our summer trip - part two

Our first stop into Oregon had to be in Baker City to where the Oregon trail museum is. It's amazing what kind of terrain they had to trek through. Makes me think even more about our amazing pioneers.  Loved the color of this wagon (although I'm doubtful it looked like this crossing the plains)

One rule my dad has is, when you travel somewhere far, enjoy a new place to eat. Don't eat somewhere that you can find where you live. Well, I still can't believe that we drove those hundreds of miles to go to...mcdonalds...Justin and I caved when the boys begged. They wanted those darn minnions and we figured, well..fine. Sorry dad :)

This tent was our home for three nights. We got pretty darn good at setting it up and taking it down each night and morning as we camped along the coast. 

We camped in Tillamook  the first night. Pretty little town with an overwhelming smell of farms and cows. We quite enjoyed the cheese factory.

Their cheese samples were delicious. The garlic cheese especially.  And the ice cream is extra creamy and rich.

This. Was the boys very first view of the ocean. I'm always amazed at the magnitude and power of the ocean.

My most favorite stop of the whole trip was right here. Cape Lookout. Beautiful Place.

The hike was almost two miles of switch backs down a pretty steep mountain. The boys were incredible little troopers. 

And the scenery was amazing. 

Looking out over the ocean, the boys spotted something big in the water. We never figured out what it was, but they were certain it was a sting ray :) 

At the bottom, it was beautiful, deserted, and foggy. It felt like a dream. 

And was the adventurous playground for several hours for these four boys. 

(they're dead...and he did not touch them) :)

Oregon has freezing water. 

 It was a beautiful day.

our summer trip - part one

We hit the open road early Saturday morning. Excited for the experience, but nervous for the drive with four boys. Luckily plenty of naps, paper to draw on, travel bingo to play, treats to enjoy, and a tablet to play on kept these four boys amazing little travelers. 

We headed to the lovely Caldwell Idaho to visit some of our favorite people. Grams and Gramps G. They are the most gracious, fun hosts. We love being able to spend time with them. 

 And if you've never had Gram's farm cooking, I'm sorry. It's delish. 

The other favorite part was getting to visit the poor farm. (as Gramps calls it)

Poor or not, our boys think it's pretty cool. 

 Gramps' brand for the cows. I thought it was pretty cool.  

Yes we had a great time.

Then we hit the open road for our next destination. 

fourth day of july

We had a good fourth. A sleepover downstairs under a fort. (just the three older kids) Parade with plenty of candy. Root beer and oreos. All American apple pie. Lots of red, white, and blue necklaces. Finished reading the second Harry Potter as a family. Fireworks.

 

 

This is such a great place to live.

we kinda really like this guy

  a lot.

He's a great provider, protector of our home, loyal husband, devoted father, continual learner, and a man who is always trying to be a little better. 

He's also the fun and patient parent.

(the boys like this picture...it looks like daddy is a big giant) :)

 and june is our month to celebrate him since it's his birthday and father's day all in the same month.

Another thing about Justin is that he hates surprises. If I were to ever throw him a surprise party he said he would walk through the door and then turn around and walk right out. So no surprise 'party'. 

however...
Justin parks his car at one of the park and rides and then takes the front runner to work. We decided to get lots of balloons and tape them all over his car with a sign. We were so excited. We parked a couple stalls away and hid behind the van waiting for him to come home. As we watched him get off and walk towards the parking lot, I noticed a lot of people getting off with him. woops, didn't think there would be that many people. He had an oh-my-goodness-i'm-a-little-embarrassed-smile on his face. I told the boys when we jump out to say surprise, don't be too loud, we don't want to draw any more attention to this already obvious embarrassing situation. He survived. And now I think deep down inside, he's ready for a real surprise party :)

The rest of his birthday was enjoyably uneventful.

 We are so incredibly grateful for this man in all our lives. We kinda really do like this guy.

This was the boys card to daddy this year for father's day.