We're Back

Okay, so the truth is that we've been back for quite a while...it's just taken me a few weeks to get back into the blogging world. But we had a FABULOUS trip to Oregon at the end of June. So sit back, relax, and get ready for lots of highlights.

It all began with a plane ride...3 plane rides, to be exact. Thank goodness that flying is a novelty for the kids--they were so good, even on the 4 hour trip between Chicago and San Francisco! Lincoln had a few rough moments, but all in all everything went smoothly thanks to some great plane toys and lots and lots and lots of snacks.

Once we got to Grandma and Grandpa's house, we had some relaxation time as we all tried to adjust to the 3 hour time difference. Above is Lincoln living it up with a luxurious sink bath. We spent the first couple of days playing with Uncle Keith, Aunt Stacie, Uncle Dustin, and of course, cousins Tate and Jill.

We had a blast playing at the park (the Shirts and Ivory's being goofy by Klamath Lake).

The cousins loved soaking in the hot tub. Lincoln might look a bit skittish here, but trust me, he warmed up to it (no pun intended).

Josh and Ellen arrived Monday night, and then on Tuesday came Grant. He was coming home from his 2 yr mission in Philadelphia...and he didn't know that the entire family had come in to welcome him. Micah drew the cool "Mission Accomplished" sign and we all waited eagerly for his little brother to arrive.

Wait, did I say little? This is Stacie and Micah with baby brother Grant who towers above them. Keith is super tall as well. Micah may be the oldest, but he definitely missed out on the height genes.
After bring home Elder Shirts, we continued the party with Jill's 3rd birthday party! The theme was princesses and pink, and Ellen and Grant won the prize for the most pinkalicious attire.
Later in the week we went to Lake of the Woods. It is so beautiful there...Steve and Robin rented a boat and we took turns cruising on the water and lounging by the beach.

Kate loved the water...
while Lincoln loved the rocks. If you can't tell, his mouth is full of them right now. Hey, they're packed with minerals, right?
The boat was so much fun. Those who wanted to fished off the side (Josh caught a few, but nobody else). Some crazy family members went swimming in the chilly waters, and the rest of us soaked up the sun.
Our day at the lake also included a star sighting and a moment of panic.

Does this guy look familiar to you? It's Eric McCormack, a.k.a. Will on "Will and Grace." I saw him in the camp shop, but didn't have the guts to talk to him. He is not gay and has a family who he was vacationing with. Well I had told Stacie and Dustin and Keith, who went back up to the store to check him out (Micah was not as starstruck as I was and hardly cared). He was driving away in his R.V., but they thought it was him, too. A little while later Micah and I took our kids and Tate out on the boat one last time. Keith was supposed to come, too, but he had to push the boat off the dock because we were drifting towards another parked boat. The problem was that the motor wouldn't start, so while we were no longer drifting into the other boat, we were now drifting out to the middle of the lake. To make a long story short, we survived the panicky moment, as well as the screaming baby, and got rescued by the boat rental guy. However, while we are drifting, Steve walkie-talkies us that Dustin is talking to Eric McCormack!!! I totally should have been there to get a picture. Next time I pledge not to be such a chicken (yeah, right!)

What a great day!

We also had another lake day, but this time it was Crater Lake. Some of us took the hike down to water. It was a steep trail with LOTS of mosquitos (seriously more than I've ever seen anywhere ever). But it was gorgeous and well worth it.

Jonah came with us, but we left Kate and Lincoln with Grandma, Grandpa, and Josh and Ellen. I love that girl but she is no hiker. In fact, she told me she had had enough walking as we crossed the road from the parking lot to the trailhead!

The water is super deep and super cold, but that didn't stop us from swimming! The boys were brave and jumped from the cliff. Below is Grant mid-jump...

Micah represented our family. I was so proud! Seriously, I don't know if I could do it!

We didn't take our swimsuits down, but that didn't stop Jonah from stripping down to his undies...just him, the lake, and Lightning McQueen.

I waded a bit, and slipped and fell so one leg of my shorts got soaked. Trust me, it was chilly water!

This is the "after" picture of the hikers. We all survived--thanks to training, hard work and a blessed bottle of bug repellent.

Did I mention that there was still snow in some spots around the lake?

The rest of the week was full of fun with family. Here are the little boys on the trampoline, where they spent a good percentage of their time.

And despite what it may look like, Jonah and Kate really do love Josh and Ellen!

What else do we love?

Rock Band!

Jonah was so proud of himself when he was able to do the drums all by himself. Seriously, this game is fun. I want to own it. Someday, it will happen...

Alas, all good things must come to an end. We said goodbye at the airport (a couple of times, actually). Our plane got cancelled, so we left the next morning, and then had a hard time getting home out of Philadephia, but 4 airplanes and 29 hours after first arriving at the airport, we finally made it home to our own snuggy beds and crashed (the kids didn't wake up until noon the next day!)

We miss everybody already and want to start planning the next reunion!!!