pines, sand, and a creaky beach house

Oregon was seriously THE highlight of 2020. Lot's of cancelled things but gratefully we were still able to spend a week with two of my sisters (and their families) on the Oregon coast. Much needed for the soul. The endless pines, the cooler temperatures, and fresh air. 

For days we just got to be outside and do whatever as a family. Yes we've been together nearly 24/7 since mid-March but something about this time together felt very different, in the best way possible.

Before making it to the coast, we took a little detour to drive around Mount Hood and explore the area nearby. Enjoyed our time seeing the dahlia farms, watching people ski down at the Timberline Lodge, quick picture at Trillium Lake (since it was insanely packed), an afternoon hike to Tamanawas Falls, and ending the night with dinner at The Gorge White House as the sunset. 

Besides staying in a house literally right next to the beach with a view of Twin Rocks, we got to visit many of the beaches in the area. Hug Point, Cannon Beach (Haystock Rock of course), Oceanside, Tunnel Beach, and Short Sands to name a few. By far my favorite was being able to explore the starfish caves/tide pools at Cape Meares. The sharp contrast of the tree covered cliff meeting the ocean gave such a lovely view. Seeing the cave covered in hundreds of sea stars (one of which we found unattached and bigger than our heads).

Despite going to bed late each night, I found so much peace on my early morning beach runs. One of the mornings all 4 of us went down and enjoyed the fogging views. The kids were in heaven in the water and sand.

It seemed only natural to have a tie dye night, even though a certain someone (Tanner) was a dye hog.

The evening of our last day, I hope to never forget jumping waves with Tanner and a few of my nephews while I looked back to find our boys digging in the sand. A very happy moment. Thanks Oregon. Can't wait to go back.

sades

Today is just plain hard. I've been dreading this for sometime now and didn't comprehend how much it would truly hurt. My heart is aching knowing she won't be there when I come. Spending her last evening with my parents laying in the grass brought me back to when she joined our family. I loved taking naps in the backyard when she was a little puppy. I smile thinking about those first nights she would just howl in her dog run all night. Finally mom caved and we brought her inside to sleep and I'd sleep right by her kennel. My family has been texting back and forth different memories of her and I can't help but feel full of joy for what she gave my life. She was in it more than she wasn't and so this especially stings thinking she's gone.

Her white dipped tail.
She'd rooo and stretch her front paws when Dad would come home.
She hated big men.
Dad could swing her around on her chew rope.
How'd she would gently rest her head on your leg, look up at you and sigh.
When someone was on the tramp and she'd put her front paws up on the bar.
Barking at her squeaky hamburger as a puppy.
The "green thing" (her favorite chew toy that was downright disgusting and nobody liked touching it).
Finding tufts of her fur.
When you'd play tug of war and she kept inching closer and closer as she readjusted her bite.
My brother driving her crazy with a laser light.
Biting the sprinkler head and just got soaked.
When she was scared out on a walk she would literally walk slanted, scraping her nails as she went.
Slipping out under the fence and she'd be waiting on the front porch for us to come home.
The little click clack of her nails on our kitchen floor.
How she'd wake you up in the morning by getting real close to your face, breathing her doggie breath, and put her paw up on the bed.
Biting the wheels of the lawn mower.
How matted her hair got behind her ears.
Her brown eyes.
She knew the people that would sneak her food from the table.
Soggy tennis ball after playing fetch at Fox Hills.
She'd freak out if you hid your hands in your jacket sleeves and softly bit them until you pulled them out.
How much she loved eating corn husks.
She loved running out in the fresh snow and would always come back with a little chunk on her nose.
How she made me feel loved. Every time I'd come home.


I love and miss you Sadie girl. It will get better, but for now I ache.

Sadie

2003 - 2019

his first time (at the happiest place on earth)

We've been talking about the day we get to bring our kids to Disneyland since we knew we were pregnant. Finally after 22 months of waiting it was finally time. Our pace was different than we typically prefer but let me tell you toddlers at Disneyland sure can be...difficult (especially our particular boy). Needless to say the magic of that place infinitely made up for the moments of "why did we think this would be a good idea?" Hearing him squeal when he saw the dogs on Pirates, or singing "la la la la la la, la la la la la" on the Haunted Mansion.

