Oregon Coast Vacation

Delwyn and I were able to arrange a 5 day vacation along the Oregon Coast for are 10th wedding anniversary. We got up early on October 25th and drove to the Boise airport where we flew to Portland, OR. We then rented a car to use while in Oregon. Since Delwyn was such a Chevy fan he had on his Chevy jacket so Dollar rental upgraded us for free to a Chevy Equinox, it was comfortable and very nice vehicle.
Our first stop was 3 waterfall 30 minutes east of Portland that I had wanted to see. They were all very beautiful, my favorite was Multnomah Falls. It is a 2 tier fall, with the top tier falling 542 feet, it was incredible.

Beautiful Multnomah Falls

We then were able to drive along the Columbia river up to Astoria. We drove up to the Astoria Column and what a beautiful view of the Columbia river. I made Delwyn drive me across the huge 4.1 mile bridge that spans the river to connect Oregon and Washington.  One of my favorite things about Oregon was all of the bridges everywhere, I had to take pictures of those we saw.

View of the Astoria bridge from the Column

The Astoria Column

 We then drove down to Seaside where we spent the night. The next morning we got up and started our sightseeing. We visited the Seaside Aquarium, walked along the promenade, tried to find sea shells, visited the Carousel mall (what a good idea to entertain kids while shopping). We then started to drive down the coast toward Newport. On the way we stopped at several location to sight see. Cannon Beach and haystack rock were our first stop. Haystack rock stands 235 feet high, it was huge. We then drove to Tillamook to stop at the Cheese factory. Delwyn's favorite stop of the day because he got to sample cheese and bye himself  "Squeaky Cheese".

Tillamook cheese factory

I had always wanted to see a lighthouse so we made it a priority. We tried first to see "Cape Meares light but the road was closed to get down to it. Next we stopped at the "Yaquina Head light but it was closes for the day, but got to see the outside. Then we tried to see "Yaquina Bay light and we got there to late also. Everything seemed to be open only from 11 am to 4 pm. Couldn't get everything done during those times it seemed. We tired once again for the Cape Meares light and found it opened, then learned that we couldn't go up into the light because in Jan 2010 2 men shot out the light with high powered riffles and it hadn't been fixed and wasn't safe to go up. Maybe next trip I will get to climb a light house.

Cape Meares Lighthouse

Yaquina Head Light

In Newport we walled down to the bay front and spent most of the day there. We did the "Undersea Gardens", "The Wax Works Museum", and "Ripley's Believe it or not". The coolest thing we saw was as we were walking along the bay we kept hearing "Barking", I couldn't figure out where it was coming from until we saw a few people looking into the bay next to the "Undersea Garden" and you no what we found a lot of Male California Sea lions. I guess they make there home in Newport most of the year. It was so cool to see.

Cage for the Sea Lion to rest

Rock out in the Bay covered with Sea Lions

It was a great trip and had good weather most of the time. It was a little chilly, but a jacket kept us warm. We had rain on Friday where it rained all day, at times you couldn't see where you were driving. We decided to drive back up to Astoria to try and see the Maritime museum. While there we stopped and had the best Fish and Chips at a little place called "Bow pickers" it was incredible. If you are ever in Astoria you have to try it, thanks Robin for the heads up, you were right, didn't even taste like fish.

The location of the best Fish and Chips ever

It was a wonderful trip. Thanks Delwyn for going with me, I loved spending so much time with you. And the Biggest thanks go out to those that helped care for out 4 children while we were gone, Cristy for watching Matt and Aleeya, glad she liked you. Delwyn's parents for picking the girls up from school, and My wonderful parents who took care of Jessie and Ky and made sure all school work was done. I love you all.

Summer is Here!

I am so glad that summer decided to come and stay a few days. We have had so much fun as a family this last week. We went camping, t-ball games, and playing in the water at our home. The kids have all loved being outside most of the day.

Last friday night after Delwyn got off work we loaded up and took off for a overnight camping trip. Delwyn wanted to take us to Canyon Creek, but it was to full and muddy, so we went to Kirkham Hollow instead. It turned out to be a great choice. We were the first camper in this season it seemed, Delwyn had to cut off 4 trees that had fallen across the road. The kids were tired and hunger by the time we got to camp and got a fire going for roasting hot dogs and smores. The kids loved roasting the marshmallows. A little to much sweets before bed, no one wanted to go to sleep very fast.

Kids roasting marshmallows for smor's

Saturday morning after a good breakfast we went on a hike. We ended up finding the canyon creek trail and followed it until it became to steep for the kids to go down without help. The view was beautiful and it was so peaceful. The kids all enjoyed picking flower and to see how may varieties that found.  Aleeya even though it was her nap time had fun, she just talked and clapped the whole time. She love to be outside so much. I was worried about how it would be to take an 11 month old out camping, but she turned out to be the best kid.

