Our week started out Monday morning, coming home from Canby, to do laundry, and prepare for the busy week ahead. Tuesday we were to start our Pioneer camp. Tracey & I needed to over some things, and I had errands to run in Lebanon, so we picked up pizza and got together for supper. (I know...you're all so surprised...haha). We went over all of our items needed for our cooking classes this week, made some lists, and worked out our schedule for the week.
Tuesday started bright and early, arriving at the school at 8:30--as we started at 9:30, and we had to "organize" our items into the kitchen at the school.
We had a great day, learning about the Calapooia Indians that were in our area. We did crafts, learned some Indian dances and of course made Indian flat bread, fruit leather and jerky. The kids really liked all three stations (Cooking, crafts, dance) and we prepared for our next day--our hike to the Cascadia Caves. We cleaned up and headed home exhausted. I needed an hour & a half nap prior to being able to fix supper!!
Wednesday started at 9AM being in Brownsville, only to drive back through Sweet Home on the bus to head to the caves.
We met Mr Farquay of the Forest Service at 10:00 AM. He talked to us until about 11:30, and we hiked back to the caves. It was an incredible walk and a beautiful day. We enjoyed our lunches at the caves while Mr Farquay talked with us. The kids really enjoyed putting together the things that we learned. I felt bad that we were on a time schedule, as I wasn't ready to head back yet, but when you have a group of kids that are being picked up at a certain time, it kind of stinks!! We still enjoyed the time we spent, and hope to do it again someday.
Thursday was another fun learning day. This time we were working on pioneers. We had three stations again--foods, crafts & dancing. Tracey & I were in the kitchen with the kids again, making biscuits, fresh butter and fresh strawberry jam. We made enough jam that each student got to take home their own small container to share with their families. The kids also made trapper journals, rag dolls and learned some fun dances.
Kristin brought the O'Hara girls home with us, as well as her friend Sydney--they had a great time playing together. We had lots of plays and dress up time.
Friday we were off again on a field trip. We visited the Historic Moyer House in Brownsville as well as the Brownsville Museum. This museum is packed with info..and a great place to take the kids. We had a neat gentleman (sorry, forgot his name) who made a replica of the wagon that is the museum (which is one of only 3 remaining wagons from the Oregon Trail), but his wagon is miniature. It is a cutaway version, and he has just about everything you would pack in a wagon too!! Check out the pictures. The kids also got to do a scavenger type hunt in the museum...a great activity where they had to seek items, read things, and look around. We also have Mrs Nelson give a tour of the Moyer House...she is so awesome with the kids. She gave us "grandma's apron" talk where she put on the apron and told us all those things that an apron was used for back in the old days! It was a great day.
We walked the kids to the park, where parents picked them up and it was a nice ending to a great week. Tracey & I let our kids swim in the river there at the park for a few hours, and then we headed home...me with 5 girls, and Tracey with 2 boys.
New Beginnings--the fresh start after the storm. Follow along as we dedicate our lives to God after blessing us with a new beginning and another chance to make things right.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Day Three in Canby--The Clean-Up 6-22-08
Sunday started off beautiful. The birds were singing, the sun was shining between the clouds....and we had a great breakfast of fresh blueberry pancakes, eggs & bacon.
We headed out and got busy moving bark chips and cleaning up the back area behind the shed. Thankfully, the sun hid behind some darker clouds, and made it nice & cool to work in. A few raindrops even felt good!! With four of us working, the time went pretty quickly, and we made quick work of it. Bill and Ryan leveled the shed and put it on it's permanent blocks, Brady worked at dumping the chips for us, and re-loading the trailer with the 'stuff' from behind the shed, and Ryan, Jen & I worked at spreading chips around the play structure. Brady then dumped the rest of the load, and we started shoveling & raking. Once the rest of the 10 yards of chips was dumped on the ground, Jen, Brady & Bill loaded the rest of the 'stuff' in the trailer, and we worked all together at spreading it. It looks great!
By the time we were done cleaning up the mess in the yard, and putting things toys where they went, putting things back in the shed...it looked like a park!!
Brady & Bill moved the trailer into it's final resting spot in the back yard, and Jen cut the grass....I fixed lunch, and we were all happy to be done for the day. Showers for everyone....kids hit the hot tub and went down for naps!
Brady's folks stopped by and we had a nice visit. We decided to had to Bugottis for dinner, and it was GREAT....best pasta I've ever had (yep, better than Olive Garden), though no match for the bread!! Ryan & Kristin watched the kids while the adults went out for supper....and we had a nice night, and the scenic route through Oregon City Dump was a great prelude to dinner.
Home for packing up, a nice relaxing dip in the hot tub to relax the achy muscles, and off to bed.
All in all, a very productive weekend...and even though we had our trials while moving the shed..we were all safe, had fun, and even though we're tired...it was certainly worth the effort....as the yard looks GREAT!!
(Plus we had a great weekend with Jen, Brady & the kids!!)
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Day Two in Canby--The Shed Move
Today started as we woke early and enjoyed coffee & breakfast. Jason & Shawnna had some giggly fun while playing with the camera. Kristin had fun giving Brooklyn zerberts.
It was a nice leisurely morning, and we headed out by 9:30ish to get started. The guys started by heading to the dump to get rid of the branches and get a load of chips. Jen & I emptied the shed and cleaned up the rest of the branches. Just about the time Jen & I finished the shed...the guys got back and they got right at getting the shed ready to move. Brady got the trailer on the street, the Galaxie moved, then we all pitched in and moved the carport.
