Fall Family Photos

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Trav and I have a tradition of spending each of the kids' birthdays with just them. We take them for birthday photos, lunch, and then an activity of their choice. It is fun and we are really glad we started that tradition. It is a great opportunity to spend some time focusing on JUST them and to reflect on how much they have grown in the last year. The only drawback to it, is that we don't get family photos done at the same time - because we only have one kid with us at each time and I think that might be weird...

Oh well, we can work around it. We decided we would just go again at some point in August and get family photos done. So, a week before Halloween (heehee) we went in and got them done! I was really happy with them!




And the bonus to getting them done in October is that they could show off their costumes as well:




The next week Abby had her school photo done:




Then, a few days later, the gal at JCP suckered me into coming back for a free sitting in order for them to help train their new photographers. It was painfully slow (and a little embarrassing for me), but Abby and I had a GREAT time just hanging out and being silly. Abby was just glowing with the excitement that Mommy dressed up with her this year.




Anyways, lots of photo shoots within one week of time. But, really... Knowing me. Is that really that suprising? Didn't think so...

Pumpkin Prep!!!

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This fall marked our 4th Family Trip to the Bauman's Pumpkin Patch - I just had to look that up! I'm feeling old, and senile. My mind is starting to melt. But, that is another post/rant...

Our family looks forward to it ever year. Abby LOVES the time with cousins, and I LOVE the time with Cider Slushies and Guilt Free Donuts. It is after all, calorie free if it is a tradition. It is! Look it up. Anywho... Off to Baumans we went. For the complete commercial on how excellent of a patch it is, see last year's blog! ;-)

The weather was AWESOME we all had a great time with Family:




and Friends:




After some fun, and food, we headed to the patch for Pumpkins and Pictures!




This was both Brookelyn and Colton's first trip - they did GREAT!
Lilly and Andy were a little distracted (what do they think they are, two!?!?). Thank goodness for our seasoned Grinning Girls - Cy, Belle, Abby, and E!




Sidenote: Wow is this family growing. I might have to start charging for my photography coordination! :)

A few more parting shots - what a fun day!




Later in the week, I went out for a MNO and Trav and Trev were put in charge of pumpkins and kids. I think they handled it great.




The finished projects:

Papa Turns 60!!!

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Papa turned 60 on the 14th of October!!! The kids were VERY excited to celebrate and even managed for Papa to buy THEM dessert for HIS Birthday. Only grandkids... Only grandkids.

Happy Birthday Dad - Love you! ~Dani

Beaver Believers!!!

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Well folks, it is that time of year again - Beaver football season!!! This season has started off a little rocky. Okay, a LOT rocky. But, we have enjoyed it nonetheless. The kids love to go to the games, and it makes for a great family day out. We will take it!!

Here are some photos of the kids (Abby, Andy, and Cousin Colton) a the Pac-12 (so weird typing that) home opener vs. UCLA. We lost, but the kids looked adorable!

I love how Andy looks like a "Big Boy" standing next to Colton. Like "Yeah, I know... I'm standing by myself all cool like". Either that, or he just looks really old standing next to a 9 month old - or both.

The next home game was against Arizona and I wanted to win that game BAD. They broke our James last year. Just a stupid, mean, tackle IN THE ENDZONE that pretty much derailed his career. Makes me grumpy. Seems like that was the catalyst that took away him, Jacquizz, Katz, and our ability to score. Damn you Wildcats. Damn you I say.

Good news? We WON! I was so happy on the inside - take that stupid Arizona. We might not be great this year, but we beat YOU - haha! :)

After the game we met up with Mark and Heather Johnson. They are family friends from Baker and their son plays, - ahem - starts for the Beavers.

Travis comes from one of those small towns in Eastern Oregon where everybody knows each other, went to school together, and lived by each other. The way I understand it, Mark and Heather used to live behind Trav's parents, Mark went to school with Uncle Russell, and they currently live in Baker and know with Steve and Marilyn. Don't quote me on all that. But that is what I got out of it.

Anyways, we met up with them after the game and visited while waiting for Grant to get out of the locker room.

You could say that Andy took to Mark pretty easily...

Mark is like a celebrity among the players and introduced us to a few. Above left is Kicker #7 Johnny Hekker. Andy wasn't sure of these "BEAVERS" up close and personal - they were tall!

Grant (#70) chatted with the kids for awhile after he came out of the locker room. He was really nice and brought them each a game day glove and signed it, etc. Abby was acting all shy, but Andy was more than willing to try on a glove and chat it up with Grant. He was really good with Andy and just a really nice kid to take the time to chat with him.

