July 2016

In July we spent nearly every day exploring our new Central Oregon home.  One day we checked out Scout Lake, a small lake just past the town of Sisters.  It is pretty shallow, which made it great for the kids!

The friends we went with were nice enough to share their kiddie kayaks (which I never even knew existed!) with the boys.  Sam picked it up fast and was soon zooming his passengers around the lake. 

See how shallow?!  That makes for warmer water temps and happier kids.

If we weren't checking out new places to see, we were finding new places to eat!  

Eli gave his seal of approval to this new brunch spot.

We were so happy to have company for the 4th of July!  Aunt Catherine & Uncle Carson (& Gromit too!) joined us for the holiday weekend.  Don't let Sam's face fool you, the boys loved having an aunt, uncle, and doggie to play with them.

Eli wanted to hold Uncle Carson's hand wherever they went.

Sunday afternoon we hiked up to Tumalo Falls.  

It was lots of fun, despite a few grumpy tourists ;)

Early on the 4th of July, we headed up into the mountains to Elk Lake.  Carson & Ryan rented stand-up paddleboards and we all took turns paddling around the crystal-clear lake.

Once we got the hang of it, we started taking passengers out.  The boys were not at all sure about it but they had fun by the end of the morning.

After a long day on the lake, it was time to put on our holiday swag, courtesy of Grandma Susan.

No 4th of July is complete without fireworks!  We did miss the wild fireworks displays we used to have in Washington, but it was still lots of fun to play with some of our new friends.

Every day is Halloween around here.  It helps keep us entertained on hot afternoons.

 The Pokemon Go craze struck our family early and with a vengeance.  Saturday-Fun-With-Dad was spent wandering for miles all around the huge park near our home.

Quick!  There's a Pokemon over in that field!

Caught it!

Summer also means swimming lessons!  Go Sam go!

Austin's favorite part was swinging on the rope swing at the end of class.

Sam started to get fancy and went upside-down!

Loving that toothless grin!

The view from my chair as the boys ride up and down the street with their next-door-buddy Brooks.  It is so nice to live on a quiet street!  I only have to yell "CAR!" once in a while so they can clear to the side of the road.

Nursery is not for the faint of heart.

Another cool spot we found is the High Desert Museum.  We had to spend the day away from the house while the painters were spraying the new shelves, so we packed a lunch and headed to the museum.  My photography struggle is getting all 3 to look at me for a picture.  2 out of 3 isn't bad, right?

The boys were so excited to see a tortoise up close.  They even got to pet him.

By far, their favorite thing was playing in the children's area.

I had to literally drag them out of here after almost an hour.

Oh the dreaded 3-year-old attitude.  It's hard to take him seriously when he looks so cute.

Showing off our catch after a successful day on the lake.  Austin continues to be the good luck charm and caught the first fish.  They have become quite the fishermen!

Sam is really growing up.  This month he taught his first Family Night lesson, and he did a great job!  He taught us all about baptism and shared how excited he is to be baptized soon.

Finally, at the end of the month, The Sign went up!  Opening day isn't until September 1st, but it is starting to be real!