Kristin did a great job keeping the kids busy while the rest of us worked. Poor Brooklyn couldn't understand why her swing wasn't working, as the playset was moved last night, and had not been re-assembled.
The guys got the wheels on the shed, and Jen & Brad had a new trailer. We had lots of looks as Brady hooked up the Durango to the shed...and one couple made at least 4 loops around the block during the day today.
We pulled the shed to the street, and got the shed down the curb by using the floor jack. That thing as well as the tow strap, paid for themselves this weekend. We got the shed, both front & back, down the curb, and the front wheel fell off. Thankfully, we were not in the middle of the road, and there was enough room for people to pass...talk about strange looks...you'd think that you'd never seen a shed being hauled down the street.
We used the floor jack to get the shed down the street, and then when at the drive, put the wheel back on....three more times!! After we blew out the bearings in one of the wheels, we used a dolly to support the back,hooked up the Durango, and pulled or drug it into the back. We had INCHES on either side past the fence, past the heat pump and through the yard and past the house. It was close, be we made it, and had to drag it by hand the last 15-20 feet. Amazingly enough, although it took us a couple hours, we did it with no injuries, no major problems and we finished before dark!!
We had a great supper of steaks and potatoes on the grill with salad. After showers and a good meal, we hit the hot tub, had a great visit, and are heading to bed....
More adventures tomorrow!!
Friday, June 20, 2008
Tree Falling at Jen & Brady's June 20, 2008
Friday we packed up and headed to Jen & Brady's for a work weekend. Bill & Brady are planning on dropping a tree...moving a playset, then moving a shed.
We arrived at 5:00 and the guys got right to work. The gals & kids went out to watch, and it wasn't long until Kristin was watching the kids, and the rest of us were working. The tree was down in a matter of 10 minutes, falling more left than expected, but the only loss was a lawn chair. Good considering there was a fence, a shed and a neighbors shed all within falling distance. After the tree was down, and we looked at the pictures, we saw how heavy the tree was on the back side compared to the front.
We cleaned up branches, while the guys worked on cutting the tree trunk and the stump. The stump gave them a tough time, and they finally got it handled, but it took twice as long as the tree dropping, and clean up.
Afterward, we had supper...pizza & salad...and then the kids got in the bath with Ryan & Kristin taking care of them while Jen & I ran to the grocery store for more fruit and ice cream. The guys were tarping the trailer, and deciding what to do with the play set.
We got home, found the guys had moved the play set, showered, got kids to bed, watched some TV, and headed to bed...ready to hit it tomorrow. Two of three projects down!!
We arrived at 5:00 and the guys got right to work. The gals & kids went out to watch, and it wasn't long until Kristin was watching the kids, and the rest of us were working. The tree was down in a matter of 10 minutes, falling more left than expected, but the only loss was a lawn chair. Good considering there was a fence, a shed and a neighbors shed all within falling distance. After the tree was down, and we looked at the pictures, we saw how heavy the tree was on the back side compared to the front.
We cleaned up branches, while the guys worked on cutting the tree trunk and the stump. The stump gave them a tough time, and they finally got it handled, but it took twice as long as the tree dropping, and clean up.
Afterward, we had supper...pizza & salad...and then the kids got in the bath with Ryan & Kristin taking care of them while Jen & I ran to the grocery store for more fruit and ice cream. The guys were tarping the trailer, and deciding what to do with the play set.
We got home, found the guys had moved the play set, showered, got kids to bed, watched some TV, and headed to bed...ready to hit it tomorrow. Two of three projects down!!
OMSI Day Thursday June 19, 2008
We decided since we didn't finish OMSI on our trip there in April, that we'd head back before our memberships expired. Being that is the end of this month, we chose this week to head up.
Our morning started off beautiful....sunshine, warmer temps than we've had, and for the most part, everyone in a good mood. We arrived at Tracey's around 8:40, loaded all 7 kids in the truck, our lunches, snacks and of course movie players (it was a two hour ride--anything 2 hours or more gets a movie) and we were off. Being that we are going to Canada in two weeks, these last two trips with all 9 of us in the vehicle have been great dry runs for us. We have a list of what we need, and what we can do to make it better for the kids and Tracey & I. (Duct tape and plexiglass between driver & front passenger & the "Kid area"!) Just kidding...we will do fine!
We were on the road at 9am, and to OMSI about 10:45. (We made it up I-5 without a hawk sighting! HAHA) We started upstairs this trip, since we never did get through the last few exhibits last time. We explored the birth cycle, beginning with gestation, and luckily, no heavy questions were asked!! They did listen, before they got bored and ran off to the next exhibit, Your Body & Health....where they all enjoyed the new exhibits, and tried each one. We also explored the ways to tell a female skull from a male, and a male pelvis from a female. Males actually have more bones than women, in the pelvic area. I guess since God took that rib, he felt compelled to give Adam more bones somewhere else! Afterward, we headed into the creature lab, where we saw lots of snakes, rats, fish, turtles, bullfrogs (they were GREAT!), hissing cockroaches, walking stick bugs (Many varieties and sizes), lizards, geckos, albino mud puppies and a very large python. We were there for over an hour and a half before we headed out for our picnic lunch. We sat along the river, under the freeway bridge (talk about traffic) and enjoyed the nice sunny day.
