24-hr playdate w Frances

While Liesl was gone for an overnight camp with Nora (more on that later), Sebastian got to have an all-day playdate and sleepover with Frances. We kayaked, they bushwhacked and explored in the woods, we played kids vs parents baseball and soccer games, we ate ice cream and pancakes. It was splendid.

We drove up to Scappoose Bay to rent kayaks there - Frances had only kayaked once or twice, but being Frances, she was totally game - after a moment's hesitation ("I'm totally going to fall in") she hopped in and started paddling. After a half hour, she was standing up in her boat, channeling her paddle boarding techniques. Awesome.

The water was so shallow at this point that they hopped out and stood next to their boats - our very own miracle of walking on water! After we were tired and hot, we drove home for a late lunch and then they explored the forest and secret hideout behind our house. They went deep into the woods and found a previously unknown ravine and stream.

Jasper found a mud puddle and proceeded to get VERY MUDDY. He then came into the house and got mud all over the rugs and bathroom. It's a good thing he's so cute.

We thought about going bowling, or for some other adventure, but then Steve and I challenged the young 'uns to a sporting competition - soccer, basketball, baseball, kickball, downball - kids v parents, for bragging rights. As it turned out, we only made it through a few innings of baseball and a few goals in soccer before everyone was thirsty and tired. So we came home and ate ice cream, and then crashed out until breakfast time (blueberry pancakes!!). So fun to have Frances in the house with us!!