Family at the Canyon Creek trail sign

The beautiful view of the canyon

After a lunch of dutch oven cooking it was time to go home. We had hoped to stop and go swimming at green canyon but the kids were to tired and grumpy. Delwyn said he would but out the little pool for the kids when we got home, and he did. Even though the water was cold the kids didn't mind at all even Aleeya got her feet it and kicked about. 

Only a little cold, says Jessica

This water is great, let me in Dad

One, two, three, blow bubbles

Over all it was a great camping trip, the worst part as always in cleaning up the camper and putting the stuff away. The kids were good sports and helped out. Thanks guys.

Mesa Falls

On Saturday I wanted to go for a drive and see how high the river were and how much flooding. I talked Delwyn into taking us to Mesa Falls also. There was so much water going over the falls they were beautiful. It was a fun drive, besides the kids saying "I'm Bored".

Lower Mesa falls

Upper Mesa Falls

Delwyn and the Kids at Upper Falls

The beautiful Teton Mountains in the background

Kindergarten Graduation, Class of 2023

Program title

Who can imagine 2023 already?

May 20, was the day Kylynn graduated from kindergarten. She was so excited. For there program they each read a story they wrote during the year, and sang 3 songs. Kylynn wrote about what she liked in school. She wrote that she liked having Graycee in her class. Graycee is a little handicap girl in a wheelchair. Ky loves to interact with her and spent most of her recess time inside playing with her. At the end of the program Graycee's mother came up to us and asked if we was Kylynn's parents, we said yes then she proceeded to thank us for all that Ky had done for her little girl this year including all the pictures and drawings she sent home. She also said how sweet it was seeing her push her all around the Zoo.  She then asked if it would be alright if she got a picture of Kylynn with Graycee, how could I say No.
I was so proud of my little girl, I started to cry. I felt guilty over all the times that I stopped Ky from taking a little not or picture to school. I hope she will remain this way all her life, having a soft spot for those with special needs.

Ky with Diploma

Ky and Graycee

Ky with Mrs Sutton the best Kindergarten teacher.

 Thanks Mrs Sutton for all your dedication and help with Ky this year, she loved you.

First Steps

It is hard to believe that my baby girl is starting to walk, but it is true. Just the other day she took about 9 steps. Why do they have to grow up so fast, she is only 10 months old. It is so fun to see her catch her balance and take another step.

Hair cutting time

Matthew has needed a hair cut for a while now, but refused to let his Grandma cut it, because he wanted his Dad to do it, so he could have the same hair cut as his Dad. Finally last Sunday his Dad gave him his hair cut. He loved it. And he sure looked much better.

I don't like hair on my face.

Just about done, looking better.

Matthew with his new hair cut, such a handsome boy.

Birthdays

Well we have survived Kylynn and Jessica's birthdays. It is so much fun having the birthdays so close together, there is never any fighting going on, just kidding. Jessica always has a hard time with Kylynn getting her gifts first when she is the oldest. Hopefully as they get older it will be easier on them.

For Kylynn's birthday we headed off to "Yellowstone Bear World" for fun and adventure. She was so excited to go and couldn't wait to choose which ride to go on first. She did have to wait for us to drive through the park. Only saw a few of the bears out, most were in there caves trying to stay cool. Once we saw all the animal it was off to the amusement rides. The first one that Ky chose was Train, only because it was just getting ready to go. The 3 oldest kids soon discovered that the "Tree"ride was there favorite. They would ride it after every other ride. Well at least they were not scared of heights like there mother.

Black Bear taking a nap out of the heat.

The kids favorite ride, couldn't get them off it for long.

The train ride, even Aleeya got to enjoy this ride.

After about 45 minutes of the rides we called it a day and headed off to Ky's favorite eating spot "McDonald's". We let the kids eat inside and then play on the toys. I have never seen my girls eat so fast in there whole lives. All in all it was a great day for everyone, especially Kylynn.

Sunday the 15th we had all of our families out to our house for Cake and ice cream for both Jessica and Kylynn. We had hoped to have everyone outside but the weather didn't cooperate, it was to windy, so we had all 33 people in the front room, it was very cozy, but no one complained. The girls go some fun gifts and each came away with Money, which Ky couldn't wait to spend.

Monday was Jessica's 8th birthday. We got her up and ready for school, then she got to open her gifts. The best gift was a new bike, she couldn't wait till after school so she could take it out for a spin. Since it was her birthday and she had to take a spot light poster to school Dad gave her a ride. Then about 1:35 the phone range, it was Jessica calling to ask if we were picking her up. I had not remembered that she had asked me to about 3 day ago. What a great birthday, getting left a school by your parents, she wasn't to upset by the time I got there. She went to softball practice. For dinner she chose to have Dutch oven pizza, it was really good.

Since it was her 8th birthday we let her have a party. She invited about 19 girls, but only 14 came. We had fun making bracelets and playing games. They played Wii Dance party kids, and then some Minute to win it cup games. I think everyone had a great time.  It was great that Delwyn was here to help and that Aleeya was sleeping through the party. I'm just glad it is over for a few years.