After lunch we headed back inside, and went through the exhibits downstairs. Being we spent so much time here last visit, the kids knew exactly where they wanted to be and all took off in different directions. Two adults are not really enough for them to do this, but thankfully, some of them are old enough to be responsible out on their own. Ryan & Declan hung out together, and did their thing...Alyona did her thing, and Tracey & I were split between the remaining 4 girls....and the older ones did great letting us know where they were.
All Seven in front of OMSI's DINOSAUR
Around 2:30, we headed out for a snack and to load up to go home. Everyone had a great time,and we've found that we could spend days there,and they kids still would not be tired. However, since the boys had gun class tonight, it was best we headed back early.
Only 6 of 7--still a great picture!
We arrived home around 4:30, got supper on,and the boys went to class, Tracey & I stayed at home with the girls, and mapped out our route to Canada....visited, and enjoyed the quiet as the girls all were playing outside.
When the boys returned home.....the adults played a few rounds of cribbage. The girls were SMOKING...and had killer hands. The guys of course, did great keeping up with us, and there were no skunkings! The guys came back the last game, and PEGGED out before we had a chance to get our four points to cross the finish line. Nice comeback. Lucky for you Bill that those aces were played!!
We headed home after 10...enjoying our day, and as usual, our time with the O'Hara's.
Our morning started off beautiful....sunshine, warmer temps than we've had, and for the most part, everyone in a good mood. We arrived at Tracey's around 8:40, loaded all 7 kids in the truck, our lunches, snacks and of course movie players (it was a two hour ride--anything 2 hours or more gets a movie) and we were off. Being that we are going to Canada in two weeks, these last two trips with all 9 of us in the vehicle have been great dry runs for us. We have a list of what we need, and what we can do to make it better for the kids and Tracey & I. (Duct tape and plexiglass between driver & front passenger & the "Kid area"!) Just kidding...we will do fine!
We were on the road at 9am, and to OMSI about 10:45. (We made it up I-5 without a hawk sighting! HAHA) We started upstairs this trip, since we never did get through the last few exhibits last time. We explored the birth cycle, beginning with gestation, and luckily, no heavy questions were asked!! They did listen, before they got bored and ran off to the next exhibit, Your Body & Health....where they all enjoyed the new exhibits, and tried each one. We also explored the ways to tell a female skull from a male, and a male pelvis from a female. Males actually have more bones than women, in the pelvic area. I guess since God took that rib, he felt compelled to give Adam more bones somewhere else! Afterward, we headed into the creature lab, where we saw lots of snakes, rats, fish, turtles, bullfrogs (they were GREAT!), hissing cockroaches, walking stick bugs (Many varieties and sizes), lizards, geckos, albino mud puppies and a very large python. We were there for over an hour and a half before we headed out for our picnic lunch. We sat along the river, under the freeway bridge (talk about traffic) and enjoyed the nice sunny day.
After lunch we headed back inside, and went through the exhibits downstairs. Being we spent so much time here last visit, the kids knew exactly where they wanted to be and all took off in different directions. Two adults are not really enough for them to do this, but thankfully, some of them are old enough to be responsible out on their own. Ryan & Declan hung out together, and did their thing...Alyona did her thing, and Tracey & I were split between the remaining 4 girls....and the older ones did great letting us know where they were.
All Seven in front of OMSI's DINOSAURAround 2:30, we headed out for a snack and to load up to go home. Everyone had a great time,and we've found that we could spend days there,and they kids still would not be tired. However, since the boys had gun class tonight, it was best we headed back early.
Only 6 of 7--still a great picture!We arrived home around 4:30, got supper on,and the boys went to class, Tracey & I stayed at home with the girls, and mapped out our route to Canada....visited, and enjoyed the quiet as the girls all were playing outside.
When the boys returned home.....the adults played a few rounds of cribbage. The girls were SMOKING...and had killer hands. The guys of course, did great keeping up with us, and there were no skunkings! The guys came back the last game, and PEGGED out before we had a chance to get our four points to cross the finish line. Nice comeback. Lucky for you Bill that those aces were played!!
We headed home after 10...enjoying our day, and as usual, our time with the O'Hara's.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Audrie Day!
Nate called on Sunday night, and asked if Audrie could come to play. He was going to help his brother work on his house, and Grandma was busy...so we got to have Audrie today! I told Audrie she could come hang out anytime...we love to have her!
Audrie arrived around 8AM as I was getting ready to make the boys breakfast. We had french toast and she ate an entire piece with us, and half of a banana. She then headed into the livingroom to play with the Fisher Price barn that Ryan brought up. It is her favorite piece, along with the Dr's office, as it makes fun noises.
Kristin woke an hour later, and I made her breakfast. As Kristin was sitting down to eat, Audrie came in and signed "more" to Kristin, and went over to the high chair and banged on the tray...I guess she wanted more breakfast. Another piece of French toast and another half of banana later and she was ready to play! She & Kristin played about an hour or more, and Audrie was tuckered out. We put her down for a nap, and never saw her again until 4 hours later!
We then went out into the yard after her lunch, and she did not like the grass. We laid a blanket out, and she had a great time looking up into the tree where Kristin had gotten her a leaf to play with. She then found the flowers and found it was fun to pick them, and the grass didn't bite. It was great when pulled a petal off the flower, and then tried to put it back on. Too funny!
We had a great day, and enjoyed our time outside. Come back anytime Audrie!!
Audrie arrived around 8AM as I was getting ready to make the boys breakfast. We had french toast and she ate an entire piece with us, and half of a banana. She then headed into the livingroom to play with the Fisher Price barn that Ryan brought up. It is her favorite piece, along with the Dr's office, as it makes fun noises.
