We went to a unique event today – a pet parade. Dogs of all sizes, some even in costume, one very brave cat, and two goldfish were in attendance. There were prizes for Best in Show, Best Trick, Most Unique, Best Dressed.

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Jasmine and I headed to the city of Tigard’s annual family festival for food, fun, and fireworks. You might remember we attended last year’s festival. This year was bigger and better.

Last year it was held in the lawn behind the library. This year it was located at a regional park with playgrounds, game fields, picnic areas, and ample parking. Jasmine tested out all the playground activities. Her favorite was the arched monkey bars and the crazy seesaw contraption.

Last year the bbq was hotdogs and hamburgers. This year was pulled pork, mesquite beans, and potato salad. All were excellent. Unfortunately, Jasmine didn’t like the bbq pork, I think the taste and texture were too new for her. She said I would have to eat her sandwich. Oh, the sacrifices a dad must make for his daughter.

Last year dessert was icecream bars, this year was hand scooped double dipped waffle cones. Jasmine choose chocolate, and I choose black cherry swirl. We enjoyed our treats while listening to the band play patriotic songs at the park pagoda.

Jasmine played at the playground until evening, then we headed over to the open field with a blanket and snuggled while watching the amazing fireworks to close out another great family festival.

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Who wants to go the coast? I do. I do.

We enjoyed the scenic drive to the ocean. We met friends for a yummy Mexican lunch then spent the afternoon at the beach. The kids did their best to make sand castles, but they kept falling down.

After the beach, we headed to our favorite coastal destination, Tillamook Creamery, to get ice cream and cheese. During the ride home we stopped and walked along a beautiful babbling stream.

We arrived home tired but relaxed with the sound of the ocean still singing in our ears.

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This sister’s had a busy day together. First, they ran to a nearby Mexican restaurant for lunch with intermittent stops when someone yelled ‘freeze’ then resuming after someone said ‘unfreeze’. Second, they went to a park for some hearty playing. Third, they picked blackberries. And fourth, they painted some artwork.

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We had a great playdate with Jasmine’s sisters Destiny and Selena. They had ‘fine dining’ at McDonalds where they discussed the proper way to eat french fries. I think Destiny won that discussion as you can see from the photo.

Next we drove around looking for a mysterious water park to take the girls. We never did find it, but we did call a friend who lives in the area who directed us to an alternate location. Luckily it had a water feature, since the girls were gearing to get wet. It also had a crazy centrifugal force contraption which we nicknamed ‘faceplant spin machine’. Jasmine and Selena loved it. Destiny, however, received a faceplant dismount, so she was not a fan.

To cool down after the hard playing, we went to get frozen yogurt, and of course Jasmine picked gummy worms as her topping.

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