Monday, August 21, 2006

Erik leaves for Tulane University



We got up at 3:30 to get Erik on a plane for New Orleans. Lauren was not too pleased or chipper this time of the morning.

Later he called to let us know he had gotten there, checked into his room and was on his way to the French Quarter to have dinner with a new buddy (fellow student) and his family. They ate a "Irene's", a really great restuarant in the Quarter. Tomorrow he starts his orientation.

We are really sad he's left, but very excited at his prospects.
We love you Erik!!

Sunday, August 20, 2006

Spencer and Allie



We couldn't leave out Allie, she was over visiting Spence. These guys are way too cool.

Kid's Portrait



Dawn insisted on a group shot of the kids before Erik departs for school. They were cutting up the whole time. Hopefully, Christmas will give us another opportunity for portraits.

Thursday, August 10, 2006

Linda's going away/birthday party



Robert was a gracious host to Linda's cookout ... going away ... and surprise early Birthday party. I made a traditional Lindholm Pineapple Upsidedown Cake. But in this case it is really a Rightsideup Pineapple Cake! Robert and Erik made deck furniture and then grilled the steaks. Yum, yum.



Linda and Erik group for a shot of the departing, Erik's leaving on the 21st for Tulane. Linda's starting a new job in the tri-state of Idaho, Utah and Nevada. Good luck, we are missing you already.



Thanks for the family shot, Robert. Here we all are, just before we watch Linda open her gifts.

Sunday, August 06, 2006

A tearful farewell



Here we are at Willamette University, under the Eagle Fountain, getting some last pictures while the buses arrive.These kids have had some great experiences they will carry forever. Eriko says she had noticed how much more open and spontaneous they all had become.



And now the tears,the girls openly and me a bit misty eyed. Eriko is a sweet,intelligent and considerate person who has done much to enrichen our lives in only a few days. I wish we could have spoiled her more! Eriko, we miss you and hope you stay in touch.



ALL ABOARD!! Eriko departs on the bus to Seattle where she will see a Mariner's baseball game before flying out tomorrow. I know her family will be so happy to see her safely home. Sayonara, Eriko.

Friday, August 04, 2006

Eriko's Sayonara Party



Eriko and her school mates threw a great party with lots of dancing, singing and celebration. Here Eriko announces her group's song. Those kids really sing well. We enjoyed every minute and were very proud of her contributions.



Eriko with three of her musical friends entertained the audience with the "Sound of Music." It was lovely, they really gave the crowd some great music.

All things considered the event showed how much the girls had done over the two weeks. The video shown at the end encapsulated in a colorful montage of each day and the many, many activities they participated in together. When they get home I hope they will have many wonder memories of Oregon.