Roarin' Good Time at Roaring Springs

I have always loved the water. My hope is that my kids grow up loving the water as much as I do! Nothing is better than spending a hot summer day at the pool, water park, lake or ocean!!

We decided that we would take the kids to Roaring Springs for the afternoon! Of course, I want the kids to have fun, but really I just wanted to go! Ha Ha! Like I said, I am a water kid at heart!

Caleb and Emma were so excited when we got there. We found a spot near the kiddie pool and got ready.

First, we just walked through the kiddie pool to get the kids used to the water park idea. Emma has never been nervous about the water. This is good and bad of course. But she will learn to respect the water and be safe. Caleb on the other hand, is a little more cautious about the water. This is fine, and at the same time it can be frustrating when mom is such a water nut!

The kiddie pool at Roaring Springs has all kinds of fun stuff for the little swimmers too. They even have some kid sized water slides. Caleb and Emma loved the water slides. Caleb was a little hesitant at first, but after mom just took him on one, he wanted to keep doing them. They had a big "cookie sheet" slide that the moms and dads can go down with them and one that is a traditional water slide that is for kids only. No parents on that one. Well, Emma wanted to try it and we were a little nervous about her going down, but she did great. I stayed at the top and Rick waited at the bottom for her. The slide is very VERY tame. It does not have much of an incline. They don't go very fast on it. Caleb decided he wanted to go on it. Which we decided he could if Emma could. But about half way down he just stopped! I tried to tell him to lay down or scoot down, but he just sat there looking at me like I was speaking a different language. We had to laugh, because the life guard had to come give him a push. Needless to say, he did not want to go down on the one again! Ha!

Then we went at check on the Lazy River. It was so much fun to float with the kids. They really enjoyed playing in the Lazy River with us and practicing on the tubes. We also checked out the wave pool. This took some getting used to on the part of the kids. After a little bit, the wave pool was a hit too!

Caleb in the kiddie pool area.

Emma playing in the water.

Soon it was time for lunch. So the kids pick corn dogs for lunch...one of their favorites! They were in heaven eating a corn dog in the shade sipping on some lemonade!

After, lunch we decided to play some more. We went back on the Lazy River, then to the wave pool and ended out day in the kiddie pool again.

They were getting all tuckered out and we decided that it was time to head home for nap time. They cried because they did not want to leave, but they fell asleep after 5 minutes in the car!

Caleb playing water see-saw with Emma....

...Emma not loving it so much!! Ha!

It's Not A Box

Our church has been doing some major remodeling this year. Rick is on the church board and he is 1 or 2 men that are kind of leading the remodel project. Tonight he went to help install the new stoves in the kitchen at church. As a surprise for the kids, Rick brought them home one of the stove boxes.

When he got it home he cut a door and windows in it. The kids were SO excited when they saw the box! They could not stop playing in it. They had such a good time with the box "house". Daddy was the hero of the day!

Enjoy our fun pictures!

Peek-a-boo sister!


My beautiful Emma!

Hey mommy...look at my house!

Playing in our house.

My handsome happy boy!

Splishin' and Splashin' at Settler's Park

Today we took Caleb and Emma to Settler's Park. We packed a lunch and our swimming suits for a day of fun!!!

When we first got there Caleb and Emma want to check out the playground equipment. They love all the tunnels and bridges! They also really liked the music area. Emma and Caleb really enjoyed the over sized instruments.

Emma playing music!

Little drummer boy, Caleb

It was really hot out there in the sun. Caleb and Emma got hot and sweaty very fast so we decided to put them in the swimming suits and continue to play. They ran around on the playgrounds and in the water part of the park.

Emma crossing a bridge...

Caleb exploring the playground...

Emma and Caleb splashing in the water

...starting to get a little braver in the water!

Emma trying to catch water in her mouth!

Caleb and Emma were not sure about the water part of the park at first. The hesitated a little and just splashed in the puddles to start. They also liked watching the bigger kids and how they played in the fountains. Pretty soon they were walking in the fountains and soon their faces were getting in the water too.

After we played in the water, we had out picnic. It was nice to sit under the shade and eat as a family. The kids got a kick out of eating on their towels. We also had a show during lunch. There were so people flying remote control air planes out in the big field next to the park. Caleb and Emma loved watching the air planes.

When we finished lunch, the kids wanted to play some more in the water and on the playground toys. It was a lot of fun, until the bigger kids started pushing and running over the top of the younger kids. We decided it was time to head home for naps.

It was a really nice outing! I hope we get to do that again soon!

A Day at the Park

Today we met up with Miss Candi and our friends from day care. We had a fun day at the park!
First, we played, walked and fed the ducks. Emma was not happy when the ducks didn't seem hungry! Ha Ha! Caleb on the other hand, was most interested in eating th popcorn! Ha! But either way they had a good time.

