Beach Trip #1

So I told ya I had a lot of pictures! ...And this is just the first half of our week!! Our hiking and camping pictures are still to come :0)

Lincoln City was the chosen destination for a 4 day get-way. There was only one day when the weather was NOT in our favor and that was Sunday (our second day).


I always wonder if Depot Bay has named the seal that hangs out by the dock. He hangs out practically begging for fish scraps. The kids were thrilled to watch...but even more thrilled when they saw their first whale spout at the whale watch center. We were happy they learned what to look for. The very next day we spotted a mother and its baby playing at a distance off the beach...tails out of the water and all! This was a first for Jeremy and myself too!


The girls did very well with their sleeping arrangements throughout the week. I couldn't believe that Ally and Rylie actually slept together in a navy bunk (very narrow) AND made it through the night. Kinda funny though how twisted they got.


Porter and Jen love photography. We were thilled with some of the shots Porter took. I can't get enough of Ally's sweet face!


As you can see the girls had a blast in the sand. Ally searched for rocks and seashells the majority of the time. Kaitlyn loved the sand, feeding the seagulls and doing what everyone else was doing.

I always forget how burned you can get on an overcast day! It was a couple hours into our day on the beach when I realized I needed to get sunscreen on my kids. Poor little Kaitlyn had a couple spots appear that night. She got it bad directly under her eyes and on her ear. She looked like a racoon and now has scabs under her eyes from the itching and scratching. So sorry munchkin!



One of Porter's choice activities was to agate hunt. We didn't realize how serious he was until the hunting began. He was happy to take a collection home and run it through his dad's rock turner.


Ever seen such intense roasting? We wanted to head down to the beach for a camp fire. That didn't work out so we were thrilled when we realized we could roast marshmellows off our back patio.


The final day we took a drive heading north on HWY 101. It was a beautiful day for a drive. The viewpoints were fabulous!!!


You can't head north and NOT stop at the cheese factory for samples and ice cream. Can you tell Kaitlyn is savoring the moment with her orange sherbet? LOL


I enjoyed being able to visit Cannon Beach. This has always been my parents favorite beach and the beach we frequently visited as a child. The tide wasn't out far enough to walk on the rocks at haystack rock, but the girls had a blast jumping some small waves and watching a kite surfer go crazy (the wind was pretty strong). It was fun letting the girls get wet without their bathing suits. Jen made an observation I've never realized....the sand at Cannon Beach is much finer and not nearly as course as the sand at Lincoln City. I love it!


Seaside was the final stop. As many times as we've been to Seaside we've never noticed the soda shops along main street. Porter and Jeremy seem very "into" their soda and spent a bit of time finding the match best for the them. Jeremy chose two ol time root beers. I think I'll stick with my "Mug" brand. Yum :0)

Ally and Kaitlyn were adorable during our stroll along the boardwalk. I love the look on Kaitlyn's face while Ally is holding her. She sure does admire and look up to "sissy". Can you tell how proud Ally is to be a big sister? I LOVE IT! Those are the moments I treasure most!

Our week...here's a start

Our family had a fun-filled week with our friends from Preston, ID. Porter was one of Jeremy's mission companion's back 13-14 years ago. This is the family's second visit to Washington. Porter, Jenny, Rylie (5) and Brynlie (3) were a lot of fun to be around. We are grateful for their visit and the many activities we were able to cram into one week.

I have way too many pictures to go through....so here's a start.

Startling Daddy

This was a little unexpected...Ally came in running after Daddy while he was on the couch. She was thrilled when Daddy jumped in his seat.

Baby Birds, Potato Bugs and Peas

When Ally took off for the neighbors house, Kaitlyn was devastated! I figured I better act quick and see how I could entertain Kaitlyn and get my tasks done at the same time. Baby birds, potato bugs and peas were the things we found to make her happy.

We took a stroll, with our friend Betty to the neighbors home for raspberry picking. There were few raspberries to pick, but the baby birds were well worth the trip. Thanks Kolleen for letting us come down!

The weeding is done! With each rock I picked up from the back pond, Kaitlyn was able to retrieve about 4-5 potato bugs. She was happy to collect them in her bucket and show them to Betty, Denis, Ally, Hannah and Peggy. She realized they needed to go back to their home so she found a special spot in back where she hopes to find them tomorrow.

