Thursday, July 9, 2015

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.



Tuesday, June 9, 2015

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!


Sunday, May 24, 2015

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!

Saturday, December 27, 2014

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!