Rafter Family

Now those are crabs!

2011-09-27T12:06:00.000-07:00

We got two keepers on this pot

Jay and Aaron spent a fun couple of days pulling in crabs in Nehalem Bay on the Oregon Coast.

Now these were some big ones

Aaron even got a keeper off the dock using the Crab Hawk^tm

We pulled in over 50lbs of dungeness crap on this trip

Off to Maui

2011-09-27T11:52:00.000-07:00

The kids kept asking to go to Maui, so we finally did. We stayed in Kaanapali, spending as much time as we could in and on the water. Weather was perfect the whole week.

We found out fishing (which we did) is different than catching (which we didn't).

Kate pensively looks over the Pacific

That's Luke showing off

Jay showing that the kids weren't the only ones who could surf

Off course Kate with her dancing skills took quickly to surfing

Thailand and Cambodia

2011-08-19T22:20:00.000-07:00

One of the many temple cities

At Angkor Tom (site of movie Tomb Raider)

They were very aggressive salesmen

Then Scott and Jay flew over to Siem Reap, Cambodia and visited the walled temples cities of Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom and many others. Just an amazing place.

Favorite stuff in Thailand

2011-08-19T21:41:00.000-07:00

Here is Jay's favorite Buddhist monk

And one of his favorite activities, tooling around the island of Samui, Thailand with Scott (Jay's basketball buddy from Portland who was working in Thailand)

Jay in Thailand

2011-08-19T21:26:00.000-07:00

Starting off on his Southwest Asia adventure, Jay spent several days exploring the temples and other sites of Bangkok. An amazing trip to Bangkok, the island of Samui, and the town of Siem Reap in Cambodia. Though Bangkok is a huge, bustling city of 8 million people (the traffic and insane drivers make New York City look like a walk in the park), it still retains a vibe and a rhythm. The people were wonderful, always a friendly "sawadika(p)" (hello).
In between days in Bangkok, Jay then flew south to the island of Samui for a few days of sea and sun.

Ski time

2011-04-03T09:45:00.000-07:00

Jay and Aaron spent a little father-son time up on the slopes of Mt Hood last weekend. The conditions were pretty good with almost ten inches of new powder.

Meeting our Oregon Senator

2010-08-19T11:18:00.000-07:00

In our trip to our nation's capitol last month, Jay and Luke were able to stop by Senator Merkley's office and meet our Oregon Senator.

Hilton Head Part II

2010-07-03T18:46:00.000-07:00

Further to the post below, here's a view of Harbourtown at sunset, one of the usual island residents, and the family boat outing, and some fun at John & Tracy's

Summer and it's vacation time

2010-07-03T18:33:00.000-07:00

Just had a wonderful week in Hilton Head, SC visiting the folks as well as Jay's sister's family (Kendall, John & Ben). Just a relaxing time with lots of activities: deep sea fishing (that's Aaron who caught a 3 foot lemon sharked, we released him, the shark that is), waterskiing, wakeboarding, waverunners, alot of beach time and biking around the island and just enjoying everyone's company.

Spring has sprung

2010-03-24T07:19:00.000-07:00

Finally warming up here in Portland over spring break.

Happy 2010

2010-01-12T00:03:00.000-08:00

We're getting into the new year. Jay was able to spend five days in Hilton Head visiting his folks and trying to talk them into moving to Portland, but to no avail. Kate turned 21 last week -- let the local bars beware!

Happy New Year to all!

We are getting ready for the Holidays

2009-12-20T14:42:00.000-08:00

Christmas is just around the corner. This is a time that we celebrate the birth of baby Jesus sharing joy and thankfulness for this tremendous gift from God. We give praise and remember His gift to us by giving gifts to those we love, and sharing with our family and friends.

We wish you all a joyful and holy Chistmas and a prosperous new year.

They're be puppies

2009-12-12T21:16:00.000-08:00

Jay and Aaron went over to a friend of Jays to visit a litter of cute little airdale puppies. No we didn't come home with one, but we had a fun afternoon.

Back to the City by the Bay

2009-12-06T22:01:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving weekend found us in San Francisco, visiting the Stevicks (Glen, Liz, John & James) in Berkeley, seeing the Shalz (Mark, Marie & David) in Chinatown. Jay and Luke saw the Irish lose another close one to Stanford.