To our surprise, the peas are ready! This is Kaitlyn's favorite veggie in the garden. We had a great time chowing down the peas after feeding the chickens and goats.

In the middle of all that we also cleaned the windows, washed down the back patio, table and chairs AND weeded the backyard. It all was well overdue, it sure does feel good to get it done. I was so happy for Kaitlyn's company and help....we had a GREAT afternoon together! Thanks baby!

Time for catch up!

Yes, its been a while. I always do this. Sorry!

4th of July

The morning started out attending my parents ward breakfast. We were happy to join them for a breakfast cooked up by their bishop and my boss. Troy and his bishopric did a fabulous job coordinating this event. We were happy to see several long-time friends and the kids had an awesome time decking out their bikes and riding in the bike parade. We all had a GREAT time.




After the breakfast we were able to head home for several hours to catch a few Z's and prepare for the day ahead of us. This picture was taken at Aunt Dawn's and Uncle Randy's. Don't the kids look cute in their red, white and blue! They did a great job gathering the extended family together, providing an excellent BBQ and entertainment for the kids. Happy 4th of July!


The day ending = my hands very tired of covering Kaitlyn's ears for an hour and a half! She loved watching, but boy does she have sensitive ears! Would you believe she fell asleep for part of it too?! Thanks Troy and Kim for providing such a fantastic display!

Sydney = Precious Ballerina

Sydney did a fabulous job at her ballet recital a couple Saturdays ago. I was very impressed with her little leaps (wish I knew what they were called) as she dazzled herself across the stage. Way to go Sydney...you make a beautiful ballerina!


We were glad we were able to show our support. The kids loved the recital and all I heard the rest of the day is "mommy when do we get to do ballet?"

The day before the recital, Steve announced the news of the transfer to Boise. They took off yesterday. We'll miss you guys being so close, but are happy for you and your adventures ahead!

Fathers Day

So I feel really guilty. I didn't get a picture of Jeremy with the girls on his special day! Sorry Hun! The girls were so excited for this day and to give daddy his gift. They ran the gift into the bedroom first thing in the morning, awaking daddy (Jeremy is always such a tropper being awaken this way). We cooked him a great breakfast; macadamia nut/blueberry pancakes with blueberry sauce (turned out SO yummy this time), sauseage and OJ. We all enjoyed our day together...no meeting in the morning, church, hung out at home and spent time with the family (as you'll see below). Jeremy, thanks for being such a great father to our beautiful girls. You are truely amazing!


Ally was sitting alone under this trellis at Katie's. Was so glad I grabbed Tom for this shot. Happy Father's Day Grandpa!


So happy to be with Papa!


HAPPY FATHERS DAY DAD! It's not very often I get a picture with my dad. Dad had been pretty silly prior to this shot. I wish I could have got the picture of him flexing! Jeremy's fingers weren't fast enough.


The girls were excited to give papa his gift. I think because they knew of the possibilties when he opened it....is papa going to share?!!!!

Smile Westin!

My brother and sister in law were up for the week and we able to join us for Fathers Day. They had some exciting news and this is how they shared it. Wes found a shirt for Westin online that said this on the front "I have a secret" and this on the back "I'm going to be a big brother". I thought it was a very cleaver idea and I'm very excited for Kierstin and Wes, baby #2. Congrats you guys!


Westin was also quite the poser for pictures (above). I said his name and asked him to smile for several shots....he was very attentitive and give his adorable little smile each time. Although I couldn't get the bottle away for the picture below...it's a good shot of mom though :)

Our little meat-eater!

Our 11 Year Anniversary!

We met at church, in late September 1997. Three weeks later Jeremy's brother Aaron married Katie. It was at their reception, we realized we were falling in love. Many others could see the sparks and predicted that we would be the next couple in line for marriage.


In March of 1997, the day before our friend Heather's wedding (she introduced us), Jeremy proposed. He took me to the temple (after driving around to a few other locations trying to find the perfect spot) and got down on one knee. He chose the perfect spot!


We're married! Jeremy and I will never forget how bad our cheeks hurt after our wedding and reception. The day was full of smiles and laughter. We very much enjoyed being around all of our family and friends. There's no better day than to declare your eternal love and be around every person who has helped you become who you are.