Kristin woke an hour later, and I made her breakfast. As Kristin was sitting down to eat, Audrie came in and signed "more" to Kristin, and went over to the high chair and banged on the tray...I guess she wanted more breakfast. Another piece of French toast and another half of banana later and she was ready to play! She & Kristin played about an hour or more, and Audrie was tuckered out. We put her down for a nap, and never saw her again until 4 hours later!
We then went out into the yard after her lunch, and she did not like the grass. We laid a blanket out, and she had a great time looking up into the tree where Kristin had gotten her a leaf to play with. She then found the flowers and found it was fun to pick them, and the grass didn't bite. It was great when pulled a petal off the flower, and then tried to put it back on. Too funny!
We had a great day, and enjoyed our time outside. Come back anytime Audrie!!
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Father's Day,June 15, 2008
We woke to a gloomy, foggy morning, and were bummed, since we've so enjoyed these last few days of sun and summerlike weather! We all got ready for church, and headed out. On the way out of church, instead of leaving with the 3 kids we came with, we went home with 2 boys, and 4 girls!!
The sun had come out, and it was a beautiful afternoon. We had a quick lunch of macaroni & cheese, and then Bill & I caught a quick nap. Alyona woke us at 2 as we requested and I was surprised that she had tidied up the entire kitchen. What a great gal!!
The three younger girls played dress up and put on plays all afternoon. They always had a good princess, a good fairy, and of course you have to have someone evil...and that was a witch! The put lots of thought into their plays and I caught several pictures.
Alyona worked on some cross stitch, after I dug out a box of stuff I haven't touched in years. She sorted through excitedly as I offered that she take some adia cloth, pick a patter, and find some colors to go with it.
After a bit of stitching, Alyona decided that she wanted to make a Father's Day dessert. She pulled out my cookbooks, and chose a few recipes, of course I did not have all the ingredients, so we finally found one that looked great and after a quick check of ingredients, we were giving each other high fives. A quick overview of the recipe however, turned our high fives into frowns, as the recipe had to sit overnight...bummer. SO, we became creative, and made up our own recipe...it was yummy too. We took cream cheese (how can you go wrong there??), a cup of sugar (this was to double a recipe)a container of whipped topping, a can of cherry pie filling, and whipped that all together. We then baked two pie shells, and put this filling almost all the way to the top of the shells, then used another can of cherry pie filling for the topping. Alyona then decorated them with whipped topping, and they looked great.
We then were joined by the rest of the O'Hara's, and all had supper together. We visited awhile, and the we put two candles in the pies, and sang Happy Birthday to Bill & Tracey, since neither of them had a cake on their birthdays. We then acknowledged the guys for Fathers Day, and everyone dug in. The pie was GREAT!
Everyone rounded up and headed either home or to bed....it was a fun day....Happy Father's Day!
Just a few tidbits:
Here's the new sticker I just got for the back of the Suburban....fitting how I like frogs!!
Here is Bill's new shirt....we thought it was so funny! If you can't see it, it says "I am the wretch the song refers to"!!!!Saturday, June 14, 2008
Springfield K-9 Competition
Our friend Tony works for Springfield Police Department and is a K-9 Officer. He just started working with a new dog 6 months ago after Perry, his previous partner of many years retired. Creck is a beautiful black German Shepherd. He is 4 years old an was born in Czechoslovakia.
While this was our first K9 Competition, I'm sure it will not be our last. It was a great eye opener. These dogs are incredible!! We enjoyed watching the Area Search, where they put a bad guy in a container, and then the dogs have four to choose from. The dog sniffs them out, and the officer has to tap the box, to acknowledge that his dog has found the bad guy. The dog & officer team who gets the bad guy in the shortest amount of time, wins that portion of the competition.
The next part was my favorite....the agility course. There were a series of gates, ramps, windows a culvert tube, and box that both officer & dog had to go through. The box that both had to go through, was almost playtime for the dogs..they thought that was great!!
There was also fastest dog competition and handler protection, where the dog was in the car, and the officer would approach a suspect, and if the suspect tried to hurt the officer, the officer could "pop" the door, and the dog would come to his rescue.
It was an incredible afternoon, and we enjoyed it tremendously. We also enjoyed getting to officially meet Creck. We were sad that we never got to see Perry compete...as he retired this past January. I will say this...these dogs don't get the credit they deserve. There is no way a person can outrun a dog. They are loyal, fearless, and love what they do.
I put photos of all 11 dogs in the competition. I tried to get the names straight, but I was confused on two of the four Springfield dogs....maybe someone can help me out??!! I will correct them when I can chat with Tony or another officer that might be able to help me out!
While this was our first K9 Competition, I'm sure it will not be our last. It was a great eye opener. These dogs are incredible!! We enjoyed watching the Area Search, where they put a bad guy in a container, and then the dogs have four to choose from. The dog sniffs them out, and the officer has to tap the box, to acknowledge that his dog has found the bad guy. The dog & officer team who gets the bad guy in the shortest amount of time, wins that portion of the competition.
The next part was my favorite....the agility course. There were a series of gates, ramps, windows a culvert tube, and box that both officer & dog had to go through. The box that both had to go through, was almost playtime for the dogs..they thought that was great!!
There was also fastest dog competition and handler protection, where the dog was in the car, and the officer would approach a suspect, and if the suspect tried to hurt the officer, the officer could "pop" the door, and the dog would come to his rescue.
