Multnomah Falls

The kids and I went to Multnomah Falls last month.  They were out of school for a teacher workday and we headed out to see the falls.  You might remember that we drove past it on our way into Portland this summer, but did not stop because I already needed to go potty.  Well, I have discovered they actually have bathrooms near the gift shop, so we could have stopped and saved myself some discomfort...

We found the most interesting caterpillar on our way up to the bridge.

Here's Claire in her new-to-us stroller and that funny "cat-a-pilla".

When Jacob was born, we took pictures on this same bench.  Katy was younger than Amanda and Jacob was in the backpack.  Since it would require my finding and scanning that one, you'll just have to imagine it.

We sat there for about 20 minutes, watching the water fall and the leaves.  The falling leaves were my favorite part.  Absolutely beautiful leaves were falling from the trees up on top of the clliffs and floating down like big orange snowflakes.  I tried taking pictures, but none of them show how special it was. 

I guess you'll have to imagine that one too.

I had a great time with the kids. I think I'll take them up to Mt. Hood next, looks like there is already snow up there on that guy. 

(We've been reading a lot of Junie B. Jones around here lately!)

"Is that where the giants live?"

Yesterday, Amanda looked across the cloud covered gorge and asked, "Is that where the giants live?"

It was beautiful. The hills of Camas were poking out above the clouds... not fog, clouds. And it looked like a city above the clouds.

Of course, I said "yes. That is exactly what a giant town looks like." I even thought we'd get to go through that cloud bank as we crossed the river... but alas, we did not.

She was disappointed there were no clouds on the bridge and most of all, "Why can't we go see the giants?" We'll, Aunt Priscila was waiting for us.

However, we could see the clouds up the river a bit. It was an awesome sight and I'll forever think of Camas, Washington as the home of Amanda's giants.

On a side note, Darren asked Amanda what she thought they made at the factory (in Camas)... she said "Clouds?"

Of course, what giant city doesn't have a cloud factory?

Summer at Ceep's House

Remember lazy summer days with your cousins. No decisions to make... just figure out who you wanted to play with next.

That's what we've been doing this week...

- the creek - cold water, sunshine, mud, rocks and branches dams, fresh oranges, wet dogs.

- backyard - trampoline and sprinkler, slides and water hoses, mud puddles and more wet dogs.

- tv, wii, ds, ipods, facebook, email, media, media and more media

- naptime? The big kids want one and the little ones don't.

- legos, legos, legos, puppet show, legos and more legos (there are a lot of boys around here)

- just hanging out, talking about everything and nothing.

This is what "summer" is... being together.

Double Arches

I think my favorite part of Arches National Park was feeling small. These huge orange and brown rocks against a bright blue sky with a few white clouds.

“Oh. Beautiful. Wish you were here.” – French Kiss

When the Lord started talking to us about leaving Texas, Chuck had a word about “being sent out from the center, like a dandelion being blown away”… or something like that.

In the middle of the Utah desert was a small oasis of green…and probably the largest Dandelion I’ve ever seen.

Since it was 100 degrees, we only took the family on one hike – Double Arch.

When we got closer, Claire kept telling me "namebow" ... rainbow.

Yeah! We all made it.

I am standing in about the same place for both of these pictures…. do you see how small Darren is in the 2nd one. The blue spot to his right is Jacob.

Emily and Becca got to go a little higher as well, but on the other side of this arch is a cliff dropping straight down…. a LONG WAYS DOWN. So we didn’t get to close to the edge!

Now you are looking back out to the cars. Nana volunteered to stay in the cool van with Layla (no pets on the trails). Can you see them?

Hurry, hurry, hurry. Time for one last picture before the battery dies.

Here's a few other pics we took... it's really beautiful, there just isn't much grass. Being a big problem for Layla... made it a problem for me.
Just pee on the rocks! And their were plenty of those.





Quote of the day: I think I have sand in my mouth. -Emily

"How are ya'll doing?"

I think we are doing well.

Darren started a Drupal job yesterday. Seems to like it so far...but I haven't talked to him today :)

Katy got her wish... her own room at grandma's AND her very own Facebook account! Like is good for the pre-teen sect. She actually got her horn out yesterday. Good to hear her squeaking, I mean, practicing. I think she and I are going to start taking advantage of the tennis courts across the street.

Jacob is with the cousins for a few days. I'm sure he's having a great time: food, DS, wrestling, tv, bikes and skateboards, repeat - who wants to come back over here?

The other are all in one room. Katy's old nursery. White picket fence wallpaper and a blue ceiling with clouds and glow in the dark stars. There's bunk beds, crib, toddler bed and dresser.... and that's all the room there is. They are ALL excited that grandma has stairs AND cable tv.

Layla treed a cat the other day... that was funny. I could hear the owner calling his cat, so I "tried" to pull Layla back. She's so strong. I was able to drag her some, so the cat could get down. The tree is on the outside of the fence, but I don't think either the dog or cat knew it :)

How is Jenn? Well, it's a bit tricky to have 6 kids in anyone's home for longer than...3 hours. They hit a lull in their playing and it's time to start making food again.

So being at the in-laws brings all that about, but there is also the joy of sneaking in to bed with grandma and watching early morning cartoons, or family meals with yummy desserts, and working in the garden (my favorite). With more work comes more memories... and a chance to make the kids work.

It really is great to be with the cousins and in-laws. We've been apart for a bit too long. We are trying to pace ourselves, just a little bit. Well, it's a nice theory.

We are praying through our options of where to live, closer to his parents or closer to his brother. The original plan was for us to visit for 2 months, so I figure we have that long to figure it out.

The weather is MUCH cooler than Texas. I am enjoying that. Maybe a bit too much rain, but I'm not complaining (very much).

Guess I'll go check on the raspberries before I head through the woods to find the girls (over at a friends house playing in the sprinkler).

Hugs and kisses to everyone.

We ARE doing well.