R.I.P. Peet Evers 2000 - 2014

In his first week's with us, after he'd gotten over the typical Humane Society infections and colds.

A couple weeks after getting married in the summer of 2000, Jenny and I started our little family by adopting the sickest kitten at the Humane Society.  We named him Peet and he grew into a very loving adventurous cat. We installed a cat door and gave him free run of the outdoors. We used to find him roaming several blocks from our home in NE Portland. He caught many songbirds before we loaded him up with so many bells he jangled like a Christmas sleigh. For as often as he crossed busy city streets, tangled with cats, dogs and racoons in back alleys, we honestly expected him to meet his end much earlier than yesterday. But he was lucky. And so were we. We'll always remember him as effectionate and playful, a cat who loved to climb up on shoulders, purr in ears, and sleep on laps.   

In recent years, he slowed down his bird hunting, but he still prowled our back yard. He lived an ideal feline life. The kids loved him. We all loved him. 

We'll miss you, Peet.

Tis the Season

December means it's time to find a tree, string the lights, decorate the house, and find the big man himself to let him know what we wish for.

At the tree farm last Sunday

It was a wet and cold day, but we had a lot of fun. Jenny brought a thermos of hot chocolate.

u-cut means getting down in the mud and sawing away

Once home, we set up the tree and got out the ornaments.  We've collected ornaments from various places we've traveled. For the kids, each time we bring them out, it's like rediscovering an old friend.

Last night we went to the Oregon Garden for a chance to meet Santa and see the the lights.

Zaeda was shy around the reindeer

In the light tunnel

We know this lamp!

A moment with Mr. and Mrs. Claus

It was below freezing, and the garden had set up bonfires and heaters all over the place. It was cold, but plenty of fun.

Getting to and from the event involved a brief tram ride.

Zaeda's Pre-K Holiday Program

Oliver's First Grade Holiday Program

Oliver and his buddy Maya

The Nutcracker!

Oregon Zoo Lights!

Christmas morning

Santa's snacks, eaten.

Peet sleeping in

Oliver had hoped that Santa might be able to repair the crack in his PIXAR cup. 

Santa knows how much our kids love to play dress up!

Welcome Cousin Evan!

One month ago, we welcomed cousin Evan Michael Bitter into the family. This was big news and the kids couldn't wait to hold him!

Lucky dad, Mike

Some Winter Activities

Dough art with Nana

Chapstick for Snow White's face

Oliver's soccer practice

Nightly homework

Briushing teeth, of course!

Halloween and Fall Fun

At a "Haunted Trail" and pumpkin farm in Oregon City a couple weeks ago.

A giant leaf pile, one of many I'll make this fall. Still plenty left on the tree!

This is what Zaeda selected to wear  for playing in the leaf pile

Zaeda and her best buddy Gracie at the YMCA Halloween walk

Zaeda and her favorite boy, Phinneas

Halloween night!

Oliver's friend Maya and her parents and baby sister joined us for a walk around the block. Guess who's excited here?

First stop: Sharon and Doug next door.

Maya and Oliver at the end of the track-or-treating

The haul