Here is Grant's Bio. Small town kid that worked hard and made it to the starting line of OSU:
http://www.osubeavers.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/johnson_grant00.html

Then, we made the mistake of thinking we could get in a "group shot" with everyone looking. This was the best one. Not too bad...

Anyways, thanks to Mark, Heather, and Grant Johnson. I think you made Trav's and Andy's days! It was really nice to meet you, and you have a great kid there!!!

PS Marilyn - Make sure Grandma sees these pictures!!! ;-)

Road Trip! Oregon Coast Aquarium

Awhile back, we headed to the Oregon Coast Aquarium for the day. I had bought a Groupon for a cheap admission(s), and we needed to use it before the first part of October. It was hard - given our hectic fall schedule - but we found a Sunday to head down there.

It was a fun day. I can "take or leave" that Aquarium, but my kids love it. Andy is at the PERFECT age to take right now. I remember going when Abby was this age and she was adorable and just drank it all in. Same thing this day. Andy was just in awe of it all and Abby was excited to "show him around". It was fun. I guess that is about all I have to report on that one - guess, I'm not feeling "wordy" these days re: blogging! Which, some of you might appreciate... :)

We started at the Sea Otters and the Sea Lions. Abby was ALL about showing Andy around and being the big sister - it was pretty cute. He was just happy she was paying attention to her!




There were having so much fun together, they were willing to sit and pose for some pictures before heading off to the "Passages of the Deep" exhibit.




Andy LOVED this. It was pretty cute watching both of them check it all out...

Andy wasn't too sure about standing in the massive Shark Mouth - but he did it! :)



Quick stop at the kiddie play area... Funny to me how much fun two kids can have on basically rocks sitting in an empty flower bed. Strange.




We broke for lunch, hit the inside exhibits, and then left town before the rain started.




Fun Day. Cute Kids. Nice Weather. Score.

Run. Dani. Run.

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At some point, I became a "runner". I have no idea how or even why really. But, I did. Some days - gasp - I'm even find myself really really liking it! I'm not going to say "love" because that is still WAY too strong of a word for it. When I think back to where I was a year ago, I smile. I'm proud. I want to run some more and see where I might be next year at this time.


Some days, however, you could NOT pay me to run. I still lack the motivation sometimes. Mostly when there is something better or fun to do. Which, honestly, is a lot. Thankfully, I have really awesome people like this that keep me going!





Sarah and I ran our first 10k together this last August. I kinda had to guilt her into doing it with me, but then it was her that was yelling at me (okay, nicely motivating me) at the end to keep going. It wasn't an easy race for me. It was at 1:30pm in the afternoon and it was a warm day. Not hot, but warm. But even on a warm day, the afternoon sun KILLS me. It wasn't the easiest of races for me. But, we did it. We did it in 1:08:13 (or something like that). I was proud of that and looked forward to do another. Why? I have no idea.

About 10 days after that I did the Warrior Dash. Honesly, I wasn't sold on the idea in the beginning, or even that a.m. But, as soon as it started I was excited. It was fun. It was relaxed. It was silly. Parts of it were hard and I have the bruises to show for it! It wasn't a race for speed (or at least for me) it was a race for bragging rights. I did it. I conquered the race. And, along the way, I had a bunch of fun with some really fun ladies! Thanks gals - I can't wait to do it again!!!

A week later, I had my second 10k. It was just me and my dead iPod. Needless to say, I had an opportunity to work on my pace and listen to my breathing. It was actually a good thing. I really enjoyed it and I got a GREAT time. Or at least a great time for me. I was really pleased with it!!! I finished somewhere around 1:06:20. The timing chip mat wasn't working at the start, so we were all at "gun" time. Which, since I'm SLOW, I start in the back. In this case, I sure wish I hadn't! Oh well, next year!


Here I am at the beginning of the race - don't I look thrilled to be running 6.2 miles at 9am? Oh well, it is the only photo I have.




My 2011 racing season is over now. Hopefully I will be able to maintain some sort of motivation over the winter and still have the desire to do a few more races come this spring! Although I might not do three within 2 1/2 weeks again! Until then. Keep telling me to run!

Raised by Wolves???

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On first glance, the title of this blog will make no sense. Bear with me. Or is it "bare"? I always forget. No, that means naked. Please read this fully clothed!

Sorry. I digress. Anyway...

