2011 Trip to Oregon

Chris, Carter, Chase and I at Camp 18 by the coast. We didn't get any photos of us at the beach. The kids HATED the beach. Carter wouldn't even stand on the sand. He was very upset we were there. But the streams and river... he loved, he would toss rocks in and of course Chase would copy. It was pretty nice while we visited. It was about 90F.

Me and my Buba Chase eatting breakfast.

Carter saying "Cheese", "Do you see it?" Camp 18 has little games to play while you wait.

The kids were very unimpressed with the carrisol. Carter flat out didn't like it. Chase was just neutral. In Carter's defense he did have fun at the coast, and Oregon, even though in many of the photos he isn't happy. I promise he was happy till the camera turned on.This is a photo of Dawn, Sam and Chris.

This is a long awaited reuinion! (I am sure they are saying, "tell me about it.")

Chris was adopted at birth. These are his birth parents. Both live in Oregon, near Beaverton. They waited almost 28 years to meet Chris. What a great story each one has to tell. It's too long for now, but we are so greatful for the way God works all things out for Good! What a blessing to be able to tell each one Thank You!!!!

Carter at a park in Oregon. (It's not raining, it's a fountain. But it really does rain a LOT in Oregon.)

And of course if Carter can do it, so can Chase!!!!!

Sam, Dawn, Chris, Linda and Mike.

We were so glad to get to see our great friends Andrew, Courtney and their 3 kiddos. We all went swimming, which our kids liked the hot tub the most. (Since they aren't used to cold weather.) Carter also learned he liked the jumping board. It was so cute seeing him jump in! Once again, he had a great time playing with his friends, but didn't want to sit for a photo.

We took a trip from the Portland area out to central Oregon. We stopped at Detroit Lake. One of my favorite spots in the world! My grandparents own a cabin up there, and I grew up going there every summer with them to ski. What a great place. I was so glad to take my family there and eat at Cedars. Carter was so excited to see the bear, but once again, the camera came out and didn't want his picture taken. The boys did really really well in the car. They enjoyed looking at the trees.

Once in central Oregon, we stayed in Tollgate, near Sisters. We had a great big family reunion with my side of the fam! It was time we finally all got together, and were so blessed that we had the privillage of getting together to celebreate my grandparents 60th wedding anniversary. (I know I am bad at spell check, or rereading, but that was NOT a typo!) 60 years! What a great example they have set for their whole family. Love, commitment, family, trust and friendship. I hope to one day to tell my husband Happy 60th wedding anniversary!

We each stayed in houses around the community. Our house was sooo nice. All the homes were super nice! We had a huge yard with a hot tub, which the boys loved. We had many activities each day. I was sooooooooooo glad to get to see my family. I miss being close. I actually haven't seen my cousin Carmen in 5 years! We really can NOT do that again. I just loved getting to spend time with each and every one.

The ladies had a nice tea one afternoon, walks, dinners together with toasts and speeches, a jewelry party and the highlight of my whole trip: a surpirse Baby Shower for me and my cousin Lissa.

I was in such shock it didn't really set in till later just how special that was for me. I have 2 other kids, both of which I never had any one from my family at a shower. It was so special for me to have my mom, aunts, grandma and great aunts there!!!!! It was overwhelmed with love. Thank you thank you thank you!

Chris and I in Sisters, trying to get a photo of the Mt's behind our big heads!Deer came right up to our house in Tollgate. Lucy, my parents dog, was really not ammused!My cousin Lissa with her daughter Charolet.

And yet again, trying to get a picture of Carter and Chase with their cousin. Carter was not happy about that either.

Believe it or not, this is the best photo of all of them on the couch together! They at least all made it in the same frame.

My bos with Uncle Leo. Go Leo. They loved taking pictures with him!

my grandpa Stuewe with Chase

My grandparents with their greatgrand babies.

Central Oregon Driving back to PortlandPortland, just like I remember it. The Freemont Bridge....and RAIN!

We Love all our family and friends and look forward to coming next year to show off Caleb too!