Oktoberfest

Tessa models her leaf crown.

McKinley, a couple of weeks ago, was learning about leaves and how they remind us to live and grow in Jesus.  One of our fun, homeschool activities was to make leaf crowns.  The girls enjoyed gathering colorful leaves around our neighborhood, and then using elmers glue for the first time.

We finally got some rain, so naturally, the girls wanted to go outside and play in it.

Last Sunday we trekked out to St. Paul where our friend, Bruce, has neighbors who grow huge pumpkins. 

Bruce's neighbors also leave carving pumpkins on the side of the road for people to take.  We grabbed two good size pumpkins to carve, but the girls also wanted to pick out one tiny one each.  Tessa, on the other hand, wanted to do a quick 'farmer's walk' back to the van, so she took two.

Harvest Festival

Last Sunday we drove to Hood River for their annual Harvest Festival and to do some more apple-picking.  On our way, we did a short hike up to Horsetail Falls.  We had lunch at the festival with many yummy food carts to choose from, then headed to Packers for some dessert.  The last stop on our trip was Kiwokawa Orchards.  We were hoping to pick our own apples, but all of their trees had already been harvested.  They were having Fiesta Days at the orchard, which included pinatas for the kiddos, a mexican food truck, and live mexican music.   We also took a hayride around the orchard and learned many interesting facts about this Japanese family farm. 

The trailhead at Horsetail Falls.

A pit stop with a gorgeous view of the Columbia River.

Walking behind Horsetail Falls.

Selfies in the truck while waiting for Dadda.

It wouldn't be a complete trip through the Fruit Loop without a stop at Packers for ice cream. 

A hay ride through Kiwokawa Orchards.

Fall

It's fall, ya'll!   And we're lovin' it!

XCR 2015

It's hard to believe that our District Meet is already next week.  "The hay is in the barn," as Bruce would say, and our kids have put in the work all season to have a great last race.  The girls have enjoyed accompanying me to practices on occasion, and have supported the team at both of our home meets.  I surprised McKinley with the opportunity to run the open race at our Champoeg Invitational.  She was beyond stoked!  She totally impressed me with her stamina and determination, even though we ran a modified 5k. 

Waiting for the runners at our home course.

McKinley stayed with me during our senior recognition ceremony,

while Dadda took Piper & Tessa home.

We gave the seniors sunflowers, candy & an inspirational Prefontaine quote.

Our finish line.

One of these girls is not like the other….

One of our funny & quirky seniors, Sean Ramos, wanted a matching girls' tank top.

Official team pic.

The girls at the Champoeg finish line.

The start line at Champoeg.

And we're off!

McKinley got a second place ribbon.

Momma & her gangster crew after the Sandalie meet.

The Lost Pictures of Summer

A post-Easter photo-op with Sophie's bunny.

One summer morning with my early-risers.

Early July pool party.

Picnic dinner + bike-riding at Champoeg Park.

Volunteering at the Heirloom Rose Garden Half Marathon.

Hanging out at a park in Roseburg waiting for Dadda to complete his bike certification class.

Fly girl downs an otter pop.

After church photo-op with my fashionistas.

Another bike ride at Champoeg Park,

The first tights of fall.

The homeschooling journey begins.

First triple piggies.