Our Family

On September 23rd, our friends Jacki and Mary photographed our family at one of our favorite places: Rood Bridge Park in Hillsboro, Oregon. We have so many good memories with our family in this beautiful park. It is simply the perfect location for our family pictures.

Our Semi-Annual Popcorn Party

This weekend was the semi-annual General Conference for our church. We have the opportunity to learn from the leaders of the church during four 2-hour conference sessions broadcast worldwide on TV and over the Internet.

In our family we have several traditions that make this weekend extra special:

1. Project Day - During the Saturday sessions, I like to work on a craft or sewing project as I listen. This year, the boys sat on the couch doodling in their notebooks and worked on some art projects at the kitchen table.

2. Kids' Conference Packets - These are a must! This year, my sister-in-law passed on the link to the best packets ever at www.sugardoodle.net What I loved about them is the variety of activities. There is a separate packet for big kids/small kids/preschool-age kids. The kids loved it! And I loved that they were listening as they were working on gospel-related worksheets and craft projects. I will be printing these out again in the Spring. Hopefully they'll update the packets again by then.

3. Waffle Breakfast - While Travis was growing up, his family always had a "Waffle Sunday" with all the fixings. We do the same now and the boys sure look forward to it. :)

4. Popcorn Party - During the Sunday afternoon session, we set out a picnic blanket on the floor in front of the TV. Then we munch on popcorn and sip orange juice as we listen to the speakers.

Intel Zoo Day

The company Travis works for, Intel, sponsored a zoo day today for families. We had a great time at the dinosaur exhibit, chowing down at the BBQ, putting together crafts and checking out the zoo animals. They even gave out zoo animal hats for us to wear! Did I say I love Intel? Cause I do.

Visit with Grandma and Grandpa

We enjoyed a long weekend visit with my parents this weekend. We love to have them come out to Oregon to visit! The boys were off of school for Thursday and Friday for parent/teacher conferences. It was fun for them to show off their school and classrooms to Grandma and Grandpa on Thursday morning. Later that evening, they watched Justin during his soccer practice and Tyler play in his t-ball game. While all the boys went camping on Friday and Saturday, we girls relaxed at home. We went on a long walk, chatted through a lazy afternoon on the front porch and played with Allie. It was heavenly. These pictures were taken on Sunday after church before we headed off to the airport. Come again soon!

Father and Son Campout with Grandpa Davis

The boys felt so lucky to have Grandpa Davis join them on the Father & Son Campout with Travis. Our ward camped out at the Boy Scout Camp Merriweather on the Oregon Coast...by way of the Tillamook Cheese Factory for lunch and an ice cream cone.



Tyler loved that they camped in the "Vikings" campground since we had just watched "How to Train your Dragon".



It was an absolutely gorgeous location on a private beach. I think I'm ready to become a Boy Scout!





These were the steps leading back up to the campsite from the beach.








They stopped along the road to Cape Lookout to watch these para gliders.




Then they stopped at the Tillamook Cheese Factory again on the way home. Lucky ducks! So glad you all had so much fun on your awesome campout!

Happy Birthday Justin!

Our 9-year-old boy's birthday wish:










An outdoor adventure at his favorite park! We had a wonderful time! Thanks for having another birthday buddy!