Josephine’s Birthday Party

Josephine had her birthday party at the Circuit Gym.

Snakes, Geckos and Rats…Oh My!

Another day out at OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science & Industry) for Josephine and her friend Lea. We got to set off bottle rockets (2 liter fizzy drink bottles) and a the correct mixture of water and compressed air sends the bottle upto the ceiling. Then onto some chemistry experiments demonstrating the effect of acid rain (H2SO4 + CaCO3), a potato powered LCD clock, secret writing using wax pens and watercolors, light emitting (fluorescent) liquids (luminol), rubber-band powered paddle boats, ice cream break, and the albino snake (Josephine knows his name). Finally a quick second tour throught the Star Wars exhibit. [Photos will be posted shortly].

A Short Time Ago…At A Museum of Science & Industry Near Us

The Star Wars exhibit came to Portland’s Oregon Museum of Science & Industry (OMSI) in October 2006. So we actually purchased tickets for the first weekend it was in town. And it was a blast. Not only did they have actors in costume wandering throughout the exhibit, but the Troop 550 showed up for the opening weekend.

Aaaaaarrrrrr…thar’ be pirates!

Well it was officially the 1st Annual Portland Pirate Festival in Portland, OR. Josephine and Jennifer (Mum) took the day to visit with other pirates and red coat/marines in North Portland under the St John’s bridge. Apparently it was a tremendous success, almost too much of a success. It was so crowded that it took Mum more than two hours to get a corn dog. But there were plenty of seriously dressed-up pirates. The entertainment included tours of a private schooner, a LOUD reenactment of a skirmish between some pirates and Royal marines, and lots of busty wenches.

Camping Trip to the Oregon Coast

We had a great long weekend camping trip on the Oregon Coast. We stayed at the Astoria/Seaside KOA camp site outside Warrenton. It was definitely a little noisier than most, especially at 6am when all the diesel engines started up as the RVers hit the early morning road.

We spent one morning on the beach paddling in the sea, flying a kite, and watching the kite boarders. Of course it was the usual Oregon Coast experience. Glorious sunshine, a slight fog up and down the coast line, and all the recreationers taking cover behind windbreakers or wrapped up and huddled together. But the wind was good for kites and kite boarders, of which there were about 4 flying up and over the breakers. Now that would be something to learn to do

Movie of Smores consumption at the Campsite After an afternoon siesta, we went for a swim in the pool. It was a little crowded. Josephine’s swimming is coming along well. She has been promoted at her swim class to “Beginning Stroke” which she is very excited about. After swimming, the campsite provided Smores around a campfire, or should I say camp furnace! So we all got our sugar fix. Josephine likes her Smore sandwich without the chocolate. Then, while dinner was being prepared Josephine gave a videotaped tour of the campsite.

The night’s were a bit chilly, with quite a bit of dew/condensation. The half dozen blankets I packed didn’t seem to be enough. The following day we packed up camp and headed into Astoria. Richard got his fix of Fish n’ Chips at the Ship Inn on the waterfront (owned by some Brits no less). And then we took the tour on the Astoria Street Car. The city seems to have maintained its charm, and has been used for a fair amount of film making. The Goonies house was pointed out on the tour, as well as the school used in Kindergarden Cop, and the spot where they setup the mechanical whale for Free Willy III. We rented Goonies for Josephine before the trip, and she was very excited to see the house. I thoroughly recommend it for a family movie, and the DVD has a great narrative with all the grown-up kids (makes Mum and Dad feel old).

All in all it was a very relaxing weekend and great family time. I really enjoy being able to unplug and unwind on camping trips. I would have done more reading, but we usually end up doing so much that there is not much time for that left 🙂