Redwood Forest Trip
August, 2014
I got a phone call one day from a friend of mine I hadn't heard from in a while. At the end of the conversation she said she was going to the Redwoods in a week and I exclaimed how jealous I was. Much to my surprise she asked us to join them as they had extra room in the house they were renting.
What a blessing and huge treat it was. Sometimes the best things come unexpectedly. We spend so much time trying to make things happen for ourselves, but really, when we choose to let things unfold naturally in life, there are some beautiful surprises. We can't wait for the surprise of who our little girl will be!
Nathan loves climbing everything… including trees in the Redwood Forest!
Look at that clear water!
Nathan loves climbing everything… including trees in the Redwood Forest!
Baby's Room is finally ready
September, 2014
This used to be Sean's office. Little by little baby things were taking over the room until finally he moved into our bedroom across the hall. It's been so much fun preparing for the little girl we can't wait to meet.
Throughout the week each one of us will walk into this room and just smile. We dream about who this little girl will grow into, how she will win our hearts, and how she will become an integral part of our family. We pull out the little socks and onesies, and we wonder, what will this little girl speak into our lives? Will she be a thinker, an artist, a nature-lover, a book-worm, a dancer? Whatever it is she will get the most important thing we have to offer: all our love.
California Vacation
June, 2014
Every couple of years we find our way down to southern California. With family living in Pasadena, Laguna Woods, and San Diego we have the perfect excuse!
This year we spent time with both of Naomi's cousins, and her aunt and uncle. We also managed to squeeze in some mini-trips to Palm Springs, Lego Land and Mexico.
What a fun and relaxing trip this was! This was our first time flying down there as a family. As much as we love road trips, there's something pretty special about the whole plane trip experience.
Famous PDX carpet
We took a side trip to Palm Springs just for fun (and to visit Joshua Tree National Park- Amazing!!!!)
Famous PDX carpet
Field Trip to Grist Mill
October, 2014
One of our favorite things about homeschooling is our ability to take lots of field trips! In October we decided to go check out a local grist mill. We never imagined how fun it would be to learn how a mill works and to watch grains become flour and cornmeal right before our eyes! Spencer enjoyed the local river creatures, of course, especially the crawdad that he caught himself.
We came home and put our flours right to work and made homemade corn bread. mmmmm....
Nathan in front of the Cedar Grist Mill
Watching how the water gets from the river to the mill
The boys made this delicious cornbread with the cornmeal we watched be milled
Nathan in front of the Cedar Grist Mill
Visiting Frozen Multnomah Falls
January 1st, 2015
Getting out into nature is one of our favorite things to do. This year for New Year's Day we had the privilege of seeing Mulnomah Falls partially frozen over. The way that the splash from the droplets from the falls being frozen in various formations and locations created the most beautiful Winter Wonderland. Honestly, we all had the same reaction: thanks to God for the beauty that is His creation. Sometimes, it's easy to get caught up in stuff, especially after Christmas. Spending time in the quietness and beauty of nature just feels so much more satisfying to the soul.
Romantic Getaway to Bend
March, 2015
As much as we love spending time together as a family unit, it is a special treat to get away as a couple. During this special weekend, we were able to wander around the streets of Bend until all hours of the night, share our dreams with each other, reflect on 19 years of marriage, and fall in love again.
Long Beach trip and razor clamming
May, 2015
Naomi's sister has a beach house in Long Beach, WA. We regularly go with her for a peaceful and fun visit to the beach. This year we went go-karting and razor clamming. It was the boys' first time! Their aunt did a great job of giving them tips for getting the biggest clams, and then how to clean them and prepare them. We ended the experience by enjoying some pan seared clams on our sunny deck. There's something so satisfying about catching your own meal.
Enjoying Indian Fry bread on the way to Bend.
Taking our time with our morning coffee... one of our favorite things to do.
Coffee time again... sense a theme?
Enjoying Indian Fry bread on the way to Bend.
Using the clam guns to suck the razor clams up!
Nathan became and expert right away!
Enjoying the product of a hard day's work! Pan seared razor clams... mmmm!
Using the clam guns to suck the razor clams up!
Sean's birthday present
July, 2015
Sean has always wanted a canoe or a kayak... something that we could use to get ourselves right out in the middle of nature. For his birthday the family chipped in to get him two smaller kayaks. It has been such a fun treat to go as a family to our local lake and spend the day kayaking and playing in the water. We realized right away that these kayaks were a perfect addition to our family culture.
Yearly camping trip with friends
August, 2015
Every year, for the past 9 years, we have gone camping with our good friends from Oregon. The families keep growing in numbers, and the kids keep getting bigger. It's a special time for everyone. This year we went to Lake Billy Chinook, and on the last day we had the blessing of crashing our friends' houseboat. There's nothing like sunrise and sunset in the high dessert. Due to the high fire danger this year, we had to use a lantern and stream a picture of a campfire on an iphone instead of having the real thing (lol!). We realized, it's the people you're with that matters the most.
It's hard to wait
September, 2015
One morning, as I (Naomi) was sitting on our couch reading, my youngest came out of bed and snuggled into me, with tears in his eyes, and asked "Why is it taking so long for us to get my baby sister? It's hard to wait. I don't know if you get how hard it is for me to wait so long." Oh how I understand his heart, and yet I know that many good things take time. I reassured him as best as I could, and I told him that once he met his baby sister he wouldn't want anyone else. She will be worth the wait.