Labor Day Weekend we were invited by the Lewis Family to join them at Great Wolf Lodge. We are not ones to miss a chance to 1. Head to GWL or 2. Hang with the Lewis Family. So, we headed up that way...

Our first stop was at Aunt Megan's house for some Brown Family Fun. We got to see Megan and her Family, Russ and Helen, Mike and Jordan, and Cousin Jessica even made the trek from Hood River to come up and join in the fun!

The kids had a great time playing in the back yard and the adults had a really good time catching up and eating and drinking and eating and drinking and laughing. You get the point...

Here are a few photos I captured of the evening. Cute kids - if I do so say so myself!!!







Andy soon (well not really it was after 8pm) tired of all the fun and decided to cuddle on the couch w/Jordan and watch some Football. She was nice and let him believe it was a Beaver Game even though it was the Seahawks.




Cousin Jess and us stayed the night there and we attempted to get some cousin photos the next morning. Not as good as last year. Better than the year before. At least they were all in the same place and looking?




They did liven up a little when I let them make "crazy faces". All I have to say is 1. Lorenz better hope they don't ask Aunt Dani to provide the Sr. Class slide show picture for him, and 2. Andy was adorable. He had no idea what they were doing, but eventually caught on - see bottom right photo - priceless!




The adult cousins were a little more cooperative. But, they did give me a little bit of lip as well! ;)




Our final attempt at a family photo. Again. Everyone in the same place. Someday they will all thank me for making them take these photos. Or at least they had better! :-)




After a fun-filled time at the Lotuaco Home, we headed to GWL. I honestly don't have a lot to report on this one. We went. It was awesome - probably one of my favorite trips there. But, we didn't really take any photos.


Abby was finally tall enough to go on the "Howling Tornado", or as she calls it, "The Corn-nado". It really was too cute to correct. Her and her friend Kaitlyn were a really good match-up. They both were tall enough to go on all the rides and they even went down some of them sans parentals!!! Big step, but they had so much fun being granted that privilege!


Andy was a trooper - like always. If he was tired, he found a towel, a chair, and took a nap. It was super cute.







Us in our "ears". Andy was a "howling" fool.




So, that is is. Nothing too exciting to report. But at least now you get the "wolf" tie in, right?
No?
Really?
The kids were acting crazy for pictures and then we went to GWL. See? Clever. Right?
No?
Oh well...
I tried...

August: It is time...

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I haven't blogged in almost SIX MONTHS. It is time. It is time put the fingers to the keyboard and reflect on why I haven't, and why I think I need to start again.

What have we been up to you ask? Well, you didn't, but I'm pretending you did. I'm going to pretend that someone, anyone, noticed that I hadn't blogged. Even if ABSOLUTELY NOBODY INCLUDING MY HUSBAND SAID ANYTHING! But, I'm getting off track...

Well let's see. What have we been doing? We had sabbatical, then the end of the school year for Abby, Trav's Birthday, Fathers' Day, camping, July 4th, more camping, Abby turned FIVE, Andy turned TWO, more camping, etc. We have been busy. It has been fun. I will probably, slowly, work on some of the above blogs. At some point. But, as of today, I decided that I need to cut bait and just move on or I would never get back into it.

This weekend was the first weekend since. Well. I'm not really sure. The first weekend in a LONG time that we had nothing on the books. And, even though we have had a TON of fun so far this summer, I will have to say that this weekend was one of my favorites. It just goes to show you, it doesn't matter what you are doing, as long as you are doing it well!

With the quietness and relaxation, of this weekend, has come reflection. With reflection as come the need to blog. I haven't blogged on a regular basis for awhile. We have been busy. This time of year the family sees my kids on a regular basis, and we are doing a lot of activities with said family. So, there isn't a lot of need to "update" them on what we are doing. But, today. Today I felt the need to take some photos and rectify that...

August is almost over. And, with that has come SUMMER. Finally... That being said. Summer is over for us in just 2 1/2 weeks. Abby starts Kindergarten and life goes back to "school schedule". That is a bitter pill to swallow for a Mommy that 1) LOVES the sun, and 2) is sending her baby to Kinder this year. Instead of getting depressed by the looming end of our short summer, I decided to just take some photos around our yard and take in the beauty of what it was. Summer. Home. Family. Friends. Blessings.

This last week we spent time as a family spreading dirt. You wouldn't think that would be fun. But, it was time as a family and the kids were pretty cute little helpers. With the amazing kindness of our neighbor Matt (his wife and kids were out of town and I think he was bored), it went twice as fast and the kids and I could barely keep up with their dirt hauling skills!