Minute to Win it, cup race

Wii Dance Kids, everyone doing the Macarrana

Minute to win it, cup stacking

The best part is no more Birthday cakes until July.

Spring Talent Show

On April 21, the Burton School had there Spring Talent show.  Last year Jessie wanted to do it, but she really didn't have a talent to share. This year however she is learning to play the piano, so I let her signs up for it. She worked really hard on her 2 pieces and had them mostly memorized. I took my new camera with me so I could video tape it and take pictures. When it was her turn I turned on the camera and it went off. The batteries I thought were charged were actually dead, so I didn't get any pictures.
When we came home I changed the batteries and had her play it on our piano so we could remember it. She played it so much better at the show even though she was a little nervous. We were all so proud of her. Grandma Erikson and the Klingler Grandparents were there to support her. This is the video I took, hope you like it.

Oh how fast babies grow.

 It is so hard to believe just how fast Aleeya is growing up. She is such a determined baby. Delwyn said it best  "When she learns she can do something she keeps at it until she has mastered it." The middle of march she started trying to crawl, and after only a few days she was crawling all over the house and getting into any room that's door was left open, her favorite room the bathroom, not a good room to play in.

I want that bullet.

Crawling to get any form of paper off the floor.

So proud of herself.

   Now this week she has learned to stand up holding on to objects, and is trying to master moving from one to another. I don't remember the other children doing this so fast. Before we know it she will be taking her first steps and then running all over the house.

This is fun Mom

 

 

I want to get to that "Pooh" chair, it looks soft.

I made it, I'm so big.

Why can't she stay a baby a little longer?

Family Sledding Fun

Cristy called us on Saturday the 5th of February and asked if we wanted to go sledding with them at the Sand Dunes in St. Anthony. We said yes, but needed to wait until Jessica was done with a birthday party at 2 pm. So plans were made to meet at there house a little after 2 pm. Things just never work out well when you have a baby. Since it was to cold for Aleeya to be outside for that long, we dropped her off at Grandma and Grandpa Erikson's house. We were to drop her off at 1:45 so we could be out to the Fat Cat to pick Jessie up at 2 pm. Well we were late dropping her off,  and late picking up Jessie. Then Delwyn realizes that the Tahoe is out of gas. Back to the gas station were all the pumps are being used. We figured we could make it to St. Anthony before it was completely empty, which we did. We also wanted to pick up are snowmobile that was fixed while in St. Anthony, but we had to pick it up before 5pm, which meant we needed to pick it up before heading to Cristy's house.  Long story short, we were an hour late getting to Cristy's. But Better late then never.
We picked up Katy from Robin's and headed to the Sand Dunes. The kids were all excited to try out there sleds on a real hill, and not just on the manure pill out back. It was a lot of fun for young and old. The kids did find that our green sleds were really fast and fun. It was a great time spending time together.

Jessie holding up the tube, Quincy running back up pulling the sled.

Delwyn and Kylynn

Justine, you are supposed to ride the sled to the end, not slide on you butt.

 Before heading for home the most of the kids wanted to go down the really steep hill. Tom led the way over the top of the hills to the spot. Then the kids each took turns going down, some on a sled or tube, others preferred to come down on there bottoms. Either way they came down, no one got hurt. Jessie and Quincy were the last to go and they hit a jump at the bottom, Jessie fell off and immediately grabbed her arm, but thank goodness it was not broken.

Walking to the all exciting "Steep Hill"

Katy

Hunter and Justine

Justine

Tom and Ky coming down.

Tom and Ky at the bottom

A love of books

Matthew loves to have stories read to him. His favorite book is titled "Easy Street" by Rita Gray. I have read it to him so many times that we both have it memorized. The other day I caught him climbing up in the chair  next to Aleeya with the book and he began to "Read" it to her.  It was one of those priceless memories. I sure hope that this love continues throughout his life. Aleeya was so cute just looking at the pictures and even tried to help turn the pages. Matt was very patient with her and no pages got torn.

Make a street, make a street workers in a row. Make a street for things that go. Smooth out the dirt with a big metal blade, pack it down, before its paved. Roll it, roll it, wheel so fat. Roll it down to make it flat.  Use big rocks. Chop, chop,chop!  Fill a dump truck to the top. Spread the gravel, rough and tough. Spread until you have enough. Roll it, roll it wheel so fat. Roll it down to make it flat.

Asphalt, Asphalt, cooked with heat. Pouring out a slice of street. Stick street, soft to spread. Squeeze it out like jam on bread. Roll it, roll it wheel so fat. Roll it down to make it flat. One more layer, shiny black. Then a roller comes right back. Roll it, roll it wheels so fat. Roll it down to make it flat. Bring a truck to paint long lines. Don't forget to post some signs. A job well done! Call it a day. Get your wheels and drive away on Easy Street. Beep! Beep!