Munson Creek Falls

We found a short little hike to a waterfall while we were staying at the beach house. It was a perfect hike for the kids and very pretty.

Rockaway Beach

The days we spent at the beach were windy, as I guess they always are up here, but the kids still loved it! The first night we went we built a fire and roasted hot dogs. I am so impressed Nate and Kent got a fire going in that wind!















Lia and Laura and Josh were pretty brave about getting in the water. I wish I could say the same for myself... it was a little too cold for me. Janet and I did put our feet in but that was about it. Is there anything better though than kids on the beach? Wherever we end up, I hope it's within a couple hours of the beach.

Cape Meares

As I mentioned, Nate's mom and dad came for a visit. Janet was nice enough to drive back with me after Nate flew home to get back to work and Kent met us up here. We spent a few days at the beach and a few days back at our place. It was so fun to have them here! More pictures to come tomorrow...

The Butterflies

Our first day back from Utah we released our butterflies which had hatched while we were gone. A few months ago the kids got a butterfly garden from Grandma Nelson and we decided to wait until we got up here to send in for the caterpillars. Everyday the kids would check the mailbox to see if they had come. Finally they arrived and they waited patiently and sometimes impatiently for the caterpillars to turn into butterflies. They finally did while we were gone. So before heading off to the beach with grandma and grandpa we let them go. Lia even got to hold one of them. Thanks Janet for the fun present! I'm glad you were here to see them go.

The 4th of July and Josh's Party

We spent the 4th with the Nelsons and then the kids and I stayed an extra day before making the trip back to Portland. It was great to see Nate's family! And while we were there I had a last-minute party for Josh's birthday. He's been asking about his birthday party for months so I thought we should do something with his friends while we were in town. Aren't they cute?

Barson Family Reunion

We had a great time at my family reunion! It was so great to see everyone and be together. I don't know how we got through the days after staying up half the night every night, but it was totally worth it. The kids LOVED seeing their cousins and were so cute with them. What a blessing it is to have family! Thanks Katie and Scott and mom and dad for making it happen!