The HIGHlights

Trail of hidden mickeys| Free checked bags | A's second time on a plane | Making a pit stop for our niece on the shuttle ride to the hotel | Grocery shopping with sisters and parents at 11pm | Katrina forgoing the 10 cents per bag | Pirates closing down at the very beginning forcing A's first ride to be Haunted Mansion | "I wanna run" | Treaties!| Matterhorn macaroons, pumpkin spiced churro, Thai coconut curry, lemon rose cake, dreamsicle beignets, flourless chocolate cake, poutine, and Wetzels Pretzels | Matterhorn twice at night | Atti eating a glowstick | Parents dressing up | Merlin on Dumbo | Experiencing Guardians for the first time | Atti being scared by Sabor | Naps in the stroller | Hug from Snow White | Trick or treating in September | Naps for all at the aiport | $13 in quarters 

Running around with my boys Merlin and Wart while being dressed as Mad Madame Mim. The best moment was when we were by King Arthur's Carousel when we heard someone yell at Atticus running to the sword, "Look it's Wart! That's his carousel!"  The Halloween party is SO. MUCH. FUN. I mean who wouldn't love endless candy stops, Disney costumes, minimal crowds, the headless horseman, Cadaver Dans, and amazing fireworks. Until next time...

party for the lumberjack

We like birthdays. Naturally we had to make a big deal out of his FIRST birthday. Many family members took time out of their holiday to celebrate our little guy. Who wouldn't want to get together to eat food and watch a cute baby eat chocolate cake for the first time?

His birthday should have fallen on Thanksgiving but because of the leap year, he skipped it! Fun fact: Atticus celebrated two Thanksgivings before his 1st birthday. Not many can say that! Anyways, the party. Due to the fall season, Tanner's beard (for the record, no he did not grow it for the party. He started growing that thing waay before we picked the theme), and the 50 cent shirt I got at Savers...a lumberjack was born. Lots of good ideas floating around and this is what we ended up with. Chili & cornbread, red & black buffalo plaid, gummy fried eggs, and a smash cake that looked like a log. Loved that most everyone came dressed in plaid. Hello mini costume party.

Many thoughtful presents were gifted to that little guy. I want to spotlight two in particular. When Tanner found out we were pregnant, he started carving a little wooden bear. He spent the next year carving four other little animals to complete the set (with only one trip to insta-care, tee hee). He didn't stop there. He made Atticus his very own wooden stacking tower (similar to the one from Land of Nod). Many hours were spent in making these toys for his son. What a good daddy. So adorable they are!

Now I've seen a few smash cakes (mostly from the nephews and nieces) and most leave me wanting. Babies just never seem to get into them quite like the crowd wants. I am not saying this because I'm his mom but, he smashed that thing. Started out casually dipping his finger in frosting and then would look at me for approval. Then he'd go back and get some more, and more, and more. When he realized neither Tanner or I were gonna stop him, this kid went head first into that cake. I've never seen his mouth open so wide. That little nugget, he'd clap in between each bite and make sure everyone was cheering for him. So he likes chocolate cake.

It wasn't until we were putting him down for bed that I realized we didn't sing "Happy Birthday" to him. So plaid to everyone that came!

(Sorry DaBell's for not getting your picture, I'm sure G was so sad)

Rivalry Relay

As the tagline reads, "1 day, 6 friends, 60 miles. Salt Lake City to Provo."  Close enough. This year it was more like, "9 hours 58 minutes, 6 family members (who are consequently also my friends), and 63.5 miles (the route had a bit of an adjustment thanks to Udot construction).

This is our second  relay (you can read about the first one here) this summer and I love it. Our team, the Relay-ted Comrades ran in style with our Hawaiian shirts. Oh and you can't forget the pom-pom hat! The weather was hotter than desirable but what can you expect at the end of August in Utah? The race started at the U and ended at Kiwanis park across from the Y, hence the "rivalry" relay.

The most stunning feat was Tanner running up Suncrest. If any have you have ever driven that you know really what it means. Basically 1200 feet + 11% grade for 3.3 miles, just to give you an idea. Though he wasn't the official race "King of the Mountain," he might as well be in my eyes. He killed it. Proud moment for me.

Running behind Hogle Zoo in the pitch dark and hearing rustling // Jason tripping on a tree root // Tanner taking a selfie with a goat // Bailing water out of the back of the van // "Squeeze the pom-pom" // Spelling comrades wrong, ended up com"rads"...just go with it // Sleeping in accidentally 7 minutes before we had to leave // So many honey buckets // Jessica going mama bear when looking for her hubby // PR in the mile and 5k // Chocolate milk // Ending the race with creamies

My sisters (and their misters) killed it. I think we all had pre-race jitters but everyone ran well. We finished in 16th place overall.

If you were wondering, my quads are still sore. Can't wait for the next race.

 Just look behind him, still had about a mile left to go...