Second up on our Saturday adventures was me taking Jasmine to children’s theatre in the park. I was pretty doubtful whether Jasmine or any young person for that matter would be able to sit still and focused on an hour long play. I was proved wrong. Jasmine and the audience stayed engrossed watching two stories about King Midas: the first one his touch turned everything to gold and the second one he grew donkey ears.

And the great thing about going to festivals at parks is that afterwards you can let kids run wild at the playground; which is exactly what most the parents including me did after the play ended.

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If you don’t know it yet, let me reiterate that Portland is a city of parks. First up on our fun filled Saturday was me taking Jasmine to a dancing in the parks festival. I was expecting the typical European line dance routines, but it was way better. There were professional solo acts featuring many different styles and cultures. My favorite was the tap dance and also the ballet performance that was accompanied strangely enough by country music instead of the traditional classical. Jasmine’s favorite was the Hawaiian hula during which she was doing some moves.

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We had a relaxing holiday weekend, staying mostly at home. But we did venture out to view some fireworks.

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Sometimes one birthday party is just not enough. And sometimes even two birthday parties are not enough. And here’s hoping next year we are less ambitious.

Birthday Part Deux was a front yard bash with the neighbor kids. Emily constructed a fairy pavilion with streamers for them to enjoy popsicles and cupcakes. Following the snacks was a water extravaganza with the inflatable world sprayer and many squirt guns.

Birthday Part Trois was a family event that night with cake and opening up all the generous gifts from grandparents and great grandparents. Then there was a fashion show of Jasmine trying out her new outfits.

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Free tickets to a Portland Timbers soccer game? Yes please. And off we went for a pleasant evening at PGE park with friends, stadium food and lively soccer.

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