Oregon Coast

For Pete's birthday, he wanted to go to the coast as a family. Shaylee was sick the weekend of his birthday, so we decided to go on Monday instead. It would be one last getaway as a family before school started again. We went to a new beach this time it was called Oswald West state park. It has a pretty long walk to it, but it was really beautiful. It is where all the surfers go and we had a great time watching all of them. We had a picnic lunch and then just hung out on the beautiful beach. On our way out we decided to go on a "short" hike. Ha ha! Yeah right! The hike was much longer than we thought. It was supposed to end at a waterfall, but we never made it that far. The kids didn't have the right shows to hike and so after a mile we decided we'd better turn back so that noone hurt their ankles or anything. It was a beautiful area, though and we were glad we went on the hike even if we didn't make it to the falls.

You can see all the surfers out in the ocean.
They are all those little dots.

On our way home we of course knew that we had to stop at Tillamook. We can't be close by there and not stop at the cheese factory to get their yummy icecream. We also had to stop at the beef jerky outlet and get the yummy pepperoni sticks.

We had such a fun time. I love the Oregon coast. Even if it is windy and cold, it is so beautiful. And I love to smell the air near the ocean. It just smells so fresh and clean. What a great day!

Happy Birthday Pete!

Twelve days after Kenyon's birthday is Pete's, so we have a great time enjoying birthdays in August. Pete's birthday happened to fall on Back to School night, so we celebrated in between going to Back to School Night. He wanted to go to dinner with the whole family, so we all went to the Stardust Diner and enjoyed the yummy food there. We even got free deserts! (it pays to know the owners:) ) After eating out we went to meet the kids teachers and I helped out for a bit at the membership table. Then we headed home to open presents. We didn't do cake and icecream on his birthday night because we knew it would be crazy and I made him a cake to bring to work, so he already had cake that day.

Pete's German Chocolate cake he resquested

Instead we continued the celebration into Friday night and had cake and icecream then. For Pete's birthday he bought a telescope, so that he and the kids can enjoy going out together and looking at the beautiful night sky.

Sleeping while opening presents?!

Nope! He's awake!

LEBRON!!!!!

Modeling Daddy's Lebron jersey

Happy Birthday Kenny boy!

Okay, I know I am a horrid mother! His birthday was a month ago and I'm just posting about it now. So sorry baby boy!

August 15-

Kenyon turned seven today! CRAZY! I can't believe my little redheaded boy is seven! How does time go by so fast?!

Kenyon had a great birthday! Because his birthday fell on a Saturday we were able to have his party on his special day. He had a Hawaiian Surfer party. Pete and I threw it together quickly, but it really turned out cute. The kids played coconut/pineapple bowling, musical leis, water balloon toss, and of course the pinata. The kids had a great time. Woo Hoo for a fun party.


Later that night we had our family celebration. Kenyon was very excited to get an MP3 player for his main gift. He lost it less than a week after he got it. I was not happy, but luckily he did find it a couple of weeks later and has been plugged in ever since!



Kenyon at seven:

Kenyon loves to chat and socialize with anyone! At Shaylee's dance recital he was sitting next to a twelve year old girl and they chatted the entire time. It was really funny.

Kenyon loves music. He loves to rock out!

Kenyon has the cutest voice around.

Kenyon has the sweetest smile! His eyes just dance when he gives you that little grin.

Kenyon does not know how to sit still. He is always busy.

Kenyon loves to read. Especially comic books.

Kenyon is obsessed with weapons! He was very excited to get a water gun from Grandma for his birthday.

Kenyon has the most beautiful red hair around and the cutest freckles in the universe.

I love my Kenyon! Happy belated birthday, sweetie pie!

HEYWOOD HIDEAWAY

August 13-14



I had been hearing about this fun little place up in the mountains for a year or so and we finally decided to try it out. It is the Heywood Hideaway, a gorgeous "cabin" up in the mountains in a tiny little town. We decided to go with the Crofts and Skinners and we had a fabulous time. It rained almost the entire time we were there, but there was so much to do in the house that we didn't really care. The garage is full of fun with a ping pong table, foosball table and air hockey. We played fun games like Agricola, Lost Cities and Julies famous candy bar game! We also chatted, ate and cooked. It was awesome! We will have to go back next year so we can check out the lake and park. It was such a fun break to getaway for one last fling before summer ended.

Saying Goodbye

July 26-

On Sunday it was time to say goodbye to my family and head back home. We had a great vacation and I can't wait to go back!

My daddy and mommy! Love you!


It's a girl picture! My two favorite
girls. My mommy and daughter

The First Day of School!!!

We just finished Brandon and Kenyon's second week of school and the kids give a thumbs up to their classes and teachers! Everyone is very happy where they are at and we are excited for another great year of school!

Brandon is in the third grade and he has team teachers again. Mrs. O'Neil and Mrs. Ensley.



Kenyon is in the second grade and his teacher is Mr. Broughton. (One of B's team teachers from last year)


Shaylee is in PreKindergarten at Children's World of Music and her teacher is Miss Michelle! AGAIN! Yea! We were very excited since we LOVE Miss Michelle.

Jaron had to get in on the school action!

When we were in Cleveland we saw these darling Indians backpacks and couldn't resist getting them for the kids. They are so cute! I about died when I saw the pink one. It worked out perfectly because they had three different kinds and we have three kids going to school. It was just meant to be. :)


After they got home from school, they had cookies and milk as they told me about their teachers and the kids in their class.