july in photos

Cutie little girl in a long night shirt.

Brian took the kids up to the land while I went on a Matthews girls trip (no pics of either of these things!).  While riding on the Bear Wrestler, Layla stuck her arm out and it got caught between a tree and the bar of the vehicle.  It got banged and bruised pretty bad and she of course screamed.  Brian was sure it was broken and took her down to the hospital in Fairview.  After examining it, they seemed confident that it was badly bruised and swollen, but not broken.  They didn't even do x-rays.  It looked so gnarly for a few days, right before we were supposed to go to Oregon, and so I worried that it was actually broken.  But she started using it and the swelling went down and all was well.

One of my favorite features of our home is the back deck.  I love it.  Especially watcihng summer storms out on the back porch.  We had an epic summer thunderstorm one night- the sky was lighting up every few seconds in every direction- it was truly spectacular.  Even though the kids were already in bed, we woke them up to experience this amazing wonder.  It was pretty awesome to sit back there, all snuggled in a blanket in the pitch black night and then see the sky light up like fireworks every few seconds.  I'm glad they got to experience it.

Good daddy doing what he does best- brush out those tangles.

These are the kids treat bags for our road trip to Oregon.  I pack them full of snacks and treats and each kid is in charge of their own stuff.  They can choose when to eat it and what to eat.  This works so well- I am no longer turning around every five seconds to give someone something to eat.  They are in charge of their food and rationing it for the trip.  it's interesting to see how some will eat super slow and it will last well into the drive home, and some eat it up a lot quicker.  And of course squeezy cheese and honey roasted peanuts for my driver.

 We had been planning this vacation for years, and we almost backed out this summer- due to lodging being SO expensive.  But I'm so glad we didn't.  It was so worth it.  Memories made on vacation really are priceless.  I have looked back on this trip many times since and I'm so grateful it happened.  Here are just a very few of some photos we took while there.

I made a photo book about this trip and included all the pictures and stuff we did, but I forgot to include a few things.  First, we had made a travel cd to listen to for this trip.  Bohemian Rhapsody was on it.  Somehow in Newport, this became our official Oregon Trip 2015 anthem.  We blasted it loud every morning upon getting in the car and starting our day.  We'd all sing along and play air instruments.  It was one of those spontaneous things that is so meaningful and fun and I will never forget it!.  My kids know that song pretty well now, and we all get excited when it comes on.

Father and son flying Phoenix, the kite, in Seaside.  Love these boys.

Another thing to remember is how I gave the kids these slinky-type tubes for the long car ride.  They made a crazy sound when you open them up and when you put them back together.  It's hard to explain, but I forgot to add that to my book, and I forgot to add how extremely annoying they were and how much my kids loved them.

Our hike to Drift Creek Falls (ah, I think!) and walking across this cool suspension bridge.

Over looking the gorgeous ocean north of Newport.

Me in my element- hunting for sea creatures.  Caught a bunch of crabs and even a jellyfish!  So happy to do this along side my kids who love it just as much.

Attacked by Edward Scissorhands.

A favorite was caricatures at the Portland market.

In front of our old house- #102!  

For my birthday, Krista gave me a new paring knife.  It is cute and orange and SUPER sharp!  I was cutting a mango upon it's first use and sliced my finger.  Luckily Brian was there to survey the damage so I didn't have to look, but it was scary and really not that bad of a cut at all.

This pictures says a lot.  First, it says how often we got to the Altra outlet.  I mean, I don't know why Layla and I keep accompanying Brian, but somehow we do.  Second, this reminds me how sweet this girl usually is on the  many errands that we take her on.  Being the only one home during the school day can be fun, and also boring when you have to run errands.  I buy her lots of treats.  It's true.  And third, look how long and pretty her hair is?!

In this picture of Ellery floating in the PG Pond, I see my sister Jana.  Which I never have really seen before.  We spent SO much time here this summer- it was amazing and I feel so lucky to have it right by my house.  We found the best time to go was around 5pm- the crowds died down almost completely and it was prime!

Jana and my friend Monica came to town with her two kids, Aida and Jack.  We took them to the pond and they played in the sand and caught fish for hours.

Oh, how did they catch fish, you wonder?  Well, McKay rigged up his own fishing pole with a piece of bamboo and some old fishing line he found.  I assume there had to be a hook on there too.  This is when the fishing obsession really took root, I think.

Close up cuties.

Look how blonde her hair gets in the summer.  Love my little Ellie girl.  Also, I miss those sunglasses, I lost them.

I do not remember the occasion in which we brought shave ice for dessert to my parent's house, but I will tell you what happened after we ate.  A snowball fight in July, of course!  It was so fun for these kids, and some adults, to try to torture each other with snow in the middle of the summer.

McKay got to experience what it would be like to have older brothers.  I know he liked it.

Grocery shopping with Anna.  Also, those are the best shoes.

Our neighbors, Ollie's relatives, had puppies and we got to go visit them one day.  They were super cute and my girls loved playing with them and holding them.  I have learned that maybe McKay isn't an animal toucher...meaning he loves animals and loves learning about them, but he's not super keen on interacting with them too much.  He liked seeing the puppies, but lost interest way before my girls.  That's okay- I can relate.

I helped throw a bridal shower for Kara.  I made the sign and did the decorations, plus some desserts.  It turned out cute and was a fun night.  I am so excited for her to get married- Silas is so great and they are a perfect match.

 

I had been debating whether or not to cut my hair for a long time.  I finally made the decision and did it. . .and then two days later found out I was pregnant.  Not something I would have done had I known.  Oh well, it's been a fun change, even though  I miss my messy bun.