Then we walked over and had free lunch in the park. The kids enjoyed their lunch. After lunch the kids played some games together, then we face/handed painted the kiddos!

Caleb and Emma had a great time with their friends. It was like they were never apart! They will be very excited to head back to day car come mid-August!

Miss Candi and some of the kids feeding the ducks.

Caleb and Emma at the park

Emma and her pretty Lady Bug

Caleb and his bug

Emma showing off the flower on her hand

Caleb showing mommy his bug!

With This Ring....

Seven years ago on July 12 I married my love and best friend! Some days it is hard to believe that it was seven years ago and sometimes it seems like it was longer than seven years ago! Ha Ha! We have been through a lot in the last seven years, but everything has made us stronger. I love my husband just as much as the day I said "I Do"!

Rick and I on our wedding day - July 12, 2003

Since we were traveling on our anniversary, we made reservations for the following weekend. So last night we had our night away! YAHOO!

Our nephew, Josh and his girl friend, Stacey, house sat/baby sat for us for the night. This was the first time that we left the kids alone over night. I have been away from the kids and Rick and he has left the kids and I alone, but never both of us away from them. It was huge for us! I was very excited, but a little nervous too. We left while the kids were down for a nap. And off to Boise we went. Okay okay...I know that is not very far, but for a mom leaving them for the first time overnight that might as well be 1,000 miles!

We decided that we had a little time before we could check in to the hotel so we decided to do some shopping. Rick had some things to exchange from his birthday so off to the mall we went first. Then we went to Barnes and Noble and also the Christian book store.

We checked into the Anniversary Inn in Boise about 5PM. We got to stay in the Romeo and Juliet room. WOW! It was simply beautiful!

Romeo and Juliet room at the Anniversary Inn

We settled in and then got ready to head out to supper. We decided it would be fun to try something brand new to us, instead of going to our same old favorites. This was either going to be a good thing or back fire. We found a place online with high reviews called Mazzah. It is a Greek grill....and WOW!!! We loved it! We will definately be going back! It was super yummy!

In the Romeo and Juliet room

My handsome hubby on the staircase.

Rick and I ready for a wonderful evening!

We enjoyed our evening alone very much! It was nice to relax with each other and have a conversation with our 2 two year olds trying to take all our attention. Even though it was wonderful to get away, it was great to get to see my kiddos when we got home today!

Good-bye Ocean Vacation

Today we had to pack up and head for Idaho. What a sad day! But we made the most of it. We spent the morning packing up at camp. We knew we were not heading the whole way home so we did not hurry.

Once we were all packed up and the black tank was emptied, we left camp and headed for Cannon Beach. We decided to have one last meal of sea food before hitting the road! OH MO's!!! We ate outside and enjoyed the sights and sounds of the ocean!

Enjoying our lunch at Mo's.

After lunch we walked to the look out over Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock. We took some pictures to end our time. It was such a nice day it was hard to leave.

Cannon Beach/Haystack Rock

Emma and Caleb at Cannon Beach/Haystack Rock



Emma having a hard time leaving the ocean....

...we all felt this way, but only Emma was brave enough to express her emotions about leaving the ocean!

We only drove to Immigrate Spring State Park on top the Blues to camp for the night. Tomorrow we will get home at a pretty good time. Then all the work of cleaning out the trailer and doing laundry! That is my least favorite part of traveling...UNPACKING...YUCK!

At the Ocean...Day 6

Just a day at the beach...today we played at the beach! It was such a great way to spend our last full day on the coast. It turned out to be just a beautiful day. The sun was out, clouds were white and fluffy. We played in the sand and in the water.

The ocean and beach at Nehalem State Park.

Emma and Caleb playing in the sand on the beach.


Emma ready to play in the water!


Caleb excited about playing in the sand!


They look really thrilled don't they...HaHa...they really were!!

After lunch and nap time we headed for a bike ride into Manzanita for so ice cream. The bike ride is a lot of fun! Caleb and Emma love to ride in the bike trailer. Daddy didn't like pulling it up and down the hills!

When we got there to order our ice cream Caleb and Emma decided that they want a cookie instead. That was perfectly fine, but kind of surprised us. They love ice cream. They love the yummy cookies, so all was good. I enjoyed my birthday cake ice cream (one of my favorites).

The ride back was also fun. Caleb and Emma did not want to stop riding when we got back to camp. But we talked them in to playing with Lexie, Annie, and Mike. They entertained each other until supper time.

We enjoyed the rest of the evening around camp and the campfire....more marshmallows!! YUM!

We are sad about leaving tomorrow, but all good things must come to an end, or so I have been told.