It was an incredible afternoon, and we enjoyed it tremendously. We also enjoyed getting to officially meet Creck. We were sad that we never got to see Perry compete...as he retired this past January. I will say this...these dogs don't get the credit they deserve. There is no way a person can outrun a dog. They are loyal, fearless, and love what they do.
I put photos of all 11 dogs in the competition. I tried to get the names straight, but I was confused on two of the four Springfield dogs....maybe someone can help me out??!! I will correct them when I can chat with Tony or another officer that might be able to help me out!
Friday, June 13, 2008
Last Day of School Celebration
Friday was the last day of school for the O'Hara three that attend public school. Declan finished his home school program through Connections Academy this week as well. We here at the Richards' household, also considered this week our ending of regular school. Test results were returned to us, and we found that both kids are at, or above their grade levels they completed this year(both exceptionally high in reading and comprehension!!), so we will slow for the summer, and just do some grammar, reading & keep a slow pace on math. SO...it was a day to celebrate.
Ryan & I put the new seat in the back of the Suburban....(Bill put my new mirror on a few nights ago after my hawk incident) and we were ready to seat 9 people!! It would be like a dry run for our Canada trip coming up in about 3 weeks
We picked up Tracey, Declan & Kim at 11:15, headed to the JR high to get Alyona, then headed to the Elementary school to pick up Tanya & Alexis . Once we were all in the car, we headed off to AC Gilbert House in Salem. It's a great Children's Science Center, with an awesome outdoor play structure. We arrived around 1:00, and the kids piled out of the car, and our first destination was the play structure. It is huge, with many slides, lots of bridges, a maze, and so many fun things it's hard to explain without seeing it. It's every kids dream of a play structure.
After about 45 minutes, the kids wanted to head into the building to do the exhibits. The bubble room is always a hit. You can tell by the pictures that it is great fun. We went through the "digestion" exhibit. You can enter the mouth, go over the tongue, hit the epiglottis, and head into the stomach.....lots of fun for the kids. They also had healthy & smoker lungs that the kids could inflate, and a fun guy that made almost every noise the human body makes. Ryan was disappointed that it did not pass gas!!
After the downstairs exhibits, we headed upstairs to the play room. The kids (all but Declan & Ryan) put on a play for us. Very fun and imaginative. We then headed to the "recycle" crafting room where the girls put together fun things from "junk". Alexis made a butterfly out of an old clothespin, some pieces of paper, some string and a straw. Alyona made a pump bottle out of a bunch of containers and a series of holes, and an old pump. Kristin made a neat container, Kim a kleenex box bottle holder, and Tanya a caterpillar out of an old egg carton. It was fun.
We also explored the undersea room, and a story room, before heading back out to the play structure to play for awhile before heading home.
Around 4:15, we decided it was time to load up, but not before taking some pictures in the big rocking chair and exploring a building I had never seen before, a gift shop with a Panda exhibit, as well as a water power exhibit. It was fun, and we were on the road to home by almost 5:00.
It was a beautiful sunny day...filled with lots of giggles, running, fun, and learning. Next week we will hit OMSI again before our Science passes expire at the end of this month.
As for the dry run...Tracey & I are pleading with Sean & Bill to install plexiglass between the drivers area and the back of the bus!! HAHA....just kidding. We will be sure to post a "NO ASKING 'HOW LONG' SIGN"!!
Enjoy the pictures!
Monday, June 9, 2008
Southbeach Camping Weekend June 6-June 8, 2008
FRIDAY
Tracey & I loaded up & hooked up our trailers, and took off towards Corvallis in the POURING rain to pick up Bill & Sean and head to the coast. The forecast for the weekend was wet, wet, wet! We decided to pack every pair of mud boots, rain coat and tarp that we owned, and make the best of it.
As we neared the coast, the rain dropped to a drizzle, and allowed us some time to set up camp, and then set up our fire tarps, so we could all gather under the tarps to enjoy a fire. We had two canopies, and a one big dining fly between the two...we're getting pretty good at this tarp stuff!!
We built a fire, and about that time, Jen & Brady showed up at camp. We played with the kids while they set up camp, and we enjoyed a nice fire and some great play time despite the drizzly showers every now & then. Brady & Sean played with the kids in the field behind our site....and Alyona learned how to swing a baseball bat. With Sean & Brady's help, Ryan learned that he could hit the ball more consistently with his right arm than with his left. He is right eye dominant, even though his is left handed. He hit the ball almost every time after he switched sides. He needs to work on the power, but the hitting is certainly there. He also shoots right handed due to the same fact. After the baseball fun, Declan & Jason were playing with a rope, and it turned into tug of war.....needless to say, Jason against Declan was a bit unfair, so Kim joined in to help Jason. Pretty soon, Kristin & Alexis joined in...Alexis quickly changing sides from the girls to the boys to help her brother. Ryan soon joined in, and then I decided it was time to help against Ryan. We were doing great, until Ryan let GO of the rope. Oh well, it was still lots of fun!
We enjoyed a fire after the kids went to bed, despite the quick shower Sean received when the tarp filled with water, and dumped down the back of Sean while he was sitting in the lawn chair. I'm not sure I've seen him move that fast before!! Everyone headed to bed around 11, and we still had fun despite the rain!
