Sophie's 7th Birthday

Sophie wanted an "art themed" party, so we had it at the Art Station down in the Old Mill district. She decided on a clay class instead of a painting class, but I couldn't figure out how to do a "clay themed" cake, so I made a paint themed one instead (just in case people are confused:-). They made bowls and then later went outside to the large grass area to open gifts, eat cake and then run off all the sugar! Later, we had a little family gathering at our house with pizza, more gifts and cake. It was quite the day, but Sophie said it was a great birthday. Mission accomplished!

Hullaballoo

In early July, our neighborhood sponsors the "Hullaballoo" which kicks off with a kids mini bike criterion followed by the adult divisions. Harrison and Sophie participated this year while Clara looked on from the sidelines. Afterwards, part of the main street is roped off for the food booths, music and stuff for kids to do. It's a lot of fun and it attracts quite a crowd. We love our neighborhood!

Pacific City

In May, Blake and his brother Morgan took our kids, a friend and Morgan's kids (6 kids total plus a dog) to our beach house in Pacific City for the weekend while Christina and I stayed home and took a class at the local community college. They had a great time hiking, hunting for sand crabs and just getting dirty:-) Blake managed to get a little surfing in as well. Needless to say, everyone was exhausted when they got home...especially the Dads'!

Jen and Buster

I went with my friend Jen one afternoon out to the ranch where she boards her horse, Buster, to watch her jump him and train for her first contest in many years. I got to ride Buster as well:-) The second picture of she and I together was actually taken this morning at the Cascade Classic. She placed 2nd in her division. Way to go Jen!!!

Kona Hawaii

I took a trip by myself (yes, you heard that right) to visit my brother Andrew in Kona where he lives. He works with YWAM at the University of the Nations in their film/movie production department. My parents and grandparents also coordinated their trip to Kona so we were all there at the same time. We did lots of "touristy" things which included exploring the Hawaiian mountains and countryside. My Dad and brother went off-shore fishing one morning where my Dad caught a Marlin (unfortunately not pictured). I think that was the highlight of his trip:-) It was a great time, but I missed having Blake and the kids there with me. Next time...

Easter

Easter this year was very mellow. We had the morning Easter baskets (with some goofy shots) and an Easter egg hunt and BBQ lunch at our neighbor Jason's house with some of our other neighbors. Then over to Blake's brother Morgan's house for Easter dinner (no pictures of that event:-( It was definitely a day of eating!

Clara's 4th Birthday

Clara's birthday fell upon the day after Easter this year. So, we kept it simple and celebrated with a few friends and family the day before Easter by coloring Easter eggs, eating pizza and topping it off with a Kung Fu Panda themed cake (yes, that's what she wanted:-).