Oregon Coast Aquarium

After visiting the old vessel, we headed over to the incredible Oregon Coast Aquarium. What an amazing family outing! We would highly recommend it. Unfortunately it is pretty costly. We ended up purchasing a year membership for the same price as what our one time admission fee would have been. So at least we can go back later this year if we find ourselves in Newport again!

 

 

We enjoyed the aquarium's newest exhibit which is entitled Secrets of Shipwrecks'

 

This lovely fellow had our girls quite captivated..

The girls really enjoyed these Pacific Sea Nettles

 

 

 

Laura makes a friend

Everyone participated in the interactive saltwater 'petting zoo' including barnacles, sea urchins, sea cucumbers and starfish

Beautiful sea urchin

This Japanese Spider Crab could potentially grow to be 45 pounds and 13' across!

This tufted puffin comes to say hello

the family enjoyed watching the sea lions and harbor seals

Passages of the Deep- our favorite exhibit!

The ceiling and part of the floor is made up of glass!

Daddy and Laura look at all the fish which surrounded them

Grace and Laura enjoy looking at the fish who were under their feet

This shark jaw makes our boys look so small!

We had waaaay too much fun in the gift shop

 

                      With it being a holiday weekend, there were lots of visitors at the aquarium. Thankfully we had remembered that we had parked in the octopus lot!

 

At the gift shop, Grant had purchased the quintessential Oregon Coast treat-

Salt Water Taffy!

 

What a fun day! We look forward to going back again

Newport,OR

 

We enjoyed visiting the Oregon Coast Memorial Day weekend. One thing we did  was visit a replica vessel called the Hawaiian Chieftain which is the name of a sailing vessel known as the Spirit of Larinda. Built in 1988 in Lahaina on the island of Maui, the Hawaiian Chieftain is a contemporary interpretation of a traditional design. She is unique with the rig of a 19th-century trading vessel and a modern triple keel, shallow draft hull. Drawing only 5.5 feet, she is highly maneuverable in shallow waters.

 

 

 

Our 24th Anniversary trip to Bend!

Grady's mom was so kind as to gift us with 2 nights at a very nice hotel in Bend to celebrate our 24 years together in marriage. It was such a great weekend! The room was lovely, the weather was great but the best part was just being able to be together-talking, relaxing and of course hitting all the thrift shops and garage sales! ;-) We ate some yummy meals together and had a terrific time. I love you honey! I look forward to growing old with you!

 

 

 

It was such a lovely drive through the Willamette National Forest and over the pass toward central OR where Bend is located

 

Gorgeous!

 

Our first peek at Sisters Mountains

 

These 2 dozen roses (one for each year) were waiting in our room. Grady had first ordered 2 dozen red roses but remembered how much I like lavender roses and instead ordered a dozen of each color!

 

Our room was situated right on the river and we were able to watch the geese and goslings swimming in the river. So pretty there! And quiet. 

 

While in Bend, we were able to visit the incredible High Desert Museum

Have you been there? We would highly recommend it! I will be doing a post about it after we are able to plan a trip back with the kids :-)

Grady standing next to an original stagecoach at the museum

While shopping at a local market, we saw this amazing guy.. Hmm think we'll stick with Pho for dinner! :-)

 We had to travel  all the way to the Bend Goodwill to find a coffee cup my size!

After three days of fun and relaxation, we packed up and headed home. What a blessing to have spent some special time together. (and isn't that romantic that we packed the roses in a porta-potty we had picked up at a garage sale? The former owner promised it was new and hadn't been used, so that's good I guess.!.!! :-)

 

 

 

 

Settling Into the Rental & First Days of Summer

We are settling into our new rental. It is located on 7 acres on the side of a 'mountain'.. it has a steep driveway with the barn halfway down the drive. The front yard looks over the valley with a breathtaking view. So far the only thing we've found to be a downside to the place is that it is COVERED in poison oak! Poor Mandy has gotten it the worse, we think she may be allergic! All in all it is a wonderful landing place for the time being.

 

 

We love the big covered porch

 

 

The kids have been having fun fixin up the place..

Even Grace got to grade the driveway!

Good job guys!

Our dog kennels situated behind the house on a newly graded area

Happy Dogs!

Ashley 23, Amanda 20

This year we planted just a few things in raised beds.. tomatoes, lettuce and a few herbs the girls picked up. I also planted some zucchini, cucumber and butternut on the hill

The best chicken tender 'round these parts!

Ryan, age 16

 

 

Fun with the ponies

Our beloved family milk cow Daisy

Grace 7 & Laura, 4

Time to head back up to the house!

So pretty! We are grateful for what the Lord has provided

Silver Falls, OR

Our family enjoyed a much needed break by heading up to the lovely Silver Falls where we enjoyed hiking and a picnic. The weather was perfect and our time together was a pure blessing. It was such a joy to see Amanda able to hike and run.. I had a hard time keeping up with her! :-)