Summer Memories

This summer was a busy one for us!  We traveled more than usual; going to Montana and Seattle for long weekends.  I taught two classes for PSU.  Carlos worked long hours...making hay while the sun shines!  CJ was in baseball for what seemed like forever and Zac was playing inside, outside and all over on playdates.  Sometimes it seemed our front door revolved 24/7.  We did make time to relax and enjoy ourselves in the middle of trying to finish up our backyard AND remodel our back bathroom.  Why we decided to tackle two major projects in one summer is just crazy! 

This summer we also had to put our beloved dog to rest.  Cloie has been our family before we had a house to call our own, before kids and before "life, practically 15 years to the day.  Isn't that always the case...they should rewrite the song, "first comes dog, then comes baby...".  It was such a hard month, week, day, afternoon, second...for all of us.  Our life here at home is just not the same.  She was loved and will be missed dearly. 

Love you Cloie! 

Tearful goodbyes!

CJ and Zac with Asia and Jeremy up at the Turners...campout weekends.  Fun for the whole family...Mom usually stays home and gets some project done.

Zac found a handprint of mine from 1973...and his hand fits!  We were the same age.  Crazy!

Zac and Gywn checking out the new Imagine Play indoor playground.  Super fun!

CJ and Zac goofing around!

Bethany and I took a day and went to Hood River to check out Viento Wines!  Their new tasting room is really looking great!  Can't wait to go back for the grand opening! 

And...here is the "never-ending-project"...our backyard.  It is getting there...

Seattle

We took a long weekend to Seattle to visit my brother Troy, his kids and my dad (who was flying up from Texas).  It was beautiful!  We had excellent hotel accomadations, Troy did a wonderful job hosting and leading us around to all the star attractions, Zac loved being in "another" hotel (remember the trip coming home from Montana) and CJ just loved hotel life.  We all got along (another first) and we ate, drank and talked until we were fat and happy.  It was a great weekend had by all. 

Just turned 16 and has her first cute car! So proud of my niece Taylor!

My dad and all the kids at Pike Place Market.

Love this place!

Cousins...and best buddies!

All the cousins...some are acting goofy.

CJ was a little freaked out on the Seattle Ferris Wheel...I was too at first.

Deadliest Catch's, The Wizard in port for some repairs.

CJ took this picture!  Cool huh?

I took this one!  Cool huh?

Two peas...one pod.  Love my son!

 

Yep, that's Cole!

The Duck Tour...super fun!  Yes, my mom was with us on the weekend.  It was great to have the family all together.

No, the Space Needle is not shooting lasers, but it sure looked like it.  The blue skies, sunshine and warm weather did not go unnoticed by us...it was beautiful!

On the Duck Tour, taking a picture of the Ferris Wheel.  Hard to imagine we were on that!

My dad, Carlos and Zac.  Love this picture.

Happy 4th Birthday Zac!  He loved his Ironman cake (Thanks Troy!) and all the cousins were awesome!

My mom, dad, Troy and I.  It was really special to me to say my mom and my dad all weekend...usually don't get to say that.  I love my family.

My dad and I.

Following Taylor home down I-5.  She was a champ. 

 

Until we meet again Seattle; you were good to us.  Thank you!

Montana Cara Came to Visit the OSU Girls in Oregon

Cara had to come do some cattle work over here in the valley this summer and we had to take the time for all of us to get together and have some girl time...with our hubbies and kids of course!  Heather and Chris hosted the most fabulous dinner and some sunshine too!  Gorgeous summer day and wonderful evening! Cara also got together with her band from the early 90's.  What a treat to listen to them and it was like being transported right back to college...just add about 15 kids ranging from newborn to 20 years old!  Always a good time with music and memories!

One Trip to the Beach

This summer we made it to the beach just one time...one time!  It was not even planned.  My nephew Cole had spent the night and when I went to wake the boys up I asked them if they wanted to head to the beach.  What beach?  We were not even sure until we all got in the car and started driving. 

We ended up in Pacific City for lunch at The Pelican Pub then a quick walk to the beach for some fun in the sun and surf.  We all got sandy and enjoyed the salty air.  We then drove into Lincoln City for the obligatory stop to get caramel corn at Candyland and some oysters for Carlos at Barnacle Bills. 

Perfect day!

Cole and Zac; building and playing

Zac scoping out his next building site.

CJ!

I love this picture!  Zac and Haystack Rock!

The boys playing in the surf.

Cole got buried by his cousins.

They gave him some boobs!  HA!

Then Zac wanted to be buried.  This is one of my favorites!

Brothers!

CJ with the Pacific City dune in the background.

Zac loved how the water washed away his fingerprints. 

Baseball 2012

CJ did JBO baseball this year, McMinnville Junior Baseball Organization.  He had to try out, get evaluated and then put on a team.  It just so happened that he was put on the same team as his cousin.  That worked out great becuase we got to see Cole play, but a bit sad too because he was not on the same team as his great friend Stevie.  So, bittersweet for his first year in the JBO league.  Baseball is a long season.  We traveled a lot over the course of the summer and little brother Zac did a wonderful getting dirty at the field, finding friends to play with and keeping up with his big brother's baseball schedule.  It was a big deal for all of us! 

On one of the last games of the season we met up with the Ryans for dinner out on the lawn of McMenamin's in Forest Grove; cold beer, hot pizza and live music on a wonderful summer night.  Boys in the uniforms and little  brother to play hide-n-seek  with made for a perfect evening.