Portland, our refuge.

Last week we decided to take a last-minute trip to Portland.

Cory had the time off, so we said let's go!

Our super, awesome, wonderful friends, Jake and Shontee, were brave

enough to let us stay with them. We had such a good time and we

can not wait to get back up there!

We also got to spend a few moments (that's what it felt like)

with our friends the Browns!

We'll be back up there soon, I know it!

Halloween!

We had a great Halloween weekend. We painted pumpkins Thursday afternoon. We went to Harvest Fest at our church on Friday evening, Farmer's Market on Saturday morning, and then Sunday night we trick-or-treated around our neighborhood, and visited with our awesome neighbors! We only made it to a few houses but it was a good time!

Cousin Chris is OLD!

We celebrated Cousin Chris getting another year old. I won't say how old, but trust he is old!

We had so much fun play and hanging out with our cousins and we can't wait to do it again!

We are ready for Halloween!

We got to get all dressed up for Milam's birthday party and now the excitement is here for Halloween! Harvest Fest is coming up and Farmer's Market, PLUS trick-or-treating! Yippee for costumes!!

Feels like Fall

This picture captures my family so well! I love it...and them.

And we are so ready for that cold weather to get here!

: )

Summer is Ending (Thank Goodness)

We have been so busy this summer, it is hard to remember exactly everything we've done! It has been such a fun summer and with the kids being a little older we were able to do a lot more with them! We have traveled, gone to Farmer's Market almost every Saturday via bicycle, Merrick and Mom did VBS this summer for the first time, had a few birthday parties, went to a few parties, and enjoyed all our friends and families company. And with the Summer coming to a close we are very much looking forward to Fall and what God has planned for us!

Fourth of July

We had a very mellow, laid back Fourth.

It was pretty good, Merrick was a little frightened by the fireworks,

but Julia was fearless as always.

Camping and Fun Times

We got to go camping in Tahoe with Cory's Mom and Dad, and we had a great time!

It was Merrick and Julia's very first time camping, and I had never seen them dirtier!

We also got to go on this beautiful hike and see Taylor Creek, which lets out into Lake Tahoe. There was a "Profile Chamber", where we were able to see beneath the water. It was a cool experience.We can't wait to do it all again and hopefully Cory will join us next time!

Happy Father's Day!

We LOVE our Daddy!!

Angry Bunny

Merrick and Julia found a bunny costume that we had packed away in a closet.
This costume used to be, I guess Lauren's? I know there is a picture of her in it and I WILL find it! It's fun to play dress up!

Lots of Slipping, Not Much Sliding

Kiki got Merrick this Slip 'N' Slide for his birthday and he has been bugging us to set it up for him! So we finally did, but the kids haven't quite figured out the running and sliding part!
P.S. Come cool off with us!!

Giants Game

We had a blast! Merrick and Julia did such a great job, and we can't wait to go back!

He's Four!

It happened! And he had a great day!
Thank you for all the birthday wishes!

Flowers

Yahooo!
















The first blossoms! I am so excited for my hydrangeas! Hopefully soon we will have a wall of flowers!

Really? Do you have to?

So Merrick is going to be four years old in 11 days. This is so bittersweet. I can't believe he is going to be four! Time goes by too fast. I love him so very much.

Playtime

Hmmm, very interesting...



























You think they have enough toys?