Camping Part II: Nehalem Bay

Easter

Hmmmm.....I think I failed at Easter this year. Sadly we did not dye Easter eggs this time around even though I have the kits. My picture taking abilities failed miserably as I only got a few shots of the kids and none during their actual egg hunt. And it just doesn't seem like Easter when you go to church on Saturday afternoon to avoid the crowds of Sunday. We totally missed out on our Sunday morning family fighting, scrambling and rushing trying to get out the door, and not to mention the always joyous (bickering) car ride to church. The good thing is I don't think the kids will be able to remember this as a bad year as they were well sugared up by the grandma's and enjoyed hunting for over 200 eggs! I had to chuckle and post these photos of Jess and I when we were both about 3 years old on Easter. Notice the amount of eggs we hunted for compared to the amount of eggs my kids hunt for.

Ping

THE ANSWER: No, not until you're older, never, no way, absolutely not and don't even ask.

THE QUESTION: Can we PLEASE have a dog????

Well we didn't get a dog but we did dog sit for the last ten days and it went GREAT! I'm a sucker for easy money and thought it would be a great way to see just how we would do as a family with a "real" pet. Our first day did not go so well with three potty accidents on the carpet. Jess was not very happy and I was beginning to think this was going to be the longest 10 days of my life having to clean up after this dog and listen to Jess say, "I told you so." Maybe the dog was just mad at his owner for leaving him but after the first day we didn't have any more problems. He was a great dog that loved to snuggle in my lap, play with the kids and went pretty much everywhere with us. All the kids were wonderful caretakers and once Cade and Avery figured out they could pay Aric to be the pooper scooper everyone was happy. Does this mean we're ready for a dog? Nope. Although I loved having him and if he needed a home I would take him in a heartbeat I'm just not ready. Hopefully his owner will take lots of trips and we'll just be his surrogate owners. ♥

Bend 09'

One thing you may not know about me is that I truly am a "blonde" when it comes to driving. I have lived in Oregon my entire life and practically in the same place for almost 34 years. You would think I would know my way around the entire state by now but unfortunately I have not a clue. It wasn't until my senior year in high school that I realized I drove over I-205 everyday on my way to school. It's also pretty sad that once when I was forced to take a detour I just followed whoever was in front of me hoping that I would end up some place that looked remotely familiar and able to find my way back home. Needless to say Jess always drives whenever we are riding together. If I do have to go somewhere unfamiliar he will either do a practice drive with me or has now found the wonderful world of google maps with street views! Anyhow, what I'm getting at is at the end of Spring Break I decided to be adventurous and drive the kids to Bend to visit my brother and family. Wow! you would have thought I was driving to Nebraska with everyone calling and questioning if I was really going to drive there......by myself. Apparently they have little faith in me or just know my track record. Long story short WE MADE IT AND BACK! I was so proud of myself and now my poor sister-in-law is going to have a lot more company.....more often!

Spring Break

At the beginning of March I started panicking about how I was going to keep the kids busy during Spring Break. That's when I got the bright idea to go camping. What was I thinking? Who camps in March? I booked a spot at Champoeg State Park, a place I wanted to check out, and it was close to Jess' work so he could commute from the campground. He actually did it! What an awesome husband!! He woke up every morning in the freezing wet coldness and got ready at the campground bathrooms, then after work he came back. I'm not sure I would have been so nice if I was the one having to go to work.

Despite the rainy moments we still were able to get in lots of bike rides, fishing, games and campfires and the rest of the week were heading to Bend so I'll post more about that later.

Alumni?

I realize with every passing birthday I'm growing older but my mind tells me I'm still young and my husband tells me I still look young. However, I have noticed I don't get carded anymore and not too many are surprised that the three kids attached to my hip are mine. It's not supposed to bother me and for the most part it doesn't but there are times that I'm in awe of how fast time has gone by. For example... Avery and I went to the state dance team competition with both the grandmas, my niece Logan and Vicki-Ann. We all know Vic and I were both on the dance team and have very fond memories of the whole experience. This was my first time back in many, many years to actually watch. I sat by this pleasant girl and in making conversation I asked what team she was rooting for. I was pleased when she said she was here for Clackamas. That's when I should have ended the conversation, but no, I pressed further and said that Vic and I were both on the team. She smiled sweetly and said so was she.......in 07'. WHAT?!?! I guess I was in shock but I should have known by her long hair, tanned face and size 2 jeans that she was a mere baby but than again in my head I look just like her so why wouldn't she be in her 30's too? Anyhow, I think I mumbled what year I actually was on the team and hoped she didn't realize we weren't even in the same decade!

Shamrock run

The Shamrock run was this last Sunday and for some reason I decided to join my SIL in running the 5k. She has become quite the avid runner making sure she gets her run on everyday and has even completed a half marathon. Impressive I know. Me on the other hand spend my time on the treadmill in my garage......walking. I think I must have been having one of those "I'm 30ish" moments when I start thinking what have I done with my life? So I decided I could do this. Well....I did it! I even technically ran the whole way!! It felt pretty good to finish and might even inspire me to go again.