Hawaii at last!

We made it to Maui with no hiccups. As you can see from the picture we are sitting poolside sipping drinks (Simone's non-alcoholic) enjoying the perfect relaxing afternoon.

Park Kitchen Chocolate Dinner

Yes, a chocolate-themed dinner. And it was a good as you would think. Park Kitchen is one of Simone's favorite Portland restaurants and this special dinner didn't disappoint. The meal started is a smoked cocoa and olive oil butter on toast which was amazing and ended with a rich chocolate milk and a Spanish nougat cookie. The pork belly confit was amazing as well. To make things even better each course was paired with an amazing drink (that my wife unfortunately was unable to partake in, but they did find some appropriate substitutions).

Gone Fishin'

A co-worker of mine is a big fisherman and said that he would take me out some time. Today was the day. It was a beatiful day to be on the river. We were mainly fishing for smallmouth bass. I made the first catch of the day and the last catch, which also was the largest. Everything was catch-and-release. I was even able to snag my first fish with a fly rod. Unfortunately the little guy worked himself off the fly as I pulled him out of the water before I could get a picture.

The First Catch of the Day - Smallmouth Bass

Last Catch of the Day - Not much of a fighter, but quite the haul.

They grow up so fast

The baby was acting up and wouldn't let us hear its heartbeat with the doppler so the doc had to break out the ultrasound. Below is the picture. Simone is at 15.5 weeks. Mom and baby are doing well.

Dog Days of Summer

Labor Day Weekend: We took Charlie out for a few outing. First to the park near our house where he was able to play in Rock Creek. Then, out to Alicia's parents place in the country where Charlie was able to play with their dog, Pete, and take a dip in their pond. While Charlie is still a little hesitant to jump into water where he can't touch the bottom Pete swimming around chasing sticks was eventually too much for him and he jumped in. Then he proceeded to swim out to where Pete was swimming and climbed onto his back for a ride back to shore.

Charlie in Rock Creek in Noble Woods Park

Charlie playing with Pete in the pond

After a long day