The kids in our lives

There is something to be said about the amazing kids that have come into our lives over this past year. Whether it be through my nannying jobs or through the church we have met some adorable, and amazing little kiddos. While camping with some people from our Home Community this past weekend we realized just how much joy they bring to us. I got to snap some fun pictures of them and thought I'd throw in a couple from my nannying jobs as well so you can see just how lucky we are to have such great families around us here in Portland... enjoy!

This is Quinn... I started babysitting him when he was 4 months old. He is now 9 months old.

This is Braden. I started nannying him in May. He is 4 years old and obsessed with Spiderman. :)

This is Charlotte. I started watching her when she was 3 last september. It has been amazing to watch her grow and learn over this past year. 

This is Madeline and Veda, we met them through church.

Madeline playing at the Sandy River...

roasting marshmallows... little Iris in the background is Madeline's sister. 
And THIS is Juliet. Gorgeous isn't she? She is such a joy and is the youngest sister of madeline and Iris. 

And this is Maya. Another cutie from church. 

Can't wait to see what future nanny jobs hold in store. I love my job and these sweet kids! :) 

Portland Summers...

There's just nothing like 'em.... 

:)

People watching in the heart of the pearl district at Jameson Square...

The view from the Rose Garden downtown which I finally got to see for the first time last a couple weeks ago...

McMenamens: Edgefield when it was 107 degrees outside... the perfect escape...

From the yard we love around the corner...

And my favorite flower to garnish the neighborhoods this time of year...

My Trip Home

At the end of July my parents gave me a birthday present (a present that I asked for) which was a trip home for no reason other than to hang out and have some good quality time with Friends and Family. No rushing around a holiday or a wedding but just time to come home and hang out. With that said here are the few pictures I took while there. 

I could not wait to see Pepper (and bella) and hold her in my arms and kiss her on the head but for some reason every time I found her (and bella) she was a little aggravated.... I wonder... why.... hmmm...... This was me trying to take a picture of Pepper but some how Bella managed to squeeze her way in... 

;)

My Trip home happened to line up perfectly with Rachel's Bridal shower... This is my mother-in-law, sister-in-law and me after the shower... 

Annie, looking sort of awkward as usual... Cute one of my cousin Chris though... 

My first night in town My family and Wes' parents met up for some amazing mexican food (and perfect Margaritas) at Tres Hermanas in downtown Sacramento. You can certainly tell us three all come from the same parents huh? :) 

I had a great time, thanks again Mom and Dad!

Panther Creek

I officially dedicate this blog To my father-in-law who was so anxious to see these pictures that he called me a "sloth." So Gregster, This is for you.... I hope you like them! :) 

For any of you who didn't know, Wes and I decided to take a spur-of-the moment camping trip last wednesday (we did make reservations 4 days in advance) but it was just a one night trip because we both had wednesday off of work and Wes had to go to work on thursday by 2. So, on tuesday while Wes was working I cleaned house, unloaded our storage closet, went to the grocery store and made sure we were set to go camping. Being that this was our first time camping just-us, we were some what pleased with our choice to go for just one day. It was a great way to learn the things that aren't on your list of "to-brings" with out going a whole 4 days with out the items. Anyway, we were SO pleased with the campsite we chose. The whole time we kept wishing we could share the experience with others... the pictures don't do it justice but have a little look-see and check out Panther Creek.

Our campsite...

The Creek...

The Bridge...

6 games of chess later and who is the champion??? Me. Well.... actually..... ok... we tied.... I won 3 games and Wes one 3 games. ;)

Studying up...

Starting a fire...
Teriyaki "chicken" burgers... very yummy!

Morning fires... my favorite...

Now that's a log...

Colorado Reunion

Hi everybody...

Breaking news**** It's 107 degrees in Portland today! Talk about record breaking temperatures this year. We get the coldest in 50 years and the hottest in something like 14 years... makes for pretty exciting news.... and a hot hot apartment. It's been quite a while since I've experienced that "can't blow-dry-my-hair,can't-put-make-up-on" type morning. Anyway, because Wes and I don't have an AC we new we would try and escape the heat today by going somewhere else. After much discussion we decided to go to.....................

EDGEFIELD duh-duh-duh-duh! (wish I could record sound)  

Basically, edgefield is my favorite Mcmenamins I've seen yet. It has everything: miniature golf, movie theater, swimming pool, Ruby's Spa, picnic tables, twinkly lights, tons of little bars, and restaurant areas, AMAZING bathrooms (each "Stall" has it's own shower, toilet and sink + living room at the entry), the best rootbeer around, and of course the unique art work that all Mcmenamin's have to offer. *sigh* wish you could be here to see. (sidenote: the hottest spot for a wedding around) 

But as I was saying... we decided to go to Edgefield today to see a $3 movie and hang out in an air conditioned room to write blogs. So, here I am finally delivering some pictures and stories to you.  The point of today's blog: Our Colorado Reunion! It's about time, I know. For any of you who didn't know, Wes and I went with my side of the family about 3-4 weeks ago to CO for a reunion. I think this is the 4th CO reunion my family has every had (correct me if I'm wrong!) and we had a blast. I think it was the most people we have ever had under one roof, considering now that 3 of us "kids" have spouses. There is of course no better way to tell the stories and document the trip than to share the pictures. So, enjoy! 

The View...

Miles...
Our horse lesson...

Bowling!...

Chris' bowling face:
mom's bowling face:

Matt's bowling face (and mom's in the background. ha!): 

Kim's bowling face:

My bowling face:

Me and Mck:

us:

our snazzy shoes

Biking!

this weird man on Pearl street..

Pre-tty creative...
girls day/pedicures:

and of course....

THE DUCKS!

Stewart, Truman & Lily June at the "Pea bar"

Much love to you all,

Katie