CAMPING

At the beginning of June we actually had a free weekend, so we packed everything up and headed up the mountains in central Utah and went camping. This is something both Nate and I enjoy and we haven't been able to do much of the last few years. I was suprised at how well the girls did. We were going to put them in their own beds, but it was so cold at night that we all had to sleep together just to stay warm. The girls had so much fun running around, picking flowers, hiking, and sleeping in the camper.

My parents came up on Saturday and just spent the day with us. We ate a yummy dutch oven dinner and made smores. That was definitely the girls favorite part.

Hopefully there will be many more camping weekends before the summer is over!

OUR GIRLS

June 2009. Ashlee 4 years old. Taylor 20 months. Big thanks to Becky for taking their pictures!!

PORTLAND

Last weekend we had the opportunity to travel to Portland to celebrate Nate's brother's (Ben) graduation from physical therapy school. We took the LONG drive to Portland with Nate's parents on Thursday. Friday we got to go to the beach. It was BEAUTIFUL but very COLD. When we left Ben and Jessica's house to go to the beach it was 80 degrees, but 45 minutes later when we got to the beach it was in the 40's. I was amazed at how cold the coast was. We had a picnic there and did a little shopping.

We then met with Jessica's family and Nate's other brother Josh and his family for dinner at this AMAZING restaurant. I can't remember what it was called and my pictures didn't turn out but it was great!! There was a man that would go around the restaurant playing an acordian. He was awesome. He probably played 10 or more songs for us and know everything from disney princess songs, to Pink Panther, to Phantom of the Opera. We were throwing out requests like crazy and he knew them all. Besides the entertainment, the food was amazing!

I know this isn't the best picture but I had to put it in to prove that Nate danced with me once!

Saturday was the graduation and while Nate's parents were at the graduation we went to Multnomah Falls. (There weren't enough tickets for the graduation . . . . dang!) It was beautiful! We hiked to the top and just enjoyed the beautiful scenery. Pictures just don't do it justice.

That night we had a BBQ with all Ben's relatives and friends. It was so fun to just relax and visit with them. We don't get to see Nate's brothers often so it was great to catch up.

Jessica, Ben, Genavieve

The next day we flew home. Let me tell you I completely perfer a 2 hour flight to a 18 hour car ride! I wish we could have had a few more days to sightsee. It is beautiful there. I guess we will just have to go back and see the rest sometime!