Sun River 2018

Sun River has become a special place for our family to spend quality time together.  Eventually, we hope to own a home of our own in this bike-friendly town in order to keep making memories as our children get older.  This was our first trip to Sun River with Landon, and the timing of it was perfect, as Piper & McKinley completed their kindergarten and second grade curriculums right before we departed.  We booked our longest stay yet (4 nights), and our rental house was in a prime location: one-third of a mile from the SHARC.  We spent a lot of our time at the SHARC, and on our last full day we finally got to enjoy the outdoor amenities.  Landon sat in the kiddie pool for the first time, but he really had fun playing in the sand.  One morning we walked over six miles along the Deschutes River, while the girls road their bikes.  We also walked around the Village, eating ice cream and looking at the toys in the Toy Shoppe.  At the house, we sat up Catan: Settlers of America, on the coffee table and played whenever Landon was napping.  Another morning we visited the High Dessert Museum.  The girls got to see eagles, otters, and even pet a desert tortoise. As we left the museum, we had to shield ourselves from the hail. Crazy weather!  The girls got to spend some of their money they have been earning by collecting cans.  They each bought a Beanie Boo and some candy.  I splurged on a pair of Babiators for Landon, which are aviator sunglasses specifically for babies.  Our time together was priceless, and we're already planning our next visit in the fall.

Bubba was so happy to get out of his carseat once we arrived.

Kiddie Fatbike!

Mt. Bachelor is in the background.

Water break in front of the Deschutes River.

Our last morning in Sun River, McKinley accompanied me on a run.

Three sisters in front of The Sisters!

AWANA Awards

Last month we wrapped up another season of doing AWANA's on Wednesday night.  Tessa made her debut as a Cubbie, and completed her Appleseed Handbook.  Piper joined the yellow group as a Sparky.  She finished her Hanglider Handbook & extra credit booklet.  McKinley finished her last year in Sparkies and earned the Timothy Award for completing all three handbooks.  She was also awarded a ginormous candy bar because she was the Sparky who said the most verses.  We were so proud of our girls! They worked really hard to hide God's word in their hearts, made friends and had a lot fun!

Heather & Patrick, who are husband and wife, were the leaders of McKinley's group (Blue group).  We will definitely miss their faithfulness and encouragement!

The Mutha of all Mother's Days

                                 May 2017                                                   May 2018                          

My goodness!  What a difference a year makes!  My only request for Mother's Day was some family photos, more specifically, pictures with me and the kiddos.  Rarely do I get in front of the camera, and when I do, it's usually an awkward selfie with my kids.  See below.  So this year I wanted to set up my tripod after church in front of some gorgeous flowers and snap away.   I had my heart set on the blooming rhododendrons on the A-dec campus, but we got shooed away by the security guard before the photo shoot even started.  The girls made me enchiladas for dinner and a surprise dessert, while Daddy supervised in the kitchen.  They even washed the dished afterwards!  During church we dedicated Landon to the Lord in the presence of our Newberg Christian Church family.  He wore a bowtie that I bought just for the occasion, and he looked adorable!  And the girls agreed to wear matching outfits, which melted my heart.  This Mother's Day will always hold a special place in my heart because my family is complete.

Here are the best gifts my family gave me on Mother's Day!