The good fireworks are in Washougal

What a whirlwind week it's been! The 4th of July was wonderful with lots of fireworks. Suzanne didn't like all the booming, but she enjoyed the barbecue at the neighbors. Then there was Kirk's birthday party at the Portland Beavers baseball game on Sunday. The Beavers are a Triple A farm team for the San Diego Padres, so the talent level is pretty high. There was even a home run hit completely out of the park. Of course, the innocent motorist driving by on SE 18th probably didn't appreciate getting whacked by a baseball very much...

I guess I take Suzanne for granted, but all the people we were with were astonished at her ability to have fun and pay attention during a 9 inning game. It was even an afternoon game, during prime napping time, but Suzanne didn't start to fade until the 8th, and then a walk around the concourse cured that. Of course, she was asleep within 2 minutes of getting into the car but heck, we were only going home.

Actually, we are quite blessed with both of our kids. On more than one occasion, we have gotten the "you're bringing your kids?" gasp, but our kids usually manage to impress and amaze onlookers. Oh, perfect little angels they are not, but stick them in public where there is fun to be had and they rise to the occasion. My kids like to go places and they know that if they don't behave, they stay home. All I ever have to do it threaten to cut Kirk off from his social activity and he snaps right back in line. Turns out that Suzanne is much the same way.

I suppose this could also mean that it is downright dull at home and anywhere else is a step up...

Tomorrow Suzanne gets to participate in a professional photo shoot for her alma mater, the PRIDE Center. Part of what they have to do is schmooze for funding, so they are taking happy kid photos at their wonderful playground. Since Suzanne looks happy about 90 percent of the time, she'll be a good model. She's been in a couple of these all ready, which would explain why she always knows to look in the camera and smile. She's getting quite the Cheshire Cat grin.