Silver Falls

A few weekends ago we decided that we needed to have a family outing. Now, there aren't many things you can do with this big mob without drawing a lot of attention to ourselves, nonetheless, we decided that something outdoors would be ok. So, we loaded up and drove to Silver Falls. This was our first time there. Very beautiful. The scenery driving there was beautiful as well. I love hiking and being outside, but the amount of energy it takes to venture out is almost overwhelming. I silently was a nervous wreck inside with my kids that close to a waterfall. They had a great time. I am not sure everyone else enjoyed our "enthusiasm", but all I could think is that there is no way our family could ever startle a bear! We make plenty of noise. I am sure the bears turn and run when they here us coming. There aren't any bears in Oregon.......right? I love how beautiful Oregon is. I love being able to share this with my kids. One side note...in case you didn't know, this is not a stroller friendly trail. In all, we walked about 4 miles. Poor Brett had to manuever the double stroller over many rocks on the trail. I am sure people thought we were crazy! I have a new appreciation for pioneers. As Brett and I took turns pushing the stroller up the mountain, all I could think of is the pioneers pushing and pulling their wagons up and down the mountains. I remember reading that once those who made it with their hand carts reached a certain place where they didn't need their carts shoved them off the cliff....I think I have a small understanding of how they must of felt. I would have loved to dump that stroller. I am now on the hunt for a backpack carrier for our next hike for Josh to sit in! South Falls

The coolest dead tree ever!

This is a picture of Brett and the kids behind the falls....he is on the left carrying the double stroller on his shoulder.

Troy and Grant had so much fun throwing rocks into the river.

Yeah! We made it!

That was one long day!

Potty training and a full moon in broad daylight!

Good News....Troy has finally taken the leap into potty training! FINALLY. We have been trying for forever...nothing would work. We tried everything, bribery, treats, a new hammer, a new screw driver, a ride on Thomas the Train...nothing would work. Troy has a time frame all of his own. Anyway, here he is showing off every angle of his big boy pants. 4 down, 1 to go! yee haw!

So, this is what I have been dealing with lately. We have entered the " I can take my diaper off stage" Josh has added a new twist by hurling his diaper over that wonderful fence you see in the background. It is such a proud moment when you are trying to quickly lift your 6 year old over the fence to retrieve a dirty diaper from your neighbors yard before they notice! Never a dull moment here. ;0) Did you see the full moon out?

As a reward for filling his potty chart, Troy got to go golfing with Brett and Grant. They had a great time.

The 5 ninjas!

last week the kids dressed up in their "ninja" attire and entertained us with their "skills". So much fun, and I am sure they will have good memories of this when they are older. I still remember when my older brothers and sister would dress Beckie and up in big clothes and then stuff us with other clothes...we looked like the Stay puff marshmallow man. Good times!

Don't mess with this Ninja

Grant...the white ninja(love the tights), Savannah-the black ninja, Josh-the green ninja, Troy-the blue ninja, and Forrest--the red ninja

How to beat the heat!

The 3 older kids have been at the beach with my parents and cousins for the week, and it has been just Brett and I and the 2 crazies at home. I can't believe how the noise level has dropped in our house, (as well as the food consumption). It was so hot last week that the kids would beg to be hosed down....what fun memories I will have of this. I think these photos captured exactly how they were feeling in this moment.