Oregon 2011

So remember a while ago when I said this summer was going to be busy? Little did I know that blogging would take quite the hiatus while I just try to keep up with daily life. However, it has been a great summer and I need to document everything before life gets REALLY crazy. So, here it goes!

This July, we were blessed with the opportunity to go to Gresham, OR (just outside of Portland) to visit family and enjoy the Great Northwest. Despite the fact that it rained about 9 out of the 11 days we were there, we were still able to see some sights and just enjoy time with family. Our kids were spoiled by Grandma and Grandpa and loved playing with their Aunt Lori, Uncle Greg and cousins Caleb, Carter and Isaac. Plus they got to meet their Aunt Diane, Uncle Marcus and cousins Casey, Jake, Jolene, fiance Dre, and Jordan. They never could get enough of "family time"! Some highlights were:

Grandma's birthday at the Oregon Zoo




Riding the light rail

Family dinner and free outdoor concert
at this cool hotel/winery called Mc Menamins

"Fishing", rock collecting, and "hiking" at Oxbow Park





Having "Boy Time" in nature


Ethan latched right on to his cousin, Isaac

Brooklyn's fake birthday party and family BBQ

(In which she thoroughly enjoyed playing with Aunt Diane and Cousin Casey)

Multnomah Falls and the Locks

(Notice how many times I'm in a rain jacket. Good thing I didn't give it away like I was planning to!)

Brooklyn using an umbrella for the first time

(We don't even own one!)

Painting with Grandma

(Which is a treat since I refuse to paint with my children due to the mess!)

Kicking it with cousin Jordan

Swinging...her favorite pastime

Learning to climb trees

(And learning that Ethan does, in fact, have a guardian angel that kept him from dying when he fell from about 25 ft. up this tree. It was quite miraculous that all he had was a few scratches and some very freaked out parents!)

Roasting marshmallows


And having all the cousins together once again

Despite what Oregon lacks in weather, it makes up for it in beauty and the love of family. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa for a trip we'll never forget!