Whirlwind Vancouver Tour

My parents were in town for a few hours last week. They were on their way to spend a week at the Oregon Coast, but had a few hours available before they met up with friends. Joseph and I picked them up from the airport. I had really debated what we could do during those few hours which would be fun and meaningful. Anything with lots of walking was definitely out, as Mom recently seriously injured her foot while in Europe, and is still in a "walking boot." The kids would all be in school during the hours they were visiting, and Dan would be at work.

The night before they arrived it occurred to me that we could visit all the kids on their school lunch breaks and then meet up with Dan for lunch. The next morning I made some cookies before heading to the airport. (The cookies were inadvertently "healthier." I made the cookies in the middle of the morning rush hour, and found that evening that almost half of the butter which was supposed to be in the recipe was still sitting in a bowl in the microwave. Oh well.) We would visit each of the kids and take them a treat at lunchtime. Our schedule was tight, as the kid's lunches were about half an hour apart, but we would at least have a few minutes to visit.

Joseph and I raced to the airport and met Grandma and Grandpa at the curbside. First on our agenda, embarrassing the high schooler. Really, what could be better for a senior in high school than to have your parents, grandparents, and little brother show up at school to hug you and bring you cookies? Oh, and Mom had a camera and insisted on taking pictures. It's all right - I think Brandon's "coolness" factor didn't take too much of a hit, especially since he shared cookies with his friends.
Sorry, Dad, somehow I caught you between smiles!

Next, we drove 5 miles to Aubrey's school. We visited with her for a few minutes in the front lobby of her school. Aubrey was on her way to lunch, where she was to be the coveted "lunch helper." Apparently all fourth graders vie to be the one to clean trays, do dishes, and pick up garbage, especially since they are rewarded with a treat. Hmmmm, so strange that she isn't equally excited to do these chores at home!
Joseph brought three changes of clothes for our trip around town. He constantly changed in the car from Batman costume to Batman incognito costumes (aka regular clothes).

Next, we drove to downtown Vancouver to Bailey's school. We caught her just as she was going to lunch. On this particular day she was preparing to perform as a part of a salsa dancing group for a visiting guest from Cuba. This year the entire school is focusing on the theme of Cuban music and art.

Posing in front of Cuban art in the lobby of her school.

Finally, we drove to a restaurant across the street from Dan's office. We had a delicious lunch and a nice visit. By this point Joseph was getting bored, so he borrowed my camera and took pictures. He was the photographer for this picture of Dan:
After lunch we looked at the koi in a pond outside the restaurant and enjoyed the gorgeous fall weather.
We bid Dan farewell and drove to Tigard, near Portland, where Mom and Dad met up with their good friends.

It was wonderful to see them, hug them, talk to them, and spend a few precious hours!