SATURDAY--
We woke to a break in the clouds, and a few small showers. That quickly dried off, and proved to be a beautiful day! The kids played more ball, and we went to the visitor center at the front of the park for a free lunch, as Oregon State parks were having a 'free night' celebration on Saturday. We enjoyed some great hot dogs, chips, and pop. After lunch, we had a nap, and then a walk to the beach. The kids had so much fun playing in the water....and Sean announced to them "Mom said to stay dry, but Shawnna said go ahead and get wet"....so get wet they did!! Who can go to the beach or a river and not get wet??!!!
We headed back to camp, and had great Hobo dinners for supper. Sean, Tracey, Declan & Alexis went to the night program on fossils, and the rest of us stayed at camp and hung around the fire. We skipped cobbler since we had dinner so late...and opted for a few marshmallows. The kids and some of the adults went to bed...Sean, Bill & I sat around the fire until 1am, and then we headed off to our warm trailers. No clouds to keep the heat in!
SUNDAY--
Happy Birthday Bill!! The kids gave Bill his gifts shortly after we got a fire going. He had a nice birthday, with some fun cards from Tanya & Alyona.
The sun was shining beautifully, and we headed off to the Tide Pool Talk at Seal Rock wayside park. It was a great beach with tons of tide pools. We learned lots, saw lots, and had fun exploring on our own, as well as with the ranger. We spent well over an hour there and as the wind picked up, we headed back to camp for lunch.
We were supposed to pack up and go home, but it was SO nice, and SO hard to pack, that we decided to hang out with Jen & Brady one more day. Since Bill's truck was already at HP, we figured we'd get up early enough to get him to work by 8am, and the head home to unpack & get things done while Bill was at work. SO, we decided to stay. Sean & Tracey headed home about 1:30, leaving Declan & Kim to spend the last night with us, as everyone else had a night over in our trailer. They had so much fun. We had a nice nap, while Jen & Brady took the kids to the park. Afterward, we cleaned up camp a bit, had a nice fire and pizza pies for supper. Afterward, we made ice cream in the ice cream balls, and hot apple pies over the fire. It was lots of fun as the boys "bowled", as well as played soccer with the ice cream balls!!
At 10 we headed back to camp, to get ready for bed, and knowing we would have an early morning.
We woke a bit before 6, woke our kids (the O'Hara kids were almost impossible to wake!), tore down camp, and headed to Corvallis. We were almost out of town after dropping Bill off when he called and we realized we had his keys. That was close!
We headed home, tried to back the trailer in (it just wasn't my day)--so hopefully Bill will finish up when he gets home.
Overall, a great weekend, good company, and great fun!
Tracey & I loaded up & hooked up our trailers, and took off towards Corvallis in the POURING rain to pick up Bill & Sean and head to the coast. The forecast for the weekend was wet, wet, wet! We decided to pack every pair of mud boots, rain coat and tarp that we owned, and make the best of it.
As we neared the coast, the rain dropped to a drizzle, and allowed us some time to set up camp, and then set up our fire tarps, so we could all gather under the tarps to enjoy a fire. We had two canopies, and a one big dining fly between the two...we're getting pretty good at this tarp stuff!!
We built a fire, and about that time, Jen & Brady showed up at camp. We played with the kids while they set up camp, and we enjoyed a nice fire and some great play time despite the drizzly showers every now & then. Brady & Sean played with the kids in the field behind our site....and Alyona learned how to swing a baseball bat. With Sean & Brady's help, Ryan learned that he could hit the ball more consistently with his right arm than with his left. He is right eye dominant, even though his is left handed. He hit the ball almost every time after he switched sides. He needs to work on the power, but the hitting is certainly there. He also shoots right handed due to the same fact. After the baseball fun, Declan & Jason were playing with a rope, and it turned into tug of war.....needless to say, Jason against Declan was a bit unfair, so Kim joined in to help Jason. Pretty soon, Kristin & Alexis joined in...Alexis quickly changing sides from the girls to the boys to help her brother. Ryan soon joined in, and then I decided it was time to help against Ryan. We were doing great, until Ryan let GO of the rope. Oh well, it was still lots of fun!
We enjoyed a fire after the kids went to bed, despite the quick shower Sean received when the tarp filled with water, and dumped down the back of Sean while he was sitting in the lawn chair. I'm not sure I've seen him move that fast before!! Everyone headed to bed around 11, and we still had fun despite the rain!
SATURDAY--
We woke to a break in the clouds, and a few small showers. That quickly dried off, and proved to be a beautiful day! The kids played more ball, and we went to the visitor center at the front of the park for a free lunch, as Oregon State parks were having a 'free night' celebration on Saturday. We enjoyed some great hot dogs, chips, and pop. After lunch, we had a nap, and then a walk to the beach. The kids had so much fun playing in the water....and Sean announced to them "Mom said to stay dry, but Shawnna said go ahead and get wet"....so get wet they did!! Who can go to the beach or a river and not get wet??!!!
We headed back to camp, and had great Hobo dinners for supper. Sean, Tracey, Declan & Alexis went to the night program on fossils, and the rest of us stayed at camp and hung around the fire. We skipped cobbler since we had dinner so late...and opted for a few marshmallows. The kids and some of the adults went to bed...Sean, Bill & I sat around the fire until 1am, and then we headed off to our warm trailers. No clouds to keep the heat in!
SUNDAY--
Happy Birthday Bill!! The kids gave Bill his gifts shortly after we got a fire going. He had a nice birthday, with some fun cards from Tanya & Alyona.
The sun was shining beautifully, and we headed off to the Tide Pool Talk at Seal Rock wayside park. It was a great beach with tons of tide pools. We learned lots, saw lots, and had fun exploring on our own, as well as with the ranger. We spent well over an hour there and as the wind picked up, we headed back to camp for lunch.
