Oregon Trip Part 4-The California Redwoods

We came home via California and Nevada. Of course, we had to stop at the Redwood forest. Posing with Paul Bunyan.

The trees dwarf adults--let alone children.

Bright yellow slugs the size of the kids' feet were everywhere!

The perfect place to sleep under the stars.

It's really unfortunate that pictures just don't capture the magnitude of these trees.

James climbs a fallen tree.

Moss grew so thick and heavy, the weight on the branches was noticeable.

The tall trees creaked in the wind. The kids stop in fright to discuss the proximity of the "evil troll's castle."

The secluded river we found after wandering few hundred feet from the trail.

"When my mother calls me, quickly I'll obey..." (Note: this is not the typical response after being told it's time to go.)

Sure wish these grew in Colorado.

Oregon Trip Part 3-Tillamook and Seaside

The next few days were spent touring the famous Tillamook cheese factory (excellent ice cream, by the way) and trying to keep warm at the cold, northern beaches. The kids enjoyed being burried in sand while the adults played ultimate frisbee. The last day in Oregon we had lunch with one of James' dear friends from high school. There aren't many pictures because we didn't want our camera getting lost, stolen, or ruined in the sand. Lunch with Julie.

James captures a funny moment between Allie and Lance.

What's the only thing more disgusting than snot? Sand and snot.

Serioulsy, though, her smile melts your heart (particularly daddy's).

Oregon Trip Part 2-Dinner at the Lake Park

After hiking the falls, we went to a very cool park that I wish was closer to where we live. I can imagine all the ward activities I'd plan there. The only fee was a $5/car parking fee. While the kids played in the sand, James and I took a ride in the paddle boats. Kristen and Alex (James' sister and husband) joined us in a race. We smoked 'em!

You can never underestimate Grace. She looks innocent enough...

Oregon Trip Part 1-Multnomah Falls

My favorite part about Oregon: Ferns grow like weeds. We enjoyed them on our hike up Multnomah falls. There were so many trees for climbing and sticks for swords that Ben just couldn't contain his excitement.
View from the top of the falls.

Perfect cousin hide-out.

Grace was very happy to have a "date" with daddy.

Looking up at the grandeur of the falls. Grandpa Steve was gracious enough to carry Tessa much of the way up. (Grandpa is Tessa's buddy.)

Allie's Project

I finally decided to do something about the ideas I've been holding onto for a couple years now. I am rather pleased with the final product, but I must admit not all the ideas were originally mine. I antiqued the frames and actually got out the sewing kit (note: that was not the sewing machine). If James hadn't taken the fast computer on his business trip, I'd include more photos to see if you can guess which silhouette belongs to which kid.

Cub Scout Day Camp

I've done myself a disservice. I organized the perfect day camp. I'm sure my fate in scouting is doomed. Now, they'll never release me. We did it for half the price and twice the fun we would have had if we had attended the district-sponsored program. No one missed work, or had to attend a single training. It was sheer genius...

When the boys arrived, they made t-shirts by popping Rit Dye-filled water balloons with darts.

Heating charcoal for s'mores.

Painting clay Indian figurines

Water Balloon Volleyball

Soda-bottle Rockets and Launchers

Laser Tag in the dark hallways

Wind Chimes

Water relays

Two-legged race

Popsicle breakThis kid was my favorite: "This is the best day of my life. It's better than I ever dreamed!"

Ultimate Frisbee and Sharks and Minnows in the cool, air-conditioned building.

Tessa's Baking Birthday Party

Tessa's party invitations welcomed attendees to her culinary school. When they arrived, the kids puffy-painted aprons then made pizza and decorated sugar cookies. The afternoon included hot potato and egg and spoon races. It was lots of fun. Thank you, Aunt Molly, for your help.