Geocaching

We were recently introduced to Geocaching, which is basically a real life treasure hunt. I guess it's been around for a long time, and I am not sure how we have never heard of it before, but so glad we know about it now. In order to figure the whole thing out we had some friends over that are really into it, and another family who wanted to learn as well. We had a dinner and then went out for our geocaching adventure.

For those who don't know what it is I will explain. So basically people hide "caches" all over the place, and there are millions of caches all over the country apparently. Caches can be anything from a box, to a fake rock, or even a tin can, and they may or may not have things inside. People who hide them add the cache to the web-site http://www.geocaching.com/, and anyone can then go find it. So as a beginner you go to the web-site and sign up, it's totally free, and then if you have a smart phone you can download the app. Once you have the app, it tells you where the closest caches are. We were shocked to see that there are tons within walking distance of our house. Once you get close there is a compass that can help guide you, but it's really only good to about 15 meters. The caches can be cleverly hidden so you really have to look. Once you find the cache you can log that you found it and if there is a treasure you can take it, but you have to replace it with something of equal or greater value. The kids absolutely love it and it's just a fun way to have an outside adventure!! It explains everything on the site, so check it out if you are interested!

We are headed to Sunriver next week and look forward to doing it there as well!! If you try it, let me know what you think!!

4th of July!!

I believe this is the third year in a row we have gone down to our families house in North Bend for 4th of July weekend. This year my parents and my sister's family came along too! The weather was so amazing and we had a wonderful time too!! The kids are all at such a great age and can play so well together, it really requires little adult supervision..I mean having to constantly watch them and breaking up fights over toys that is. We went to the beach, rode the motorcycles, let off fireworks and just generally enjoyed each others company! I hope we continue to make this a yearly tradition!!

This was one of the favorite activities of the weekend. Pa would take all the kids on a ride in the Rhino!

We took my family to Sunset Bay, one of our cool finds, and they loved it as much as we do!!

Finding crabs!

They had a creature building contest, and we all had to get in on it!

This was our creature...Giant Crab Ray!

Playing in the water!

Love this picture!!

These two really became best buddies this weekend. They are one year apart, and they are finally old enough to play together, and boy did they...attached at the hip all weekend!

Fireworks!

I did not take my camera riding, and took all those pics with my phone. They are all on my Facebook if you want to take a look!

Carter turns 2!!!

My little baby nephew turned 2 last month, and I cannot believe it! We went to John's Incredible Pizza to celebrate and had a great time. I would really recommend that place to anyone, way better than Chuck E. Cheese!

My aunt with her grandson Nicolas!

Riding one of the rides they have!

Hollie's Birthday

It really is true that the youngest in the family gets the shaft when it comes to celebrations. Poor Hollie was the last to turn 21 and the last to have kids, so unfortunately she gets a little less excitement for all of her events :-( This year for her birthday (24th) we decided we would go all out and celebrate in style! We got a room at The Nines, and went to dinner at Departure, and then....well that is better left unsaid:-) It really was a great night, and I think it will be something she remembers for a long time!!

We thought this was a great couch!

The view from our room!

Lanphere sisters!!

This is such a strange pic, but I added it because after dinner we road in pedi cabs...bicycle drivin carts. It was such a blast and the only way to travel if you are out and about in downtown on the weekend!!

Tahoe/Dresel Wedding

I am going to combine these two things...Tahoe Bachelorette Party and Dresel/Knutson wedding!!

First, Tahoe!! Well, can't really say much about Tahoe, except it was AMAZING!! It was so nice to get away with some great girlfriends for three whole days. So often when we become a wife and mom, we forget that we are individual people that don't always need to be responsible for other people. Sometimes, not all the time, but sometimes, it is important to celebrate the fact that you are an individual that needs to kick back, be silly, and enjoy not having to take care of anyone!! Thanks ladies for a great weekend!!

Here we all are...so fun!!

The reason for the Tahoe trip was because our good friend Kristin was getting married. It was a beautiful ceremony on the beach in Cannon Beach. Congrats to the Kristin and Troy, we were honored to be at the beginning of this incredible journey we call marriage!!!

All of us ladies doing a little wine tasting!

Baseball

I believe I mentioned in earlier entries that Jaxson started baseball this year. His team, The Dodgers, made it into the finals, after beating their nemesis The Mets. It was such a great game, but sadly the boys were so nervous that they forgot how to swing the bat, and lost 1-0. Jaxson was the last batter and got out on a controversial call made by the outfield ref, and every once and awhile we still get a little outburst about how unfair it was. I think it is good for him though...his swimming team and basketball teams both won their championship games a little humility is good for him.

Jaxson did a baseball camp up at Alpenrose a week ago and I cannot believe how much he has improved since the beginning of the season. He has gone from this kid that was afraid of the ball, to this awesome baseball player who is confident and is running to catch pop flies! We are so proud of his work ethic and he is outside practicing every chance he gets, even if it's by himself!!

Here are some pics of the last game:

At the Championship game each player got introduced in front of all the parents.

Getting pumped up!

Up to bat!

The boys getting their medals!

Not too happy about 2nd place!

The after party!!

Ahhh there is a smile listening to his coach talk about how much he has improved this year, and about his love of the game!

We are really looking forward to next season!!

The last three months are a blur really...

So I have seriously been neglecting my blog...it's been a long time since my last entry and I don't even know where to begin. The last month of school for Jaxson is so busy that I was barely keeping my head above water let alone having time to update, not mention that everytime I sit down at the computer the boys decide that are beyond starving and will die of thirst unless I get them something to drink. After Grant spends ten minutes deciding what sippy cup he wants to drink out of, I have totally lost my train of thought. So I am going to try and update a little at a time...can't guarantee it will all be the correct order though!! Here goes...