We were supposed to pack up and go home, but it was SO nice, and SO hard to pack, that we decided to hang out with Jen & Brady one more day. Since Bill's truck was already at HP, we figured we'd get up early enough to get him to work by 8am, and the head home to unpack & get things done while Bill was at work. SO, we decided to stay. Sean & Tracey headed home about 1:30, leaving Declan & Kim to spend the last night with us, as everyone else had a night over in our trailer. They had so much fun. We had a nice nap, while Jen & Brady took the kids to the park. Afterward, we cleaned up camp a bit, had a nice fire and pizza pies for supper. Afterward, we made ice cream in the ice cream balls, and hot apple pies over the fire. It was lots of fun as the boys "bowled", as well as played soccer with the ice cream balls!!
At 10 we headed back to camp, to get ready for bed, and knowing we would have an early morning.
We woke a bit before 6, woke our kids (the O'Hara kids were almost impossible to wake!), tore down camp, and headed to Corvallis. We were almost out of town after dropping Bill off when he called and we realized we had his keys. That was close!
We headed home, tried to back the trailer in (it just wasn't my day)--so hopefully Bill will finish up when he gets home.
Overall, a great weekend, good company, and great fun!
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Close Call and a Thankful Heart
Today was to be an unusually long day for me. My day's goal was to head to Salem to meet Brady to pick up the kids, head to Lazy-Boy in Salem to pick up our recliner piece for our couch, then head home to drop off the kids and recliner and then head to work to work, as well as join the girls for a sending off party after work for Wendy, who's last day was today. Needless to say, God had other plans!
I woke with a heavy heart about 4:00AM. It was just beginning to get light, and for some reason, I had a nagging feeling about today, maybe it was just the length of the day, and the driving involved. Regardless, I sent up a prayer, and knew I had another 90 minutes of sleep, and rolled over. When the alarm went off, the nagging was still there--so again, I talked to the main man, and went about getting ready for the day.
I left at 7am, and headed up I-5--traffic was traveling well, and when the lanes opened from 3 to 2, I took the outer left lane to pass a large semi. Now, for those of you that know me, know that between a cement wall and a semi truck is not my favorite place to be, but the road was dry, traffic was moving well, and off I went, traveling somewhere between 72 and 75 mph. Just as I was passing the cab of the truck next to me, my eye caught a HUGE red tailed hawk coming up from the other side of the road, and as he cleared the cement median strip I had enough time to think "There is no way he's going to clear me, and I'm going to hit him", before I shielded the side of my face, and he hit the truck. I was sure the force that I hit him with, and the way he was flying, that he would end up in my lap. He did hit the driver side window, but not before hitting the side mirror.....which was a blessing, as it took the impact, glass shattered everywhere as well as the mirror casement breaking off the side of the truck. They are supposed to be "breakaway mirrors" , but this was a bit excessive!! He did hit the window, and then was thrown off the side of the truck. My main focus at that time was "Stay in your lane, regardless of what happens" and only after I finished passing the truck did I realize that he did not come in the window as I thought, but man, was it loud! I can't even imagine the sound of being inside a car when there is a big accident. Not something I ever want to hear! I did attempt to get over three lanes to pull over, which at almost 8am just outside of Salem was an impossible task....so I cried in the fast lane, all the way to my exit! There was no where to pull off to check the damage to the truck, or to check on the bird. I'm pretty confident with as hard as he hit, that he was instantly killed. Thankfully, I was only one exit from my destination, where Brady rescued me with a pair of wire cutters, and a large knife to cut away what was left of the mirror casement, which was only hanging on by wires. There are a few "claw mark scratches " on the side of the truck, where he made his last attempt to grab or push, but other than the mirror, and a very shaken Mom, I am praising God for my safety, as the things that "could" have happened became very vivid, very quickly. The glass washed away from the side of the truck (I'm not sure if you've seen a automotive mirror shatter, but it's in one million little sticky flecks) as it rained, as well as the last "dropping" from the bird....and by the time I got home, my only evidence of my event were some scratches, a broken mirror, and a very upset stomach. Needless to say, I called work, and told them I was heading home, as I'd had enough excitement for one day!
The Mirrorless Truck!
The few scratches from talons
The only damage from the mirror to the door
Close up of talon scratch
The poor Mirror
On the humorous side of things--we found a mouse in the trailer yesterday (or should I say evidence--the stinker ate my chocolate kisses!!). I set a trap last night, and this morning, he was a victim of the peanut butter mouse trap! This led to a full cleaning of the cupboards, rewashing dishes, and washing linens. I found it hilarious when I found his stash--in the coffee pot!!
Every mouse needs a bunch of chocolate, two pistachios and a piece of cracker!
I'm not sure how he got back out of there after depositing his goodies, but he made more than one trip, and I'm still baffled how he broke the Hershey bar for transportation??!!
I woke with a heavy heart about 4:00AM. It was just beginning to get light, and for some reason, I had a nagging feeling about today, maybe it was just the length of the day, and the driving involved. Regardless, I sent up a prayer, and knew I had another 90 minutes of sleep, and rolled over. When the alarm went off, the nagging was still there--so again, I talked to the main man, and went about getting ready for the day.