;

What are you thankful for?

2009-11-23T20:19:00.001-08:00

ct>

Boo! Happy Halloween

2009-11-19T16:24:00.000-08:00

Promotion time

2009-11-11T22:24:00.000-08:00

Here's Aaron getting tested (and then promoted) to the next belt level.

Presents appear!

2009-11-11T22:21:00.000-08:00

Aaron turns 9

Always the popular one

2009-11-11T22:14:00.000-08:00

Dave was always one to be surrounded by the ladies -- Chicago October 2009

Can you Bear it?!

2009-10-20T20:40:00.000-07:00

A little ND weekend

2009-10-20T20:11:00.000-07:00

Jay and Luke got another chance to fly back to South Bend to see Notre Dame take on USC. An exciting game saw the Irish come up 4 yards short of knocking off a top five team. Jay got to tailgate with numerous ND friends including four of his old Dillon Hall roomies.

Bob Rafter, we miss him

2009-10-20T19:57:00.000-07:00

Very suddenly in the early morning of October 6, Jay's Uncle Bob Rafter passed away. The family gathered the next week in Seattle for the rosary service and funeral. Bob, the youngest of the six Rafter siblings (the brother of Jay's father's). Bobbo is survived by his wife of 50 years, daughters Karen and her husband Russell; Claudia her husband Dan; Kristin L. Rafter; and son Robert and wife Kelly; nine grandchildren and three great grand children.

Tom Rafter - in memorium

2009-10-12T23:31:00.000-07:00

August-September had some sad news for the Rafter clan as Tom Rafter past away at 85 years old. Survived by his wife Toni and daughter Monica, Tom was the older brother of Jay's father, John. That's Tom on the right, with siblings (left to right) John, Nan, Bob, and Peggy. He was buried in his hometown of Kansas City in services attended by Jay and Kendall and other family and friends. We will miss him.

Catching some pinchers

2009-09-24T21:48:00.001-07:00

Jay and Aaron took a trip up last Sunday to Nehalem Bay and did one of Aaron's favorite activities -- crabbing. We caught a bunch of dungeness crabs, had them cooked up and brought them home for a family feast!

First game of the season

2009-09-16T09:10:00.000-07:00

Luke had his first game of the season last Thursday leading the Crusaders JV squad to a 27-8 victory over Clackamas. Jesuit got out of the gate early with a 65 yard opening drive for a score. For the day, Luke had several good passes, hitting one receiver on a 30 yarder to set up one score and capping the scoring with a 15 yarder for a TD.

Charity games

2009-09-07T22:43:00.000-07:00

Luke and a hoard of fellow juniors spent an evening of cards, bluffing and pizza at the Rafter's supporting the Jesuit annual fund. The players (actually their moms) bought in at Jesuit's charity auction. Nick was the big winner!

Willamette Pass

2009-08-13T07:35:00.000-07:00

Following a one year trend, Michelle found yet another out of the way cabin in the mountains, this time at Diamond Peak near Crescent Lake (about 90 miles east of Eugene). Luke invited his friend and football buddy, Nick. The week included the usual array of hiking, hanging out at the lakes and fishing. Day trips to Crater Lake, the Obsidian crater, and Salt Creek Falls were a few of the highlights.

Baseball Playoffs

2009-08-13T07:16:00.000-07:00

Luke's summer baseball season ended in the first round of the playoffs, but included a career game. Catching a complete double-header, in game one, he singled and scored the teams first run, and then hit a game winner over the fence for a 2-1 win.

Taking a hit

2009-07-02T10:16:00.000-07:00

Here's Luke taking one for the team (photo courtesy Anna)

Sun, surf and island fun

2009-06-20T05:57:00.001-07:00

. . . . . . . . . Lots of beach and time in the sun for father and sons. And we have to watch out for the alligators!

A little island time for the boys

2009-06-20T05:44:00.001-07:00

Here are a few of our boating activities -- kayaking, dolphin tour on the Zodiac, and deep sea fishing

ND Reunion 2009

2009-06-20T05:28:00.000-07:00

Jay was able to make his (we won't say how many year) Notre Dame reunion in early June. On the way through Chicago, Jay and Pat caught a White Sox game and then onto reunion under the watchful eye of Our Lady on the golden dome. Together that's Jay's old roomies Pat, Dave and Kevin

First Communion

2009-05-08T14:32:00.000-07:00

Yes, our little Aaron is growing up and had his First Communion last Sunday. Needless to say, his parents were very proud.

