Megan's birthday and a trip to Oregon Coast

It's official, Megan is 7 years old!

She had a great birthday. She opened presents after breakfast and then we jumped in the car and headed for the coast.

It was COLD the whole time we were there (apparently that is normal for the Oregon coast) but it was BEAUTIFUL. We stopped to see the beach then went on to the beach house we rented (for a screaming deal btw).

Meg wanted a giant cookie for her cake, YUM!

The next day we explored The Port of Newport.

We spent the morning looking at shops and visiting the sea lions then we headed for the beach.

The beach by our place was very private and absolutely gorgeous! Trevor and I agreed, we couldn't think of another place we have been that was more beautiful... the pictures don't do it justice.

It was cold and windy but that didn't stop the kids. They were in heaven. Especially the boys... miles of sand to dig in.

We found this little lobster in the sand. Lucky for him we don't care for seafood. ;)

The next day we went to the Hatfield science center where Trevor, Hallie, and I touched an octopus! No pictures since I was too busy trying to build up the courage to stick my hand in the giant aquarium and touch the big guy. How cool is that!
They also had a petting pond for the whole family with all kinds of cool and slimy things.

We ran into a few crazy pirates...


before heading to the local lighthouse.

And finally, on the way home we stopped to see some amazing falls.

It's fun to live so close (okay 5 1/2 hours anyway) to such a beautiful part of the world.

We'll be back!

4th of July

July 3rd (11th anniversary of the day Trev and I met) we took our bikes down to the river and had a fun morning riding alongside the river trying to avoid the geese and their... umm... droppings.

On the fourth we went to a friends house in West Richland for homemade ice cream and fireworks. There were a million fireworks... it was so fun.

Loving the homemade ice cream.

Pictures of the house

A few friends asked for pictures of the new house so here they are...

Kaye took this picture of our family a few days after we got here.

Hallie and Megan get their own room now. Megan is really missing Hallie and begs every night to sleep with her.

Hallie, on the other hand, is really enjoying the space. ;)

Kitchen nook

Kitchen

Family room downstairs

We bought 5 bookshelves when we got here and I thought we would have tons of empty space in them. Do YOU see any extra space?! Seriously, how do we have so much stuff?!

Master bedroom

My mom made these beautiful drapes when she came to visit. Thanks Mom!

Master bathroom

Found the perfect spot for our family silhouettes.

Living room

And just in case you think my house is actually this clean... well, here's what you didn't see:

This is how the kitchen usually looks.

Bigger kitchen = bigger mess.

The other side of the master bedroom.

Piles of laundry spread all over the house.


What is supposed to be a kitchenette is being used as a dumping ground.

I'll post the other rooms when I've gotten a handle on them... if that ever happens.

We are loving our new house we just wish these guys were our neighbors. I could use a walk right now Kristine... :(

We sure miss our old Kentucky home.

Look what we got

Aahhhhh, I've never been more excited about grass.

The kids were pretty excited too. :)