Neil Diamond-take two!

So, we were faced with huge disappointment last month when the Neil Diamond concert was cancelled. However, it was a blessing in disguise. Superdiamond was coming to Portland in a couple weeks and what better excuse to get together with my dad, sisters and cousin Meagan again!

Meagan drove straight from work in Seattle on Friday afternoon. We planned on dinner at Henry's prior to the show which was being held at Crystal Ballroom just a few blocks away. There was an hour long wait for a table but thanks to Tiff's swift moves, we were able to snag a booth in the bar. We enjoyed yummy food and some drinks before heading to the concert.

We had a great time at Superdiamond. We found our own little space and were able to rock out to all of our favorite Neil songs. Although it was not the same as the real Neil, we still had a great time-and hopefully didn’t embarrass Dad too much!

Crazy times at Superdiamond

Great Columbia Crossing

In October, our friend Jenn and her boyfriend Chris came down from Seattle to do a run with Eric and me in Astoria. Eric's fraternity brother Jeff Scoggins passed away last October after being hit by a car. Jeff was born and raised in Astoria. We thought that this would be nice to do the run in honor of Jeff. It was a tough 10K course that started at the Washington side of the Astoria bridge and finished in Astoria. Eric was nice and stayed back with me the whole way as I panted up to the top of the bridge. The incline was nearly unbearable but we made it! Jenn even finished 2nd in our age bracket and I finished 5th. I attribute it to the pre-race Blizzards at DQ the night before! It was really nice of Jenn and Chris to make the trip and it was good to see Jeff's parents.

After the race, we headed to our favorite breakfast place in Seaside, Bagels by the Sea. We gobbled down eggle bagels and coffee guilt free!

Eric's basement project.

Since school has started up again for me, Eric decided to take on a project of his own. He has begun to finish our basement and former storage area. He is doing the project all on his own and has done a remarkable job so far. I never knew he had such talents! Here are some photos from stage one-framing and electrical.

And baby makes 3, 3 boys that is!

On October 5th, my friend Molly and her husband Derek had their third baby-another boy! He was a little guy, well under 6 pounds. Molly was not due until the 23rd but just like his brothers, this baby was ready early! He was born around 4:30 pm and did not have a name until the following day. This has been a theme with my friends lately.

I am happy to announce the newest member of the Kline family: Jack Michael Kline! Congratulations Derek, Molly, Reese and Madden!

Dad and daughter night out

Three years ago, my cousins, sister and I took our dad’s to the Neil Diamond concert in Portland for a dad and daughter night. We had such a blast that we decided to go again this year. We bought the tickets, my cousin Meagan drove down from Seattle and uncle Chris flew up from California. Unfortunately, we found out two days before the concert that the date had been changed. We were SO bummed! We decided to have a dad/daughter dinner anyway.
We dressed up and went to a wonderful dinner at the Chart House. The Chart House is a classy restaurant in the Portland hills and there are beautiful views at every table. The dads treated us to a delicious seafood dinner complete with wine and desserts. We enjoyed chatting and having some quality dad and daughter time while watching the sunset in Portland.

Remembering aunt Liz

In mid-September, Portland held its annual Koman Race for the Cure. I participated again in memory of my Aunt Liz who past away from cancer in 2006. Liz was an amazing woman! She was fun to be around, always had an opinion and would let you know what was on her mind! She shared Eric and my love for Garth Brooks and my favorite memory of her was rockin’ out to with her and Eric to Garth Brook’s live in Central Park DVD. She was a strong and courageous woman just like all of the women who were celebrated that day. It was very moving to see so many people whose lives are touched by this disease.
I ran my butt off and Liz was definitely helping me. I ran my fastest 5K time in a couple of years and came in 44th overall-not bad for thousands of runners!

Marissa turns 30!

My big sis Marissa from Kappa Delta turned 30 on the 22nd of September. To celebrate, we headed to the bowling alley! Marissa, her husband Paul, Amy, Tony (and Kayley) and Tony Chang all came for the fun. Tony Chang, Paul and Eric were all in Sigma Chi together, so it was like a mini reunion.

We all had fun. Marissa and Amy are pretty darn good-and all of the boys of course. I am continually amazed at how hard it can be for me to knock those little pins down! We still had a blast though. Tony, Marissa, Eric and I stopped by 31 flavors for some ice cream and then WinCo to raid the bulk bins-just like old times in Corvallis.

More bowling photos