Tanner turns 14!

Tanner came into this world with quite a bang on July 4, 2001.  When my water broke and interrupted an early morning round of golf, as first time parents we had no idea what we were in for.

Well, 14 years later we still don't know what we are in for.  Tanner is tender-hearted, determined (maybe stubborn at times), strong-willed, intelligent, eager to please, and focused.  

We are so lucky he is ours and look forward to the next 14 years.

Happy Birthday, Tanner!

A room full of balloons...and the first clue to his chaser hidden inside of one.

On the hunt...

Celebrate!

Vacation Home

My lifelong dream has come true.  We recently bought a vacation home. Situated in the foothills of the Unitas near the beautiful Bear River.  This quant 2 bedroom 1 bathroom boasts a separate dining room, wood-burning fireplace, covered porch, garage and shed.  The yard is fully fenced with mature landscaping.

In full disclosure, calling this a "vacation home" is more than a stretch.  Rather than spending hundreds of dollars a month on hotel costs, we bought a fixer-upper.  Joe has courageously taken on this project, in addition to the mess he is cleaning up at the business.  

A few before highlights include:

Several layers of linoleum under very old carpet and a colorful fireplace

A few years of dirt under the refrigerator

Several layers of wallpaper

Challenges aside, all of the boys, especially Joe, have put in hours of sweat and tears and though still far from complete, "Cheers" for all of the hard work and a job well done.

5th Grade Promotion

Mason successfully made it through elementary school and is moving on to middle school.  So proud of his willing attitude, cheerful heart, and capable mind.  Can't wait to see what is next!

Mason and Mrs. Mansour-a great teacher for the last two years.  She described it is "interesting".

Mason and Elias-his first and lasting friend!

Proud Daddy!

Proud Mommy!

Great job Sweet Pea!

Tillicum Beach

We weren't sure what to expect when the website claimed the camping site had ocean views but it did not disappoint.  

Ocean views and beach access, flushing toilets and running water, plenty of drift wood for big fires, and a wet suit for the cold Oregon ocean made a perfect Memorial Day camping weekend.

We are so excited for Summer!

Tanner made perfection on a stick (biscuits), Mason braved the waves and had a Sea Otter encounter while doing so and Starr enjoyed running free up and down the coast.  A perfect weekend!

Christmas 2014

I approached Christmas this year with a bit of trepidation...really our first Christmas alone.  Last year we had Lucy and her family but this year it was just us.  

I had no need to be worried.  We had a wonderful Christmas with just us.  Yummy turkey dinner and all the fixings, lots of Christmas carols and wrong notes on the piano, inspirational Christmas stories, Luke 2, presents, lots of "made for TV movies", a little basketball, a few naps, and no snow.

Practically perfect in every way🎄

Turkey dinner

Family selfie

The boys didn't need pj's so they got something else for sleep-memory foam mattress toppers.

Grandma and Grandpa surprised both boys with rolls of money...it just kept coming.

Tanner wanted a black and white sweatshirt.  He told us this wasn't what he meant😉

Joe got a warm new robe 🔥

Starr got a new bed

Merry Christmas and on to 2015!

Grass

It hadn't been easy, and it isn't over yet, but we have grass.  As we speak, Tanner and Joe are playing catch on our new lawn.  Starr is lounging.  I am smiling.

Grass.  Still need to add edging, bury the sprinklers, and extend the wall on the far side.

Just a few days ago.  Not a lot of work to throw sod (Joe did it all) but a HUGE difference.

Wall drama.  Yikes, it collapsed!

The beginning...a loooong time ago.

A lot of dirt (over 100 yards, one wheel barrow at a time), one dozen palettes of 55-lb blocks, several truck loads of gravel, hours and hours of sweat and work, lots of HOA discussions and now we have a backyard.

Yippee!

Loose Change

I couldn't resist documenting Mason's first encounter with a pay-phone.  Wow I'm getting old.

Yes, his teeth are blue.  He picked a sucker after his allergy shot.  

First Day of School

What a difference a year makes...and thank goodness for that.  Tanner and Mason were eager to start school this year, anxious to see friends they hadn't seen over the summer.  Last year the anxiety was for a completely different reason.

Mason started 5th grade with Mrs. Mansour at Happy Valley Elementary. 

Tanner is a 7th grader (with a bottom locker...bummer) at Happy Valley Middle School.

Here's to a great year!

Look what I saw this morning

We start late church today so Starr and I took a long, lazy walk.  We were rewarded with some beautiful sights.

Mount St. Helens

Mount Hood

Another view of Mount Hood

Such a beautiful morning!

Starr found something as well.  I let her dig and sniff to her hearts content.  Not sure what she was looking for?!?

Christmas Day!

What a great Christmas morning we had.  Tanner and Mason were so patient with Tongtong's excitement.  Lucy and WuXi were so overwhelmed and so gracious with the simple gifts they received.  I think Tongtong ate more candy in the first 10 minutes after opening stockings than they rest of us combined the entire day.  That didn't do much to calm his excitement.

After Belgium waffles (Joe got a new waffle iron, yum yum), we loaded in the car and headed to Multonomah Falls.  We got there early enough there were hardly any crowds and enjoyed a hike to the top.  It was a beautiful day and a blessed diversion.

After some lunch we walked on the trails around out neighborhood and then the boys went to the church to play basketball (new bball).  

We enjoyed a cheesy Christmas movie as a perfect end to a perfect day.  Tomorrow we are headed to San Francisco for the BYU Bowl game!  Can't wait...

Posing before seeing if Santa came.

Yawning Joe, Curious Starr and Anxious Mason

It didn't take long for Tongtong to get the hang of things.  He tore right into his presents with no trouble.

Lucy and WuXi got into the action as well.

Tanner picked out the waffle iron...one of his favorite things to have for breakfast.

At the bottom of the falls.

Making our way to the top.

At the top of the falls.

How nice to have someone take a picture of the whole family that isn't a "selfy".