Our Family

My Wonderful Children

Portland Zoo

We were able to watch a bird show who's trainers allowed the birds to fly through the audience. We sat right in the middle of the crowd, and saw a number of birds fly right over our heads. It is amazing how big and powerful a bald eagle looks only five feet above your head in mid flight.

This was a vulture named Pierre who took donations right from your hand.

I thought this monkey was very unique looking...almost beautiful.

Wes and Alli with the Sea Lions.

Julies House, Lincoln City

I tried hard to pack each moment of the day with non stop activities. Yes, my family was very tired when all was said and done, but what awesome memories we have for a lifetime.
The picture above is of all of us going on a 4 mile hike up a good size hill to view the ocean from it's peak. It was awesome!


Can't go to the beach without all your equipment to build a sand castle. Hours of fun for the whole family.

It's not quite the Oregon coast without the wind. Perfect for trying out those kite flying skills. But C-C-C-Cold.

Wes found himself a little Crawdad in the small stream that flowed into the ocean. He made some friends too as he showed off his prized capture.

Boogy-boarding was a blast! Thanks to Julie allowing us to use her wet suits, we were able to play all day in the water and not freeze to death.

So much fun. I can't wait to go again. James and I tend to make plans to go again next summer. Next time he's gonna rent a wet suit, if there is one that'll fit him, HA!

Newport Aquariam

They had a couple of these half pipe walkways. The last one was full of sharks and sting rays.

We visited the petting exhibit more then once. There were even crabs and sea cucumbers that were fun to hold.

LOT'S of beautiful jelly fish.

These were Japanese king crabs. Big, ugly, but fascinating.

Fourth of July Part Two

We saved our spot next to the river after the boat races. We were right in front of the river barge that shoots off the fireworks. You think this might be weird to set a spot to view the fireworks at 12 in the afternoon, but there were lots of people doing the same. We shared this spot with 3 other families so we took shifts. On our shift, we consumed this delicious strawberry -blueberry -short cake Meg made.

It was surprisingly cool for that evening. Usually we are still dipping in sweat in July.

....the suns going down

Then the long awaited for light show.

4th of July 2010 Part One

My husband and his friends participated in a cardboard boat race down the Columbia. All these boats are truly made out of cardboard, glue, tape, and paint. One of my favorites is this cuttle fish boat. A dad with his two girls raced down the river. Not very fast, but super adorable.

My husband is the one in the middle in the white boat. The girl with the blue back pack is part of the news team out there video taping it all. Our boys smoked the red boat.

WE MADE 3rd! They're already putting together plans for a faster boat for next year. The guy in the cardboard kayak got first.