Spring is busting out all over: Classes are winding down along with sports, activities, music; gardening, vacation, camping on horizon
The 7th grader's soccer team won a championship, the sophomore excelled in drama and a farm-to-table program, the fourth grader is a smarty pants, and the kindergartener graduates next week.
Text and Photos by Rob Melton

School is a wrap in a few more weeks in Oregon, and it’s been a busy year.
The eldest granddaughter is in her second year of theater as a costumer, props, and extra—and played Thing Three in Seussical, the Musical in January. She spends part of her week in an offsite halftime farm-to-table class a couple of days a week—and loving it. She and grandma are starting to sew together, too.


Her brother the middle school athlete and musician, finished another season of soccer with the team taking the championship again. A few weeks ago, he participated in the Conestoga Marching band playing the Sousaphone, and last weekend showed off his percussionist chops with the school’s jazz band at Beaverton Farmers Market.
The fourth grader and her brother the kindergartener both were honored with Students of the Month awards this year. The kindergarten graduation is next week, and his sister the fourth grader is an avid reader and a smarty-pants like her parents.
Grandson playing percussion at last week’s Beaverton Farmers Market middle school jazz bands shows. He’s got rhythm!
Just a few weeks ago the band, in marching band mode, played in the St. John’s parade, a kick-off to the Rose Festival parades that happen across the city.
Playing the bongo drums is just one of many instruments the four percussionists play.
If you missed the big event of the week — Hood strawberries are in local stores now — then don’t miss the special post with our secret Best of the Northwest Strawberry Shortcake recipe. Because it’s time to sit outside on the patio for a few months with family and friends enjoying the changing garden, barbecues, and games.
All three of our children are advancing in their careers, and it’s a blessing to have them all nearby—as well as sunshine, a little rain, plenty of books to read from our great Multnomah County Library and Powell’s Books. Looking forward to going camping on the Oregon Coast this summer and catching up with friends and families.
The garden this week is amazing! My secret? I let everything lie fallow last year. Now it’s roaring back in style.





And that’s a wrap. Hope you are stopping to smell the roses, taking a break, and enjoying this time of year.
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I love that your grandkids are all doing such cool things! It's so fun to watch kids shine and get to go to all their activities, parades, plays, and events. Seems like they keep you busy!