Self portrait

Lately Lily has shown a real interest in photography. These are a few self portraits she took in the mirror at the hotel. I love how she even knows to move the camera into different positions for a unique shot! She is a woman of many talents!

And these are a few of her earlier photos:

It's so funny to upload our pictures and see the one's she taken around the house!

BNSF Softball!

Eric had to work in Klamath Falls for two nights this week so we met him out here and got to see him play on the BNSF softball team that he's a part of. Lily loved cheering him on! We don't have anything planned for this trip except pool time!

Back yard progress continues!

The mulch was delivered today and we picked out a few flowers for color. No, we don't know anything about outdoor plants, and yes, I have killed off every indoor plant I've ever owned, but we're hoping to have better luck this time.

 We have guests visiting next weekend and we're joining Eric for another work trip this week so we have a lot to get done in a short amount of time!

**UPDATE: As soon as we got the red flowers planted we had a visit from a hummingbird, it was so cute!**

Columbia Gorge Discovery Center

Eric had another busy day of work so Lily and I stopped at the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center before driving home. It's a small, but well planned museum and I highly recommend a visit there to break up a long drive! They have a few interactive areas for kids and a great section about Lewis & Clark! They even have a cafe on site for lunch.

We had a great time exploring the Dalles and hope to travel with Eric more often.

A view on our drive back to Bend

I love the contrast of mountains and farm land!

Time with Eric

When Eric got back to the hotel we took a walk out to the water. Right behind the hotel there are old wooden...fishing structures(?) or something like that. It's so interesting to see them right next to the dam and think about how time changes a place.

Lily had a great time watching the current and looking for rocks!

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!"