Happy and Holy Easter

2009-04-13T09:08:00.000-07:00

As spring brings a renewal of life following winter, we wish you an Easter blessing and time of renewal to all our friends and family.

Spring means baseball

2009-04-05T18:08:00.000-07:00

Springtime means baseball season in the Rafter family. Luke is a sophomore on Jesuit's J.V. team, playing mostly catcher. Aaron is starting little league and has been working on his catching, throwing and hitting skills with his dad.

Tae Kwon Do

2009-02-28T13:34:00.000-08:00

Aaron is enjoying his second year of Tae Kwon Do, especially since he gets to spar now.

It's a New Year

2009-01-20T09:41:00.000-08:00

We have a new first family moving into the White House today, but we also send out greetings from the Rafter family -- Peace on Earth, goodwill and prosperity, kindness and service to all.

Happy Holidays from the Winter Wonderland of Portland

2008-12-14T18:11:00.000-08:00

We wish you all a joyful and holy Christmas and a prosperous new year! It's pretty unusual for us to get snow here, particularly in December, and a full foot of snow sure shut down the city. But Luke and Aaron were happy to get an extra week off from school leading up to Christmas. Kate flew home from Colorado after an extra two days in Denver and then an overnight in Seattle due to snow storms shutting down airports in Portland and Seattle.

Thanksgiving in Southern California

2008-11-29T12:02:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving 2008 saw the family traveling down to the old neighborhoood in Fullerton. Here's Luke and Aaron with their former next door neighbor, Nolan. And we made the obligatory voyage to the happiest place on earth

Quick trip to the East Coast

2008-11-25T20:55:00.001-08:00

Jay had a quick visit to the East earlier in November. That's Jay in front of Camden Yards stadium in Baltimore with old Waynewood friends John Molli (on the left) and Jay Siegfried on the right after watching ND beat Navy (barely). The next night it was on to Redskins stadium for the Washington vs Dallas game with his cousin Joe. In between, he got to visit a couple of old friends. Then a quick trip down to Hilton Head to see the parents, Tracy & John. They're doing great.

Aaron buddies have a birthday party

2008-10-19T19:55:00.001-07:00

Aaron and a bunch of his buddies celebrated Noah's and Sean's birthday at Bullwinkle's fun center today

Friendly competition

2008-10-05T15:32:00.000-07:00

From the cuts above their eyes, it looks like they must have been boxing, it was just a little dad vs son game of one-on-one basketball.

Weekend @ ND

2008-09-29T12:58:00.000-07:00

Luke and Jay spent a quick weekend flying to the midwest for an Irish football game. Jay met up with Dave, Gary & Pat -- his old roomates from ND -- for dinner on Friday night in Chicago. After picking up Luke on Saturday morning, the guys drove down to South Bend for game day festivities. It was a fun day of walking the campus, tailgating, visiting with friends, all capped off with a Notre Dame win over Purdue of 38-21.

Bicycle for sale -- cheap

2008-09-14T21:26:00.000-07:00

Woman's bicycle, 26in, new front tire inner tube, tuned up and all the mud from December riding cleaned off. Will ship. Email offer.

Visit from Glen

2008-09-14T12:59:00.000-07:00

Jay's friend, Glen, came into town from Berkeley, CA for his cousin's wedding. Jay and Glen had a quick visit, reminiscing about their fun times from the 80's. They met while working for Chevron as office mates at the Richmond refinery. Saturday night found them closing down first the Widmer brewery and then Jake's.

Crabs, crabs

2008-09-10T08:39:00.001-07:00

Aaron and Jay took a quick trip out to the coast on Sunday for an afternoon of crabbing. It was a beautiful day as we rented a boat at the JettyFishery, took our crab rings out and went after our prize. Results were great as we got a keeper the first time we pulled up a trap. Within an hour we had a dozen crabs, big ones, a couple were about 3lbs! Aaron had a great time -- his job was to lean over the side of the boat and grab the trap bouy as Jay maneuvered the boat past, then help sort the crabs from the trap, throwing out the females and undersized ones. We ended up with 15 keepers-maybe 30 lbs of crab. Sweet! Back home we had a crab feast Sunday and then Monday Michelle cooked up her famous crab cakes -- yum! And we still have 2/3 of the crabs left for later meals.

