A Ribbon for Riya

On Friday, 3 1/2 year old Riya was proud to receive her first ever badge at her swimming class American Swim Academy!

The whole school which included parents, teachers and students were cheering for here:-

12 sessions of fun in water and a little help from her teacher Devana, little Riya can now:

(A) Get in/out of water safely
(B) Do 1+ "Bob(s)"
(C) Underwater 3+ secods
(D) Assisted back float
(E) Reach, grab wall, climb out

And for all this she has got a Badge:-

 "Ribbon of Excellence - Preschool"

Proud Riya couldn't stop talking about it and now she is looking forward for her next badge very eagerly. Mom and Dad are super proud of their little guppy fish and couldn't stop talking about it for the whole weekend!

Day 5: June 1st, 2011

Grotto and Last day at Portland 

Today was the last day at Portland. I think we really had a FUN trip! It was a much needed escape.. We love the city and OR was simply beautiful. Rex even offered that we should move to Portland :)

Last day at the hotel:

The grotto was another site for sore eyes.. if we had more time, we could have spent the whole day there. Definitely a place to visit for meditation or just to connect with nature.. as they say, a picture is worth...

Then off we rushed to the airport, feeling heavy at heart at having to leave such a wonderful place.. we hope to be back..

Day 4: May 31st, 2011

Oregon Zoo and Washington Park

Initially the day was planned around hiking and sight seeing at the Mt Hood. Since we needed to get to Mt Hood via the Columbia Gorge route, we decided to take the scenic route and on the way stop to see some more of the gorgeous falls..

We didn't end up going to Mt. Hood. So we changed plans and headed to Washington Park and Oregon Zoo instead...


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Riya had a ton of fun at the zoo! And surprisingly so did we. I guess I thought it would be yet another zoo.. especially after seeing the SF and San Diego zoo, one feels that there are no more surprises. But although I have seen elephants from when I was a child, it was a joy to see a baby elephant munching on her carrots and the adorable otters frolicking in the waters. Even the crocodiles held our attention! But I must say the Stellar Sea Lion was absolutely magnificent. I had never seen a sea lion up close and could not believe how large he was! The glass cage allowed me to actually reach out and almost touch him!

The other interesting exhibit was the Dino exhibit.. Riya was a little anxious at the life sized dino's growling in the background.. but it was fun to see these up close and "size" them up!

We also took a train ride, which is took us around the park. It was unlike any "park" that I had seen here in CA. Honestly, it was more like a national park and there was so much of greenery everywhere.. really a breath of fresh air..

Now if you think that was ALL there was too it.. then you are wrong :) We also landed at the Children's playground.. where Riya had some stretch time..

And then, (just when you thought that the park was done!), we went to the International Rose Test Garden right there at the Washington Park.. We lucked out that most flowers were yet to bloom, but the sheer expanse of the garden made it a wonderful walk through..

Riya also wanted to take pictures...

And then she wanted to make a wish and drop a coin :) (please oh please.. disney world!)

We SO wanted to see the Japanese and Chinese gardens.. but I guess we had a real long day, especially Riya. So off we went to relax in the Jacuzzi!