Friends become our chosen family

During the 2011-2012 school year a gentleman by the name of Mike Skolnik was assigned to work at the same school I was working at as support for the school and the students.  During that year Mike became a good trusted friend and colleague who I appreciated and admired.  At the end of that school year Mike decided to retire from LAUSD and become a free man :-) shortly thereafter he and his wife decided to relocate to Oregon and Join their son Kevin who was completing his college degree in Eugene Oregon.  Before moving to Oregon Mike had the opportunity of meeting the rest of the Leyva family.  Although we had not met Carolyn (Mike's wife and Kevin his son and their dog Bailey) we knew we shared many things in common, specifically our love for the same food, and "good finds at Trader Joe's market"  Since the Skolnik's relocated we have remained friends with Mike and have been communicating with the occasional text message or e-mail.  As we planned our trip this summer we knew we would be in Vancouver Canada (close enough) we decided to come out and experience the beautiful scenery Portland Oregon has to offer and meet the rest of the Skolnik family.
What a wonderful day we had.  We finally met Carolyn who is just as kind and pleasant as Mike. The Skolnik's are the most gracious and inviting hosts. They own a beautiful home in Lake Oswego that has a view of Mt. Hood.  It helped that it was a clear sunny amazing day.  Mike took us on a hike around the neighborhood to a farm and an awesome trail within walking distance of their lovely home.  Then we headed to a park with a huge river running through it (we believe it was the willimet river?) in the afternoon we headed to the museum of science.  A pleasant fun interactive way to learn about science and technology.
Finally the Skolnik's invited us to dinner at a restaurant on lake Oswego called Manzana's.  Which is where we had the pleasure of meeting Kevin, the youngest of the family.  A wonderful end to a very lovely day.  Thank you Skolnik family for your kindness, graciousness and hospitality.  Hope we can someday do the same for you.