2nd Summer Beach Trip... Rockaway Beach, Oregon

We needed a BREAK after a hectic few weeks so we packed up and headed back, to the beach, for the "last beach trip of the summer". It was suppose to be a warm sunny two days. We left 95+ degree weather (which is hot for us) to find 65+ degree weather, a bit colder than we had anticipated. We were a bit disappointed because we were looking forward to playing, in the warm sun and sand. Well, we still played, in the sand, even though the sun was hiding. We did enjoy the pool at our favorite hotel. The water was warm so I took the kids twice and Cooper (my little fish) 3 times.

On day two, of our trip, we left the hotel and headed south to Newport, OR to visit the Aquarium. We forget how small it really is and it probably wasn't worth the 2 hour drive. Cooper did love seeing the sharks, turtles and fish, etc. It rained on us and we had to have our picnic in the car. Since the trip was really for Cooper it worked out fine. Swimming after we got back to the hotel was the biggest hit of the day!

Day three of our trip; we checked out of the hotel and headed to Tilllamook, OR to see the cheese factory. The factory is really neat and it is fun to see how cheese is made. We love the ice cream so we sat for a while after the tour and enjoyed our choices. Finally, we headed home. We love spending time as a family and exploring our beautiful Pacific Northwest country.

Just hitting the road!

In the parking lot of the aquarium.

We got to touch the star fish and sea anemone.

MBA or BUST!

Pete started a MBA program last month. He should be done in 20 months. Can I just say that this program is a Bachelors degree on steroids! He has 3 weeks under his belt with two 1500 word case study paper, homework, take home test. He had another class tonight so we will see what is next. Oh, and don't forget all the reading. He has been told to expect the course to consume at least 15 to 20 hours per week. This is on top of his full time job. The light at the end of the tunnel will be the better job! .... at least we hope.

We are so proud of him and his efforts to better himself and to provide for our family. We love you Hon!!!

These pictures were from Pete's Bachelor's Degree Graduation ceremony, December 12, 2009. (Delaney is in the stroller asleep, only 2 weeks old)

Harvest Bounty

As I mentioned, in another post, we started a garden this year.... well, this is some of the first veggies we picked. There is zucchini, summer squash, crookneck squash, carrots, peas and green beans. We also have a bunch of herbs (cilantro, basil and parsley). We have picked this amount several times since. I am so thrilled with our efforts.

I am not a huge veggie lover, but truth be told they are really good. Must be something about the home-grown process that makes them taste so much better. We have had some yummy dinners and are getting all the healthy stuff at the same time.

The other night I tried my hand with homemade pesto... it turned out so much better than the store bought which I really like. I was so proud of myself. I then made baby food for Laney. We are going to end up having enough for several months. What a savings. She is going to LOVE it, plus no preservatives...  I heart my garden.
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This is Cilantro. There is so much that some of it has gone to seed.