Rose Cup Races

Last Sunday, June 14th we had a fun experience. We went to the Rose Cup Races at Portland International Raceway, with our friends the Wilson's and one of their granddaughters, Ella. I had never been to a car race before and had no idea what to expect. But it was fun and definitely loud!!!! For me, what made the race fun was that a man in our church, Doug Russell, was racing that day. He was car #84. So it was fun to watch for him, as he would pass. After the race we were able to meet up with Doug and his wife and see the car. Yes I got to sit in the car. Too funny! I had no idea that there was only one seat in the car. Kinda weird. As I sat there, I tried to imagine what it would be like to be in the race. I must say my heart started pounding just thinking about!!! But it was fun! All in all the races were a blast and I would go again. However, word to the wise...NEVER wear heals to a race!!! It's no fun to walk around in heals on the uneven ground, no one else is wearing heals, and it sure doesn't look graceful when you are getting in and out of a race car. =-)

Here is a video from the race. See if you can find car 84 in the video.

Here are some pictures from our day.

Hanging out in Portland

After our Seattle trip, we came back to Portland and had a blast with Jay and our lovely city. Of course we continued to do a lot of walking... yes I was worn out. =-) We shopped in Downtown, had brunch at the View Point Inn, drove through the Oregon Gorge and saw the Vista House and several waterfalls including the famous Multnomah Falls, and ended our trip by driving up to Pittock Mansion to see the beautiful view of Portland. What a great trip! Here are a few more pictures....

Seattle Trip

Well, this past week was a full and busy week, but a blast. My sister, Anna, came up from CA. We headed up to Seattle for three days and two nights. During that time we stayed at an amazing hotel called the Pan Pacific. We walked everywhere! We went to the Space Needle, Pikes Market Place, a trip to the Veda Spa, the underground tour of old Seattle and of course shopping. It was a blast! Here are a few pictures from our Seattle trip.

In the hotel lobby...

At Pike's Market Place....

Up in the Space Needle....

On the shoreline of West Seattle. Love this view!

Our amazing room!

Spring Flowers

We have been enjoying all of the beautiful blooms that have been taking place around the house. Everything is so pretty. Here are a few pretty pictures for you.

Yesterday I spent some time planting. Here is the area I worked on. Jay got me a new birdbath for graduation. So I decided to incorporate our old one in this little garden.

I Almost Forgot

So in the midst of Playoffs, graduation, and preparing for guest and a big party, we decided to give the hall bathroom aka Mandi's bathroom, a face lift. The walls and ceiling were painted, we put up new fixtures, replace the mirror and added a cabinet over the toilet. We were pretty excited how well it all turned out.Here are some pictures.

Before
After

For My Mom's Benefit

When my mom was visiting, I tried on my cap for her. She got all sentimental and said she was having a flash back from my kindergarten graduation. =-) Here is your girl mom. Both then and now. Love ya!

Just Call Me Amanda Allen M.A.

That is right! I graduated. After 4 long years, I finally did it. What a journey!!! I am super excited to be done, but it has been hard to say so many good-byes. I think I feel like a person who has just finished a race. There is a HUGE sense of satisfaction of the accomplishment made, but now it's done and it's time to rest up and refocus. So, yes it's been some what of an adjustment. But it's all good. =-)

The question that everyone asks is do I know what I'm doing next. The answer to that is.... not exactly. For now, my plan is to take some time to rest, do some things I've wanted to do. Enjoy life with my husband without crazy work schedules and homework. And spend some time praying and asking the Lord for a vision for this next phase of my life.

Here are a few pictures from my fun weekend. I had my Hooding ceremony on Friday, May 1st. My parents came up from CA, our dear friend Jennifer came down from Bellingham, our Oregon parent's Debby and Larry Barnum were there, as well as are dear friends the Hines, Kim and Brian, and Sonya. Then on Saturday Jay and Tana organized a fun open house. About 40 people came by. I was very blessed!!!