Planck's Place

Welcome. If you are here, then more than likely it means you were invited. What is a blog you say? Well, it's a type of website run a bit like a news letter. I can edit and add things as often as I like. So in a way it's a journal online. I created this just to share with our family and friends across the miles. Check back often and add comments when you feel so compelled. Most of the photos are of Emily, but if you look often enough, you will catch the occasional one of Tony and I.

Wednesday, July 25, 2007

A special day!




Last night was THE night. Emily's long awaited first loose tooth finally fell out. She was so excited! Here's the story as it unfolded:

Emily came to me and said "Mommy, look" then proceeded to pull her loose tooth forward. As I watched I was sure it would pop out right then. I told her "Emily, it's completely out of the jaw! It's just barely there hanging on by the skin of your front gums! There is a HOLE under where it should be"

Immediately she covered her mouth with her hand and started shaking her head, no no no, nooooooooo she said.

It took about 30 seconds, and this look comes over her face. She says, "hmmm, Mommy, maybe if I twist it, it will fall out." I answered, "maybe", and gave a smile because I truly didn't think she would go for the twist.

I looked away for just a second and I hear Emily say quietly "Wow, it DID fall out!" I honestly thought she was kidding me until I look over and there is a gaping hole in her bottom row of teeth and she is staring at the palm of her hand and her new found prize.

After this, she bounced around the house, showed Daddy, let Mom take photos, and called Grandma Judy..... A very proud moment, as she brought out her tooth fairy teddy bear and we placed the tooth inside for the fairy to find it.

I warned her that it was so late already (10:30 PM, like why was she still up?), that the tooth fairy might not know it happened until the next night, she said, "that's fine", and went to sleep.

This morning upon awaking, she rose to find, a brand new, shiny gold dollar coin in place of the tooth! Woo hoo she exclaimed, all smiles with gaps now.... This resolving the question, "what will the tooth fairy leave me, I hope it's a my little pony"

Monday, July 16, 2007

Our last full day together

Emotions are running high this afternoon as it is our vary last day with Gogo visiting. She leaves bright and early tomorrow AM. Wow, how a month has absolutely flown by! It has been a real treat, and memories were made to last a lifetime no doubt.

We took a trip around Rood Brige park one last time this afternoon and had an ice cream on the way home. Tonight Emily has been invited to a birthday party, so while we go, Tony and Gogo can chat and pack up for her long trip home.


Saturday, July 14, 2007

A visit with my family

My parents came by to visit, and say good bye to Gogo, since she leaves Tuesday AM. Here's a photo of all of us in the backyard.

Friday, July 13, 2007

A trip to the Oregon Coast

While Tony slaved away at work, Emily, Gogo and I went for a quick trip out to the Oregon coast. From Tillamook, to Newport and back again, we had a blast exploring. Here's a couple shots from the day...

Oregon Coast Aquarium:


Fogarty Creek State Park:


Sunday, July 08, 2007

Happy Birthday!

Today was Gogo's birthday. Gramie and Grampie Homer came over and we all celebrated with gifts, dinner and cake! A very, very happy birthday to you Alison...



High Desert Museum

Our last destination before heading home (for some rest!) was the High Desert Museum in Bend Oregon. I had been here in '95 and remembered it being worth while. Wow, it has really grown! It was really cool, lots of history and info on local wildlife and people. It turned out to be quite worthy.








Crater Lake

Whew, at this point we have done a ton of miles this week. We reached Diamond Lake in the evening and got into our room. Dinner took forever and we were all tired. I am just realizing now that I never took the camera out even once! So let's skip to the crater.....

We ran up to Crater Lake just after sunset. The wind had come up and it was getting too cold for Gogo, so the expected oooohs and ahhhhhhs didn't happen. I held out for the morning visit and we all went back to the room and passed out.

The next morning got the expected woooooooooooooooooow as we walked to the craters edge and peered over the side. A run through the gift shop prooved too much for me at the end of the trip, I couldn't cool off, (it was like 110 outside!) and who knew that the shop had no air conditioning! After recomposing myself, a long drive into Bend pursued. Again, cranky, hot and stiff from all the driving, we hit Bend in 5:00 traffic and I felt like I was coming unglued. 2 1/2 hours later we got a room at LaQuinta Inn and refreshed our aching bodies and minds in the pool and hot tub. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Here's some snapshots from the Lake, it's a shame, but it was hot and not so spectacular to me, so I wasn't real inspired to take great photos. (I've been here 5 times, and seen it much prettier, hard to imagine I know) I did manage snapshots to record the visit with Gogo here.

Everyone enjoyed the views and the chipmunks were a huge hit!














Wildlife Safari

After spending a night back at home and showers for all, we hit the road again, this time going South. We stopped in for a visit to Wildlife Safari. Gogo got to see African, American and Asian animals. It was very very hot... I took many photos of the animals, but am choosing not to post tons of them so I can get on with more posting.... Here are just a few from this visit.





Mt St Helens

OK, for all of you locals out there that have never visited Mt St Helens, get up off your bum and DO IT! All I can say is wow.... Back when the volcano erupted, I remember sitting on our front door step from Troutdale and watching it blow. I was in High School at the time, I knew it was a big deal, but just HOW big, I never really understood. To go up to the visitor's centers, and go through everything was amazing. You truly have no scale of the magnitude even living it, until you actually SEE it!

Fantastic, and right in our own backyard practically!