Tillamook Cheese Factory & Cape Meares Lighthouse

 

Grandma Barb invited us to spend the day with her at the Oregon Coast. We met up at the Wonderful Tillamook Cheese Factory

 

 

Soon after we arrived, we received a text from Katie saying that she had had her baby James! Here we are, seeing a pic of our little nephew James for the first time!

A vintage pic of Tillamook Cheese Factory

Taste Testing the cheese at the end of the tour

The squeaky cheese reminded us of the Belizean cheese we used to make!

After the taste testing we indulged in some delicious Tillamook Ice Cream! Yummy!

We then headed off to Cape Meares Lighthouse

Daddy help Gracie look at some sea birds

Laura's Turn!

Such a pretty lighthouse!

A volunteer was out at the park.. she helped the little girls watch a new clutch of Peregrine Falcons which were located on the cliff across the way 

Time to head home!

                                                                                 

Cape Meares Lighthouse, July 2015

Amanda 21, Grace 7, Grant 13, Laura 5, Ryan 17, Ashley 23

 

Beating the Summer Heat!

 

 

 We have so many photos of us down at Brownsville Park, A.K.A our backyard taken this summer, that I figure I'd better just do one long post of our fun down at the river. Many evenings throughout the summer we would pack our dinner down to the park to cool off and swim.

 

 

 

Daddy is giving some skipping rocks tips. So cute!

 

Even Ryan, who spent a lot of his time working the harvest was able to join in the fun a few times!

 

 

For his 17th birthday, we ordered pizza and headed-yup, to the river! Partially to avoid the heat but also to enjoy the beautiful area in which we live. All the children, olders and littles, enjoyed building a little dam and swimming together

 

 

 

 

Happy 5th Birthday Laura Jean!!

 

Well, the time has finally come. We no longer have a 'baby' in the house!  Our big-little girl has turned 5 years old. She is such a blessing in our home. Always smiling and blessing us with her even personality and temperament. She and Grace are the best of friends- many times reminding us of yesteryear when Ashley & Amanda were growing up as sweet little girls together. Laura loves bugs of any kind and, if missing, can most likely be found somewhere in the yard, flat on her tummy inspecting some creature or wild flower in the grass. She really likes baby dolls and ladybugs. We are so blessed that God allowed us this one last little one. She truly holds a special place in all our hearts.

 

Mama made Laura a dress & matching dress for her doll also!

It is such a blessing that she was so excited about such a little gift. We never regret the change we made many years back.. scaling way back on birthdays and gifts. We love to only give one gift and a special cake, made from the siblings and a choice of dinner, made by mama.

"look Grant!"

 

Now its time to open her dress

It doesn't take long before she is out to show us all her dress

...and thank mama

Ashley & Amanda made this lovely lemon meringue pie, at Laura's request.. Grant helps Ashley light the candles! The missing guest was brother Ryan who is, as I write, working long hours at his summer job. Glad it is only 5 weeks! We miss having him here for family times! :-)

 

 

    Happy Birthday Laura Jean!!!! We LOVE you!