I left at 7am, and headed up I-5--traffic was traveling well, and when the lanes opened from 3 to 2, I took the outer left lane to pass a large semi. Now, for those of you that know me, know that between a cement wall and a semi truck is not my favorite place to be, but the road was dry, traffic was moving well, and off I went, traveling somewhere between 72 and 75 mph. Just as I was passing the cab of the truck next to me, my eye caught a HUGE red tailed hawk coming up from the other side of the road, and as he cleared the cement median strip I had enough time to think "There is no way he's going to clear me, and I'm going to hit him", before I shielded the side of my face, and he hit the truck. I was sure the force that I hit him with, and the way he was flying, that he would end up in my lap. He did hit the driver side window, but not before hitting the side mirror.....which was a blessing, as it took the impact, glass shattered everywhere as well as the mirror casement breaking off the side of the truck. They are supposed to be "breakaway mirrors" , but this was a bit excessive!! He did hit the window, and then was thrown off the side of the truck. My main focus at that time was "Stay in your lane, regardless of what happens" and only after I finished passing the truck did I realize that he did not come in the window as I thought, but man, was it loud! I can't even imagine the sound of being inside a car when there is a big accident. Not something I ever want to hear! I did attempt to get over three lanes to pull over, which at almost 8am just outside of Salem was an impossible task....so I cried in the fast lane, all the way to my exit! There was no where to pull off to check the damage to the truck, or to check on the bird. I'm pretty confident with as hard as he hit, that he was instantly killed. Thankfully, I was only one exit from my destination, where Brady rescued me with a pair of wire cutters, and a large knife to cut away what was left of the mirror casement, which was only hanging on by wires. There are a few "claw mark scratches " on the side of the truck, where he made his last attempt to grab or push, but other than the mirror, and a very shaken Mom, I am praising God for my safety, as the things that "could" have happened became very vivid, very quickly. The glass washed away from the side of the truck (I'm not sure if you've seen a automotive mirror shatter, but it's in one million little sticky flecks) as it rained, as well as the last "dropping" from the bird....and by the time I got home, my only evidence of my event were some scratches, a broken mirror, and a very upset stomach. Needless to say, I called work, and told them I was heading home, as I'd had enough excitement for one day!
The Mirrorless Truck!
The few scratches from talons
The only damage from the mirror to the door
Close up of talon scratch
The poor Mirror
On the humorous side of things--we found a mouse in the trailer yesterday (or should I say evidence--the stinker ate my chocolate kisses!!). I set a trap last night, and this morning, he was a victim of the peanut butter mouse trap! This led to a full cleaning of the cupboards, rewashing dishes, and washing linens. I found it hilarious when I found his stash--in the coffee pot!!
Every mouse needs a bunch of chocolate, two pistachios and a piece of cracker!
I'm not sure how he got back out of there after depositing his goodies, but he made more than one trip, and I'm still baffled how he broke the Hershey bar for transportation??!!
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
My Aunt is a Cover Girl
My Aunt Cecelia is an OB nurse at Salem Hospital in Salem Ohio. She has been there since I was little(so you know how long that is!!) She is a great nurse, has made many accomplishments during her time in Nursing, including becoming a Doula, as well as teaching birthing classes. I am very proud of her for making the cover of this magazine, as well as for being a great aunt!! Love you Cec!
Monday, June 2, 2008
Monday
Today started off SO quiet! The only noise after Bill went to work was the dogs snoring on the floor! I managed to get my work for Joe done, and then get some yard work finished before taking off to Corvallis to meet Bill. After a DR appointment and dinner out (without kids!!) we headed to Alyona's concert. She did an incredible job on her solo, and she had many positive comments afterward. I think we were as proud of her as her parents were!
The kids had a fun day with Jen & kids...and were treated with a trip to the zoo. Check out their zoo blog! There are some great pictures of the new dinosaur exhibit. Kristin said one of the dinosaurs spit on her, but it was only "electronic spit" so it was OK!!
Here are some fun pictures I found on Kristin's camera that she let me borrow (mine is out for repair!).
The kids had a fun day with Jen & kids...and were treated with a trip to the zoo. Check out their zoo blog! There are some great pictures of the new dinosaur exhibit. Kristin said one of the dinosaurs spit on her, but it was only "electronic spit" so it was OK!!
Here are some fun pictures I found on Kristin's camera that she let me borrow (mine is out for repair!).
Sunday, June 1, 2008
A Day In Canby
Right after church, we headed to Canby. Ryan & Kristin could hardly wait, since they are spending a few days with Jen, Brad, Jason & Brooklyn.
It was a cloudy day, although not much rain, so the kids got a chance to play outside, while Jen & I hit the grocery store, then Bill & Brady did some checking of the shed...as that is an upcoming project and it will move across the yard. No small task, as this is no small shed!
We spent the rest of the afternoon visiting, enjoying supper together, and then Jason started asking how soon Bill & I were leaving. His goal was #1, to make sure that I wasn't taking Kristin & Ryan home, and #2, to get in the hot tub! The kids piled in the hot tub, and we headed for home.
It's going to be so quiet this week!
It was a cloudy day, although not much rain, so the kids got a chance to play outside, while Jen & I hit the grocery store, then Bill & Brady did some checking of the shed...as that is an upcoming project and it will move across the yard. No small task, as this is no small shed!
We spent the rest of the afternoon visiting, enjoying supper together, and then Jason started asking how soon Bill & I were leaving. His goal was #1, to make sure that I wasn't taking Kristin & Ryan home, and #2, to get in the hot tub! The kids piled in the hot tub, and we headed for home.
It's going to be so quiet this week!
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