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.

WHAT?

I can't believe the things my 3 year old says to me... When did he turn 12? The other day I was supper frustrated with him. He had a time-out which lasted at least 30 min from start to finish since he kept getting up and was hysterical. Anyway, a few hours later I was sitting down with my head, in my hands, rubbing my eyes. Cooper saw me and said "Mom why are you crying?" I told him I was just really frustrated with his bad behavior and it really upset me. He then surprised me by saying "Mom, I'm really sorry, I want you to be proud of me!" Where did he come up with that? I love this little guy; challenges and all!

Milestones

Delaney is officially a crawler (Army style), can sit up on her own, has two bottom teeth and knows how to get what she wants. She puts everything in her mouth and has come close to chocking once. I have to watch her like a hawk as her big brother seems to drop everything choking size only where she can find it.

Where does the time go? Her hair is really starting to come in and is on the auburn side. Her eyes are turning a bit green. She is really starting to slim down and already fitting into size 9 months cloths. Next she will be walking... how do I stop her getting older.... HELP! I don't want my baby to grow up!!!!

Love this picture... such a cutie!

A bit blurry, had to hold her down while taking the picture... she wasn't happy.