Oregon in the summer

I love summers in Oregon, the rainy crappy weather for almost 8 months is so quickly forgotten here.

Summer in Portland can be summed up with one word "perfect". I know you all think I'm crazy (well my friends who don't live here that is), but really it is just the best part of living here.

It's time to play outside, BBQ, hang out with friends, and just enjoy it while it's here!

Violet's version of sharing right now, instead of handing over the bowl of crackers to Henry, she chooses instead to give him the amount she thinks is adequate (we are still working on this thing called sharing)

Soccer Stars!

Tulum

Randy and I did something really crazy last week.

We went to Mexico and left Violet with Grandma. I had been getting ready for this vacation for months, anticipation, excitement, worry, fear. I think every emotion and "what if" went through my mind for weeks prior. I sat on the flight out crying.

But yes we survived the most fantastic week ever in Tulum Mexico (the same exact spot we spent our honeymoon 5 years ago) to attend a wedding of a close friend. I can't even tell you how great it was, or how perfect it all turned out.

We had no electricity for the entire time (hence the very curly frizzy hair below), slept in a hut on the beach, ate the best food in the world, drank the best tequila, climbed ruins high above the jungle, attended a wedding blessed by a Shaman, and laid on the most perfect beach.

And yes through it all Violet and Grandma survived and are the best of friends. But, today when I saw her for the first time since last week, it was the happiest feeling I've had this week when she smiled at me and just said Mommy.

Click HERE to see the rest of the photos from our trip.

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I feel very fortunate to grow up with a loving family, that taught me to respect everyone regardless of who they are. I want to pass these same values on to Violet. I have no doubt she will be surrounded by many friends & "uncles" as she grows up.

This weekend was the gay pride festival in Portland. I have many friends in this community and every year look forward to spending the day celebrating the fact that they can walk around proud to be who they are. Thanks for being my friends, and accepting me for who I am.

Click HERE to see the rest of the photos of the parade.