of international expert's right in the heart of your own community. In addition to teaching new skills and improving game performance, each British Soccer Camp provides lessons in character development, cultural education and is the most fun you child can have learning the sport they love!

Anika is excited to start her 7^th grade (I can’t believe she’s that old!!) with a jump start thanks to the camp! If you’ve never heard of The British Soccer Camp before, you can find more information HERE.

~Melissa

                                          Full Disclosure: I received a complementary summer camp pass in exchange for a written review. No other compensation is provided

Small Town Circus

Hey everyone! I know that it’s Tuesday night already, but how was your weekend? We had another good couple of days with pretty weather and outdoor activities. Wayne worked all day Saturday, so I took the kids solo to their games. Emma had her game at 10:00 am, and then Noah had his game at 4:00. We ended the day with a BBQ in the backyard for dinner.

Sunday Wayne worked a few more hours in the morning, and the kids and I got up bright and early and headed back to the fields because Anika had a two hour soccer skills assessment for the upcoming fall season.  The kids were super excited that day because they knew there would be something fun and exciting that evening – a circus, and not just a circus anywhere – a circus practically in our backyard.

The FFA sponsored the Culpepper and Merriweather Circus; a small old fashioned circus that travels around to little towns – just like they used to do back in the day. They set up their tent in the field behind the grade school, which could be seen from our front yard.

We grabbed out tickets and all walked over to experience the circus. There was a concession stand full with traditional snacks – popcorn, lemonade, snow cones, cotton candy, etc. There was a giant inflatable slide, a bounce house merry-go-round, and pony rides.

As we all walked into the big tent the kids got excited as they saw some of their friends and classmates and we all found a seat. There were no bad seats to be had. 

Traditional acts on a smaller scale kept all of the kids entertained for the show. It was so much fun to have this opportunity in our small town, in our backyard. If the Culpepper and Merriweather Circus ever come back again I would definitely take the family again!

~Melissa

Last Weekend With Luke Bryan in Photos

23 hours in Tacoma last weekend was fast - but fun! Luke Bryan was at the Tacoma Dome along with Dustin Lynch and Randy Houser - all three were fun performers! This is the third large concert I've attended since November ... and this one was a present from my dear friend as an early 30th birthday gift!! The countdown to 30 is on...three more weeks my friends! :)

~Melissa