here's something i thought i'd never see: my parents IN a parade! they've become such joiners at their retirement park in palm springs (or as mom calls it, sixties summer camp). i love the candid joy on their faces! (and mom looks so pretty); way to go!

took a break from the camera this weekend but wished i hadn't. we headed off for a little family break. j & i wanted the tropics but settled for spokane. we hit the jackpot b/c it was local and it was also 24 degrees!

. a trip to the park included sunburns

. hotel (or "show n tell" as A called it) w/ pool & hot tub

. kids carnival & mom's 1st ferris wheel (4 yr old A was more brave!)

. good ol American buffet complete w/ ice cream machine

. old old cityscapes for mom

. more bike shops than we could count, for dad

. nature walk under train bridge

. ice creams in the evening

i want to return on a vespa, w/ basket, perusing the eclectic districts surrounding downtown. if i wanted a tattoo, i would get one here! i'll settle for a bad-ass movie at the art deco movie theatre. who am i kidding?? meg ryan doesn't do bad-ass! these great little areas reminded me of that which i love about portland - baghdad theatre and all.

we're able to play tourist again, w/ the kids being that much older...yippee!