A HUGE milestone. Jeremy finished school! Jeremy worked hard to finish his schooling. I can't believe how little we were able to live on back then. I worked full time and Jeremy part-time to get him through. I'm so glad he was able to finish. Now...on to the next stage in life :)


Two years later, Ally was born. What a blessing to 'finally' become parents!


Kailtyn came 2 1/2 years later. So glad to have another girl, healthy as can be!


The hunting adventures of Andrea & Jeremy...continue on! Jeremy took me to Wyoming. Our easy hunt....turned into quite the adventure with very cold tempurtures and extremely high winds. I was so happy to shoot that antelope on the second day. My hands were so frozen I couldn't even hold the head for the picture. Jeremy shot his buck 1 hour later. The joke is...mine was bigger. That has been the case several times :) I couldn't do it without him!


We love our sweet family. The greatest feeling is when we are together, knowing that everyone is safe. We love taking our trips to the beach.


Having a get-a-way 1 or 2 times a year is SO nice. We are very fortunate to have our parents so close and willing to take our little princesses. This was at a hot springs resort. Such a peaceful place to get-a-way for our 9 year anniversary.


We're getting older. We've entered our 30's and thus far feel that we're doing a pretty good job raising our little girls. It's a joy to see them growing up, learning new things and setting such a good example to those around them.


Through all the ups and downs we both agree that we would never change any minute. Our 11 years have been great and they keep getting better with each year that comes our way. Happy Anniversary Sweetheart!

Great Grandpa & Kaitlyn

Great Grandpa & Ally

Grandmas family came to visit

Kaitlyn and Great Grandma with her friend since the first grade, brother and sister in law.

Cashews grow on trees

So today the girls and I received a little science lesson at Great Grandma and Grandpas. Great Grandmas Brother, Rene, brought these from California. I never knew that cashews grow on trees and detatch from a fruit. Tip make sure you don't bite into the shell...it has some sort of oil that releases and can make your lip go numb. Apparently, when Grandma lived in El Salvador she had a cashew tree (if thats what you call them...guess I have a little more research to do). Thought it was neat to see the actual fruit.

Last Day of School

I can't believe a year of school is down already. Is it sad that she doesn't want to leave and be home for the summer? Guess I have my work cut out for me to keep her busy and challenged.


This was last night at the kindergarden graduation. They each got to play a part in a nursery ryem. Ally's part was in Humpty Dumty, a horse. She is with her friends Quincy (in the middle) and Jenelle (on the right). Both very sweet girls.

Digging!

Jeremy was quite the worker today. He was up at the crack of dawn trying to get a stump out in front of the girls bedroom. He worked on it for an hour and a half before he realized it was too big and there's no way he was going to get it out. The good news is he was able to pull one out by the garden. This stump had rotted a bit more than the other. It was so awesome when I heard it came up! The weird thing about it is Jeremy ended up digging a deeper hole to bury it further. Seemed a little strange to me...but boys will be be boys! The great part about this burial is he was able to recover a bunch of fill dirt and make a mound over the stump he couldn't get out. He seeded both areas tonight as well. Thanks hun!


The girls were a big help too. They helped rake and remove roots for about 2-3 hours. Jeremy's dad even stopped by to help a few times between moving Jeremy's sister out of their house (Jeremy was busy doing that for a few hours too.) Thanks for your hard work today babe!

End of a great season!

We are amazed at the progress Ally has made this t-ball season. This was her first season playing any sport. The season started with her playing second base. When the other team was up to bat and made a hit, Ally was the one running to third base. It was SO cute, but oh the drama that followed after that!! She was never going to play again! We're glad she stuck with it.

With each game, she had more and more fun. Ally's team was the only all girl team in the league. She was able to learn all the positions since the coachs had each member of the team playing a new position every inning. The other teams got to be quite good considering they did not follow the same technique.

Tonight we played against one of the best teams in the league and definately kicked some hiny! The rules in t-ball are a little different since there's only three innings, no one keeps score and all kids get to go through the batting line up each inning. Tonight, the girls got 3 outs in the second inning forcing two other players on first and third out. Then two more outs after that! It was awesome! This happened in both the second and third innings. Ally was included in striking one of those boys out on third. Way to end the season Ally!!!