Fall Creek

Last weekend was a sweltering 96 degrees. Okay nothing like some of the rest of the country has been dealing with, but for us Oregonians it was a little too hot. We decided to take the kids to a spot some friends told us about. We spent the entire afternoon playing and had a relaxing time. When we drove back we were actually cool.

 The water was cold, but it felt really good. 

 The best part for the kids is they were able to catch over a dozen crawdads. 

 Our kids are so lucky to have a dad who loves to play with them as much as they love to. The whole day he was swimming in the water, catching crawdads, he even tried skin boarding.

 Little Miss wanted to be like the big kids so Ken caught her baby fish to play with. She loved it, one of them she loved a little too much, but we were able to release the rest when we left for the day.

 Baby Huck played so hard. Water, rocks and his entire family as playmates is his perfect day. By the end of the day I was standing with him in an inch of water and all of the sudden he fell forward because he was too tired to stand up any longer. Needless to say by the time we put him in his car seat he was asleep within seconds. 

There was a section where the water had a gentle current the kids could ride through. They made friends with a group of boys and had a great time floating through on the boogie board. 

First Day of School

Our little Midge went into 5th grade this year. The great part is that she is with the same teacher and same group of students as last year, so there was no anxiety for her. She is even in the same classroom as last year. This made the first day of school so easy for her. When we were planning her first day of school outfit she kept telling me I just want to be comfortable mom. I wish they made her sweater in my size I would love one for myself. 

 Little Miss wanted so desperately to go to school with the big kids. 

She wore her backpack all morning.

 Our boy Leo is going in to 2nd grade and seems to really enjoy his teacher. I really hope he has a great year. Last year was a little rough because he has an intense teacher. He did fine, but I would love for him to have a teacher that he loves. He wants to grow his hair out and to be honest I don't really know what I am doing with it. I cut all of my boy's hair but I really only know how to do one basic cut. Justin Biber's hairstyle is not something I am experienced with. Anyone who knows what they are doing and wants to offer me some tips would be greatly appreciated. 

 Regardless of my messing with his hair he still looks so stinking cute.

 Little Miss insisted we get there to see morning meeting. Everyday the entire school meets in the gym and sings a song together. Then they go over announcements. 

It is one of my favorite traditions at this school.

 This is Midge's beloved teacher. Mr. Bonar.

 Huck went with us to drop off the kids, all he wanted to do was sit in the big chairs.

 Here is Leo trying to act like that crazy woman over there taking pictures isn't his mother. Sorry sweetie I can't resist. I love you...

 Don't worry I am setting aside money for your future therapy. 

Last Day of Summer

A year ago on Labor Day we went to the coast and had amazing weather. The kind of weather you never see on the Oregon Coast. The kids were actually mad that we didn't have swimsuits so they could swim in the water. I told you it was amazing. We decided to test our luck and try for another perfect day on the Oregon Coast. While the weather didn't deliver we did end up having a fantastic day.

 We started off at the beach, and my parents were able to come with us. The kids loved exploring the tide pools and catching crabs and fish.

 An assortment of baby crabs they were able to catch.

 We had a nice picnic lunch.

 After lunch we went to downtown and the weather cleared.

 We took the kids to see the seals. We got to stand right above them, much better than Sea Lion Caves,

 Of course we had to stop in and get some salt water taffy.

We then proceeded to the pier to do some crabbing. There are no pictures of this because I was in the car with two sleeping children and it was stinking cold. This seemed to be the good luck charm because they hauled in a lot of crab two of which were keepers, a huge starfish. The highlight though was that Ken, Leo and Midge all got a pet a seagull. We are all wondering if the thing was on it's last leg, but for whatever reason it decided to let the kids pet it. To the kids this was the most amazing part of the day and what they are still talking about. Personally I loved the crab dinner we all enjoyed the next night.

Our Favorite Place on Earth

Earlier this week we were able to head up river to Belknap Hot Springs. We love this place. You can swim in their hot spring pool. It was a little too warm, and I think next time we should go up when it is colder outside and swim. They won't allow kids who aren't potty trained to swim so Huck was out of luck. The best part though is the gardens that surround the Resort. 

 The flowers and river were the view that Huck had from this little bench. He was so cute as he sat here and watched the river.

 Our favorite garden is the Secret Garden.

 We have a special place that we always love to fish. We were excited to see that they have made a little path to get there and built a beach area for the kids to play on. 

Look at these gorgeous trees with all this moss.

 The kids had fun building a fish trap and boats to float.

 Ken was able to catch quite a few fish, but they always escaped the fish trap.

 Huck absolutely refused to nap for the entire day. I finally wrapped him in his blanket and snuggled with him until he fell asleep. I have to admit I loved snuggling with my little guy. I haven't been able to have him fall asleep in my arms since he was a little baby.