Really folks. How cute are they? How could you NOT enjoy manual labor if they were by your side?

Later in the week, Austin spent a TON of time raking out the dirt just right, adjusting sprinklers, and seeding our new lawn. Somedays I forget he is my dorky little brother and I get impressed with his skills. For a moment. Then I remember who he is... ;) Anyway, the new yard is on the way, and I'm so excited to see it in a few short weeks - grow damnit!!!




Because really... it is all worth it when you get to watch your pets, kids, and friends enjoy the fruits of your labor.

This is the beauty of my yard. Sometimes, okay most of the time, I get caught up in the work and stress that is weeds, dying trees, and messy bark and forget to focus on the beauty that is. My camera helped me with the "focus" part this weekend... ;)

This weekend we also got to watch the AirShow. From our back yard. Now, we don't see it all. But, the excitement of waiting for the planes to fly over is one of my favorite parts of the weekend. It is an excuse to hang in the yard for three days and not worry about the laundry, or dishes, or bills, etc. We just hung out as a family with our friends and neighbors and enjoyed the weekend.

Lastly. I mentioned blessings. I think this entire blog is a testament of the blessings around us. My Family, My Kitty Cat, My Yard, My Life. All are precious gifts from God. Sometimes it is nice to just stop and count your blessings. Or Freckles. Or both...

Honeyman Camping ~ August 2011

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Well, I sat down to do a little "Birthday Blog" for Andy and/or Abby. Given the amount of whining that has been going on around here the last few days, I decided it should wait. Instead. Let's talk about camping, shall we?

This year we scheduled FOUR camping trips. I think that might be a personal best for me. Not IN LOVE with camping, but now that the kids are a little older, and we have the trailer, and some fun family/friends to do it with, I'm liking it more and more! I even like a three night trip better than a two night trip now - BIG step for me.

We started of Sunday with some Sand Sledding - Abby loved it! Trav's phone? Not so much. :(





Andy on the other hand, would NOT try it. Unless it was on HIS terms I guess:





We spent most of the Day on Sunday at the lake. Windy, but so fun!!!

This trip was BY FAR my most favorite so far this summer. I have enjoyed them all actually, but this one ROCKED. We went to Honeyman Campground and I'm sorry Beverly Beach, but you might have been bumped off of the list for next year. Honeyman beat you - hands down. Beverly Beach has great Beach access and a playground. But, Honeyman has a LAKE, DUNES, SUN, and ATV Riding!

Oh, and bears!!! Aack!!!




We ran into this guy - almost literally - on our way to scout out a riding place for the day. Oh yeah, did I mention that I FINALLY got to go riding on sand dunes again!!! I was excited. I have really missed it!!!

Everyone, not just me, seemed to enjoy it. All the little kids got to have rides as well. Sorry Sarah, I couldn't resist...




Inbetween turns we used the sand right by the parking lot for some fun and adventure. Belle was determined to fly a Kite, Sled down a hill, and catch a fish. There was no hill, no lake, and no wind at the parking lot. The child is determined. I will give her that

Yes, that is Sarah on the same trip as us. Under a blanket. In a sweatshirt. Notice how everyone else is dressed.

Also, please note that there were TWO Tinkerbell kites. One for Trav and one for Dave. Dave just got fed up with his and took a break.





This was Andy's first trip to dunes. He seemed to figure it out pretty quick. Ride. Drink. Eat. Lounge. Ride. Repeat. Notice Puppy tucked into his sweatshirt, getting ready to head out with Papa. Well of course he needed a security item - he had heard about trips with Papa in the sand!!!





Here are a few more cute shots of the "kids" from the weekend:




Oh! And Belle caught a fish - 1 for 3 ain't bad! I told you she was determined!

Honeyman Camping - Take II

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So, today I sat down to do a little blogging on camping and/or birthdays and/or first day of school, etc. Instead I got lost in Honeyman pictures again. Found some cute ones that were filed away under "July" because technically, they were taken in July! That is what I get for being too organzied!

We have this little warm water outside shower on the side of our trailer. Comes in VERY handy when we camp at a sandy place. And, Andy doesn't care that he is showering in the middle of a campsite - he down right enjoys it!

Our version of the "kid table". The best photo of all three of them I cut Andy out of - sorry buddy. But, in my defense, I don't think I was taking a picture of him because I had given up and decided that if he wasn't going to smile, I was going to just take one of the girls. Little turkey...