the very northwest part of Oregon

Where the Columbia River meets the ocean there is a place they call the graveyard of the pacific. There have been several ships that have crashed and sunk in this area.

When we came to the tower to get a view of the ocean, we didn't know what to expect or what else there would be at the South Jetty. But the boys and daddy saw those huge boulders and they had to check it out. After several minutes they came to the top and said I had to come over and see how amazing it was!

It became one of our favorite places this trip, so naturally, there are a ton of pictures :)

 :: this picture!! ::

When they got to the other side, they found tons of little crabs, thousands of muscles, starfish (my favorite), anemone, sand dollars, and other shells. Just the exploring alone was reason enough to come to Oregon. 

 :: probably my favorite picture ::

The next morning we headed back to see if high tide had come in. Right where we were playing and exploring the day before, the ocean was now right there. Right where our precious kids were playing.

multnomah falls

Our first full day in Oregon we headed to Multnomah falls along the Columbia River. It was a beautiful waterfall with a really cool bridge and tons of gorgeous pines. Then a loooong hike to the top (at least according to the boys).

 ^^ those pictures crack me up ^^

There was a cute lady who was on her way down from the top and she insisted on taking our picture...she was really struggling using the big camera and couldn't quite get everyone in the pictures.

Even though it was hard for the boys (any other day I think it would have been easier for them, just not this day) we made it to the top. They loved playing in the creek and climbing all over the rocks. My major fear of heights kept us very far away from the top of the falls. (I found out this day that I really do have a serious phobia)

On our way back down, the boys saw this spot and got so excited because it looked like the rock trolls from Frozen. We were certain we could faintly here...."he's a bit of a fixer upper..." :)

Multnomah Falls was a beautiful place.

weekend+august+family+rainstorms+soccer = perfection

I think we have needed a weekend like this for a while. I'm not sure what I loved most. The scattered rainstorms throughout the whole weekend was something we LOVED...but I think the constant family time came out on top.

Friday night we celebrated the opening of the Olympics with my sister and her family. We tried Feijoada (Black bean stew), Brigadeiros (cheese rolls), Pão de queijo (truffles), and Guarana (soda). It was all quite tasty and the ceremony was really long.

We headed south on Saturday to enjoy the party at daddy's work. The boys look forward to this all year long. They have a barbecue and as much pop as you can drink. Plus games and a zorb ball. We came home and watched some Olympics and then played a family soccer game.

Sunday morning we picked some produce. Then made some beef stew and rolls before heading to church. We got in our Fast Sunday picture but not before the boys broke their fast and grabbed a roll. :) We played a little soccer (again) and baseball and just soaked up the cool weather, rain, and gorgeous sunset. It felt good to be outside all evening. 

I want to got back to the weekend.

back from vacation

Last week we were sitting on the beach in 69 degree weather watching the waves crash against the rocks and seeing whales pop up to say hello. I won't lie, it was pretty fantastic. But this picture was also taken a week ago. Adeline was already getting sick of the car and we still had the 14+ hour drive ahead of us...

It was so great to get away. There was no cleaning schedule, meals to plan, chores to get done, and no obligations! We just soaked up family time in a very beautiful place. But the moment we walked in the door at 2:45 a.m., we all agreed that it was SOOOO good to be home! (especially Adeline!)

Can't wait to post some pics from the vacation...and every other post I have been meaning to do this summer :)

birthday for Corbin

 (I love this picture of all the brothers and daddy working on the poster for Corbin.)

It's been several MONTHS since Corbins turned twelve. But sometimes I still can't believe it. This is such a big event, especially within our church. He has the priesthood, passes the Sacrament, attends weekly young men activities, (luckily with his dad), and will be heading to Jr. High in a month.

I remember when Corbin turned ten, I thought his little childhood was over. It seemed like he was old enough to pack his bags and move away to college. Or that he no longer would think it was cool to hang out with his brothers and family. I had such little faith. In someways, he is the one that keeps family traditions alive. So even though he is two years older. I have a feeling things aren't going to change as much as I thought.

But you can bet we are soaking up this stage of his life as much as possible!!