Beach House at Cape Kiwanda

The fam at Oswald West Beach

I love the moss in the background. I sure miss this place!

Exploring the tidepools

Found a starfish tangled in grass.

Spencer saved it like any good Oregonian would.

Before heading to the beach house we had to stop at the cheese factories in Tillamook. We had never gone to the Blue Heron before. It was fun to see.

The front of the beach house. I love the colors and lighting.

My other favorite beach-Kiwanda!

Sheer bliss!

We hiked up the sand hill.

We left our mark so Oregon would not forget us!

Olympic fun!

6 Months

Can't believe she is already 6 months.

Maren wanted to join in on the fun with her "I am 3" shirt.

July Cont...

In case you didn't notice, we love the beach. This little girl loves it too. I couldn't hardly get her to look at me, she was so enthralled by the texture of the sand.

Then I got these couple of treasures.

Oh how we will miss the beach.

Berry picking. Another pastime that I will miss. We went with friends one afternoon.

Look at this place. Does it look like it is located in the middle of a city? I think not. Yet, it is. Something unique about Portland is it is surrounded by a forest. We went hiking through an aviary. I think Maren is going to wonder where the forest went when we move. We'll just have to take trips to the mountains to make her feel more at home. It is amazing that the only home she knows has been Oregon. How the time has flown.

Maren took this picture-the reason she is not in it. Pretty good, huh?

This girl has to touch everything.

We sat and watched salamanders swim around.

This one is in honor of my ten year high school reunion coming up this November. We were the golden eagles. I am even wearing a gold-ish colored shirt which was one of my class colors. It was a fun afternoon.

July!

The Princesses.

4th of July breakfast fun brought to you by Spencer

We started the morning with the parade in Hillsboro. They threw more candy as us than we collect at Halloween. 

A classic scene in Oregon. One of the things that makes Oregon unique.

Our little girl hanging out in a bumbo. We had dinner with friends.

We finished the night watching the Washington DC concert and fireworks. We also decided to go see the local fireworks that turned out to be...interesting. It was a fun filled day to say the least.

To our 3-year-old...

From the minute you were born, you were a daddy's girl. He could hardly leave your side. You have his eyes, his imagination, his enthusiasm, and so much more. Sometimes I would feel jealous of your special connection but I have learned that there is something so great about a father-daughter connection that builds confidence and self-worth in a girl and woman. You couldn't ask for a better person to have this special bond with. If you follow his example and take his advice, you will have the ability to do great things.

What an incredible experience to become your mom. July 17, 2009 was a rough day getting you here, but I was so happy to meet you and see that you were healthy and strong. I was so happy to give you the special name of your great-grandma Maren. We knew that was your name months before you came. Three years seemed like 3 months ago. We feel so blessed to have you in our family.

These pictures say it all about the kind of one-year-old you were. You were always full of surprises. You had a lot of spunk and you always kept us laughing.

As a 2-year-old, we were impressed by so much. We could see how smart you were and how in tune you were with the spirit. You were social wanting to make others happy.

It was amazing the things that would excite you. You kept us on our feet.

At 3, the sass and independence appeared. I have had a bit of a preview as to how to be your mom when you become a teenager. Thank you for the opportunities to refine who I am by developing qualities such as patience, compassion, and more of a nurturing character.

I love this picture because it shows how excited and happy you are to be a big sister. You are a great one.  Eva adores you already and will look to you for support and friendship all her life.

We love you pirate, princess, witch, big girl, ballerina, whatever you imaginative little heart desires. Keep that spark alive, and you will go far.