Promontory Park

2008-09-01T22:40:00.000-07:00

We joined the Menendez family (Michelle's sister Susan) and the Fuller family (Jay's friend Scott) for a Labor Day camping trip to Promontory Park off the Clackamas River east of Estacada, OR. We stayed in a group of three Yomes (tent structures). Jay and Scott took a white water kayaking trip down the upper Clackamas. Jay proceeded to wrap his kayak around a rock requiring assistance from experts to release it with no worse for wear. Leaving transportation devices in the water seems to be a recurring theme for the adventures of Jay and Scott.

Back for Sophomore Year

2008-08-26T08:18:00.000-07:00

Kate was sooo ready to get outta Dodge -- she left Sunday for Colorado College where she begins her sophomore year w/ a new hairdo while majoring in poli sci, languages, cross-country and not enough sleep. You can follow her exploits in her blog at http://www.kateincolorado.blogspot.com/ I already miss her.

Sophomore Poker night for Luke

2008-08-25T10:02:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday was poker night at the Rafter's. Twenty-one Jesuit sophomore boys joined Luke in a Texas Hold-em tournament. Each of the boys parents bought tickets at the Jesuit Auction entitling their sons to an evening of poker. Michelle hired professional dealers to handle the festivities, and the boys ate every piece of food in sight.

Aaron is off to camp

2008-08-19T17:41:00.000-07:00

Some of Michelle's fondest memories of her youth was going off to Camp Howard each summer. Following in his mom's footsteps, Aaron headed up to Camp Howard on Sunday along with a couple cousins and kids from his class. That's Aaron in the photo with his buddy Noah.

It was a nice week in the woods

2008-08-12T16:36:00.000-07:00

.
.
.
.
.
.
.

Here is the log cabin where we spent the week -- the cabin just off the Tye river where Aaron and Jay did a little fishing.

Vacationing in Skykomish, Washington

2008-08-09T19:09:00.000-07:00

We're spending a week in the Cascades of north central Washington in a log house on the Tye river just west of Stevens Pass. Here we are after a good hike up to Dorothy lake. After the long upward hike, this alpine lake was a refreshing reward, but the water was cold. Kate, Luke and Jay swam across and back.

Visit with Uncle Bob

2008-08-08T09:27:00.000-07:00

Starting out on our vacation to eastern Washington, we stopped off in Sammamish to see Bob & Claudia and the Allemans. Karen cooked us a nice dinner and we just had a very nice little overnight visit. Looking at the photos, that's Jay with with young Aiden (Russell's son), next is Claudia, Bob & Jay, finally Michelle with the new grandma Karen (in the kitchen of course). We also saw Kristin, Missy, and Ashley. Missy and Luke (both 15 and entering their sophomore year) swapped driver's ed stories, and the whole of us played a game of Apples to Apples with Kate the big winner.

Harvest time

2008-07-21T07:35:00.000-07:00

Jay, Michelle and Aaron drove down to the family farm of friend of Jay's to pick berries. Forty-five pounds later, we had enough berries. We'll be spending much of the next few days making jam, preserves and pies. Yum!

Spring in Hilton Head

2008-06-30T12:45:00.000-07:00

Jay and the kids spent a island vacation week at the beach

Travels 2007

2008-06-28T16:12:00.001-07:00

. . . . . Though the whole family did not travel out the country as we did in 2006, we still were able to travel a bit closer to home. Over Thanksgiving, we went to San Francisco (Kate flew in from Colorado to meet us) and we made an ND vs Stanford football game.

Mexico in December

2008-06-28T16:09:00.000-07:00

. . . . . . . . . Jay and his friend Scott were able to explore the sites in San Felipe which is in Baja California on the Sea of Cortez

Kate's in college

2008-06-28T15:55:00.001-07:00

2007-08 found Kate on her own away at Colorado College. We didn't hear from her much, but she certainly is enjoying the college experience.