Doug and Julie Effinger in Nicaragua

The reason we even come home for the summers is because of our grand kids. We have a 7 year old grandson and a 4 year old grand girl. They are our everything as we get older and they grow up so quickly. We made the decision when Caelum was born that we would make sure that we played a role in their lives even though we live over 3000 miles away. While our 7 year old is on summer vacation, we are home to provide daycare for him. Our 4 year old stays in preschool because if she is taken out she loses her spot. So we get our 7 year old all day ling Monday-Friday. it is the best thing ever. Taking a long shot at BBall. This year we were able to go to the zoo a couple times, go to the Tillamook cheese factory, go to the park a bunch, play hoops out front almost every day, work on some house projects together, and practice school work together. At the Portland Zoo. (Yeah, they have fake animals there. But there are real ones too!) We were able to go camping with them and their p...

This past summer could also be called the Summer of Soccer. In case you didn't already know, I am a huuuuuuge Portland Timber fan. But living out of the country makes it unrealistic for me to be a ticket holder. I'm usually only in Vancouver/Portland for a portion of the season. Not to worry, I have one of the best friends ever in AJ Gomez. AJ is a ticket holder and this year he invited me to about 9 home games. I was able to make six of them. It was amazing. I had such a great time. AJ always invites his friends and clients to the games, so I was able to make new friends as well as reconnect with some old friends. AJ and I, with photobomber Mike Shanaburger. AJ and I go back to 1970 when we played soccer together for the Our Lady of Lourdes Pioneers.we played soccer together in club soccer for the next 8 years. AJ attended Hudson Bay High School and I went to Columbia River. Back in those days we didn't have High School soccer as a school sport, so we played club soc...