September 2025

 Happy Fall Y'all! September turned out to be the warmest one in history and I was loving every second of it. Here's what we were up to:

Although the 1st day of school was scheduled for August, one of the school unions went on strike. For 3 weeks. While it sounds amazing to have a huge extra break, it wasn't as enjoyable as you might think. I had already been back at work for 3 weeks and was acclimated into my work schedule, Presley had participated in her Freshman Orientation, the kids had their school pics taken and football games had started. The weather was fantastic, but it really messed with our heads and felt very much like Spring of 2020 when our lives were completely on pause. Eventually the strike ended, but the new calendar took away so many extra days throughout the year when we really could appreciate them.

One bright spot during this time period is that Washington's very 1st In-n-Out Burger opened in Ridgefield and Presley, Dylan and I drove over for an amazing lunch. We had a great experience and look forward to the second location opening up a few miles away.

Teague had his 35th high school reunion to catch up with classmates and teachers, but Amber and I hit the Ritz Carlton for cocktails instead

Tim came up for the reunion and brought me a gift: a commemorative helmet from my Portland Forest Dragons cheerleading days. How awesome is this?

Family dinner for the football team always involves adding the Thunder decals to their helmets

After a year of 7-on-7, camp and summer workouts, Mt View is ready for some competition

Captain Dylan heading to center field for the coin toss. Go #7!

He is mainly playing safety and is on the kick return team

Presley volunteered at our annual Church Picnic where she spent some time in a hotdog costume

Slow pitch softball also started. Unfortunately, there wasn't enough interest for Mt View to have their own team, so Presley and another player have joined up with Heritage which completely changed their location and game schedule. The positive is that Presley is their main pitcher and she is doing absolutely amazing! Her hitting is great and she gets a lot of outs on defense.

Finally we started school!

Dylan's last first day of school

Presley and I volunteered at our Church's Second Saturday which was a party thrown for the Foster Families in the area

Our football team does not have the best luck so far, but Dylan is making lots of tackles and helping out as best as he can

One of my co-workers texted me this flashback she came across.

The game I've been dreading was when Dylan's team played against the high school team where I work. Union completely destroyed Mt View, but Dylan did amazing. I struggled with what side to root for and I'm glad this match-up is over

Dylan's football pics

Our precious kitties had their 8th birthday this month. Our Litter Robot app sent their best wishes

This year Dylan is opting to take an online college course at Clark. Oddly enough, his name and class ended up on my school's list. At least I can confirm that he completely his registration

Presley and her BFF, Sarah (and brother), attended a Volleyball Open Gym. It was good to see her back on the court enjoying something she loves.

That's it for September! Tune in next month where we attend high school and college homecomings, prepare for a new baby in the family and celebrate a new Rakoz adult!