Multnomah Falls

While Eric was out working, Lily and I decided to take a day trip to Multnomah Falls. It was a gorgeous day for a hike and it feels so good to be back in the northwest!

Lily hiked up over the half-mile marker (toward the very top) before seeing a kid with a snow cone and deciding she wanted to turn back down and get one too! She is a natural in the outdoors!

Work trip

Eric has to travel for work at least one night a week. Normally Lily and I go back to Washington if he'll be gone for more than two days but this time we decided to join him for a two day trip to the Dalles. Our plans for the new few days: hang out at the pool, look for a museum to visit, enjoy being somewhere new...even if it the Dalles.

All hands on deck

We're starting the process of building the deck! Check out the cute contractors I hired for the job!

 

Sew what?!

Tired of the same old scenery in your family room? Looking for immediate room-brightening gratification?

Then I suggest you head on over to Joann's Fabrics (with one of their 40% off coupons) and find a print that is cheerful and fun! For less than $20 and in less than an hour, you can do a mini-makeover for your home!

Now, if you're like me and you spent all your school electives on Orchestra you probably didn't get to take Home Economics...In that case, I suggest calling your grandma or watching Youtube tutorials for a little guidance!

Before

After

Our yard transformation

This is what we've been up to all week

Old friends and new friends!

Is this some kinda ad for sugary cereal or toy trucks?

Nope. Just our cuties, Lily & Ben, being their adorable selves!!

My college roommate and her family were passing through Bend briefly and they stopped in for lunch. It was so much fun to catch up with Jessica & Chris, and to meet their lovely sons, Ben and baby Ryan. 

I have to say, I so clearly remember move-in day at the dorms my freshman year and meeting Jessica for the first time...knowing we were kids ourselves, but trying to navigate adulthood, being away from our families for hte first time... It's a little crazy to think that today our kids met each other!!

Breakfast of champions!

We're busy working on our yard transformation and that means we need to start the day with a good breakfast.

When Lily woke up this morning, I asked her what she wanted to eat. She responded with, "Pancakes, eggies, and juice."

Some kids request cereal, but not my daughter--she wants a hot meal!

Play time at the park!

Grandma Minnie is in town for a visit so we took Lily to the neighborhood playground

Can this get any more exciting?! I love her expression here!

Love at first sight!

We finally got to meet Prince Aiden Christopher Gomez and he is quite the little charmer!

Lily fell in love at first sight and even said he was her brother!

I think this picture says it all...she's obviously smitten!

Grayce's 3rd birthday--pool party!!

This weekend we drove to Connell to celebrate Miss Graycie's 3rd birthday and she was an adorable little hostess! She was very patient with Lily even when Lily thought it was her party!

Lily and Eric splashing around

The birthday girl!

Grayce, Sis, & Xavier

Lily trying to break the pinata

Xavier couldn't wait for a piece of cake to be cut, he wanted just a teeny tiny little taste right then! 

The girls

"Pool time, it's going to be sooo great!"

"I don't know, the water looks kinda cold. You go first!"

 

"We'll get in at the same time."

"Woo hoo, it's not too cold after all!"

Later that day

While the guys were out fishing we took the kids to Discovery Park.

Any time Lily gets to play with her cousins is a great time!

Do you see that tiny person at the very top of the rocks?

That's our nephew, Caleb.

He's pretty much fearless!

Reunited and it feels so good!!

Lily and her pal, Moses.

This is Auntie Kristen's cat, but Lily has been obsessed with him since he was a kitten!

He should model for Friskies, right?!

Neighborly moment

This evening we had our first neighborly moment here in Bend. Our neighbor sent their young daughter over asking to borrow a handheld mixer. We don't have one so Eric walked over our KitchenAid mixer. Later, I thought to myself..."I wonder what they're saying about us right now?"

Do we seem overeager to make friends?  :)

Such a big girl

This morning while I showered Lily was busy getting herself dressed for the day--Same dress she wore yesterday, pink high heels and back pack, a purple barette, all accessorized with a halloween tea light holder that I have yet to put in my holiday box after unpacking.

She was extremely proud of herself, as was I.

Fireworks!

Marissa left earlier in the day so our little family headed toward Pilot Butte to watch the fireworks show in the evening. On our way there, we passed a grocery store parking lot filled with people lighting off their own fireworks. We decided to park there since it also had a great view of the Butte. In this picture, Lily was obviously concerned about all the lights and noise around us, but once the real fireworks started she had a fun time and was oooing and ahhing with the crowd.

To be completely honest, it was a terrible display...the fireworks show after the Royals games at Kauffman are a hundred times better, but we still had a fun time.

And after all, the day isn't about fireworks, but about freedom.

Fourth of July celebration

This weekend Bend hosted a Fourth of July celebration in Drake Park. There were several small vendors, food booths, and concerts planned. Lily enjoyed climbing around in the fire truck and also a helicopter that landed nearby. 

We finally got the keys to the house!

After two months of living out at Eagle Crest we finally closed on our house today and got the keys this afternoon. These photos were borrowed from the Trulia website, we'll post more as soon as we get settled in. Our stuff arrives July 5th, and we are very excited to move in!

*UPDATE: We've been told the house looks better in person, than in these pictures. That's a relief.*