At the Ocean...Day 5

We had a lazy day today! It was kind of nice after the busy, jam packed day we had yesterday.

This morning the kids played at the playground in the campground with daddy. While DeeAnn and I went shopping in Seaside at the outlet mall. We had a nice time with no kids or hubbies! On the way back to camp DeeAnn and I stopped to take pictures of the view over looking Mazanita, Nehalem Bay State Park, Nehalem Bay and Nehalem. The fog was just sitting over the general area of Tillamook yet it was clear everywhere else. It was a beautiful view.

The view of camp from the top of the highway.

When we got back to camp the kiddos were getting up from nap time and DeeAnn and I had to eat lunch so we head out for our next adventure.

We went in to Manzanita, OR, less than 5 minutes from the state park where we were camping. The Bowerman's like to rent the beach bikes there. We did not rent any, but we went down to play on the beach and watch them. It was very sunny, but the wind was cold today. It was not as enjoyable, but we will had a good time.

Daddy and the kids at Manazita beach.

Mommy and the kids warming up after our playing in the waves.

Mommy and the kids watching the seagulls.

The rest of our day was pretty quiet. We went on a bike ride and hung out at camp after eating supper.

It was a nice relaxing day. I can't believe tomorrow is our last full day here!

At the Ocean...Day 4 - Part 3

Once we were done at the lighthouse, we finished the loop and drove to Oceanside, OR. I love that little town too. It is all built on the hills over looking the ocean. Simply breath taking! What a view some of those homes must have! And a BIG price tag on them too!

We decided to play on the beach and look for agates. This beach is known for them. The kids we so excited to go exploring! We didn't bring swimming suits or towels, but we figured the kids would just play in the sand.

Emma, Daddy and Caleb feeling the waves!

Caleb and Emma were loving the water...of course!!! We tried really hard to get them interested in looking for rock and agates. That only worked for a little while.

Caleb and Emma looking for rocks!

Emma and Caleb on the beach at Oceanside, OR

Then the farther down the beach we went, well, we were out of luck! The kids found a tide pool...THAT WAS WARM! It was all over then. They started to walk in the water. Then they got a little braver and start to play. Well, after that it was pretty much a free for all. Get as wet as you can before mom or dad can stop us! Oh well, mommy and daddy didn't freak out about it. I did remove their sweat shirts first! THANK GOODNESS!!! Just let them be kids and have fun!! And they did!!

Caleb and Emma discovering the warm tide pool!

Emma getting all wet...playing with rocks!


Caleb having too much fun to notice that he is SOAKED!

After the kids were busy playing and daddy was watching them. I went off with Nakita to taking some pictures of the waves crashing on the rocks. So beautiful and powerful! I could have sat there all day watching that, but eventually the waves would take over the rocks and I would be swimming. So, watching for a little bit anyway. Ha Ha!

Out on the rocks at Oceanside, OR

We ate supper at Dooger's at Cannon Beach for Todd's birthday. While we were getting started Pastor Jim and Ellen walked in and they joined us too! It was such a nice surprise to have them with us again! Of course, eating together is not enough time to talk...nope we have to stand around in the parking lot and chat too. I have to laugh at us all! We have such a great time together! But alas, the campfire was calling out name. So we said our good-byes to the Lester's and headed back to camp.

We sat around the campfire when we got back. We were telling jokes and stories causing us to laugh out loud! So loud that the park range came to remind us that is was quiet hours! I can't believe we got told to me quiet! Ha Ha! It was so funny! I felt like a kid being scolded by an adult!

It was such a fun day! But wow...were were so busy!

At the Ocean...Day 4 - Part 2

After lunch we headed out the Cape Meares loop drive. What a beautiful drive! Our first stop was Cape Meares Lighthouse. Such a beautiful old lighthouse! We couldn't wait to head down the short walk to the lighthouse.

Our family ready to head down to the lighthouse.

Mike and Caleb walking to the lighthouse.


The group of kids in front of the lighthouse.

When we got down to the lighthouse and started looking around, we noticed something was wrong with some of the pieces of glass on the lighthouse. We talked to some of the lighthouse volunteers and they told us that 2 men, back in January had come to the lighthouse and shot out 15 of the glass panels and the lighthouse lens that were made in Paris, France were damaged. Those panels and lens were originals from 120 year ago and are can not be replaced. We were so sad. They said that they men claimed to me hunting, but everyone believes that there was alcohol involved. It is too bad that people have to be stupid and ruin such beautiful pieces of history!

The lighthouse - you can see the shot out glass compared to the others.


The foggy yet beautiful view from Cape Meares.

The story of the lighthouse can be read at:

www.oregonlive.com/news/index.ssf/2010/02/two_arrested_in_shattering_of.html