Fly Fishing

Dylan has been waiting for so long to go fly fishing. Luke and I made him pass all of his swim levels before he could go-we have never seen him work so hard in swim class. Ever! Luke worked with him on his technique, practicing nymphing and dry flying. He was an absolute natural, and soaked up every bit of information like a sponge. I have to admit it was pretty crazy to see that my little boy was suddenly all grown up and not only using my rod, but wearing my waders and shoes! When did he get so big?!? Needless to say, the trip was a huge success. They caught a few tiny rainbow trout on the Crooked River, and Dylan is officially addicted. According to him, it was "the best day of my entire life!"

Newport

Isabelle had the opportunity to go to the coast with her science class on an overnight field trip. She had an incredible time! They took the kids to the Oregon Coast Aquarium, Hatfield Science Station, and the Undersea Gardens. They also went on a Marine Discovery Tour into the ocean, and got to spend some time at Newport's historic bayfront. While at the bayfront, she got a big bowl of creamy garlic crab soup for lunch...she said it was soooo good! She couldn't understand why her classmates were getting burgers and fries. She said "we are at the coast-I have to get seafood!" It's experiences like this that she will never forget. She is exploring the world, deciding for herself who she is and what she wants to be. Watching her grow up makes my heart want to explode. I am so proud of her. Watch out world-this one is going to do amazing things!

Here are a few photos from her trip:

13!

This pretty little lady turned 13 today. We can't believe how lucky we are, and how blessed our life is because she is in it!

She got some really fun gifts and cards from all the people she loves! Thank you so much for thinking of her and taking the time to send her love and birthday wishes. There is one thing in particular that she has been begging for, and Luke and I finally gave in and got it for her...

After a killer dinner at Pilot Butte Drive-In, we headed to Petco, where Isabelle got her new (long awaited) mouse. She named her Maleficent. Needless to say, she is over the moon. 

We are so proud of Izzy and the amazing young lady she is.

Happy birthday, Tiny!

Sheep's Bridge Campground

Imagine a half-dozen tiny cold water springs bubbling up from the ground and trickling into a river that is full of spawning Kokanee Salmon. There is a heron, some osprey, and an eagle hanging around waiting to get something to eat. Add the beautiful backdrop of thousands of pine trees and a class full of curious 5th graders and you have not just a great field trip, but a pretty awesome way to spend a morning!

Yell "O"!

Luke surprised Bucky and took him to the Ducks game at Autzen Stadium on Saturday. They had an absolute blast! Dylan still hasn't come down from cloud nine. It is one of those memories that they will both have for a lifetime. It was perfect weather (as you can see by the sunshine in the photo below) and a perfect day. Go Ducks!

Dylan would love to own the Duck Truck when he gets a little older :)

The view of the field from their seats:

It is amazing that Bucky had a voice when he came home. Luke said he yelled "O" the entire game!

First Day of School 2014-2015

Todd Lake

On Sunday, we spent some time at Todd Lake. It is only 20 miles away from our house--it's hard to believe we have been in Oregon for just shy of a year and it's the first time we've seen it!

(click on photos to enlarge)

We packed up some sandwiches, fruit, and chips so we could sit by the lake and eat. We ended up having some hungry neighbors that decided it would be fun to eat Pringles out of Izzy and Dylan's hands. The kids couldn't get enough of it!

There were signs posted everywhere that indicated we were not allowed to take any frogs or tadpoles from the Lake. One thing we have noticed since living here...we have A LOT of frogs. We found so many little pools of tadpoles just like this one:

It will be interesting to see what the Lake looks like when all of them get to be this size:

We also met a gentleman from Bend (originally from Germany) that was playing an Alphorn. He played a song for us and let the kids feel how light the horn is. I've only heard one on TV until yesterday. It was so beautiful how the sound carried over the lake and into the mountains-it almost seemed surreal.

We waded in the lake, Dylan caught a tiny brook trout in his hands, and the hike was perfect. Here are a few more photos from the day:

Cute kiddos

Broken Top in the background

Wading in the lake with Mt. Bachelor in the background

I love the color change in the water as the lake gets deeper

Blacktail deer

Broken Top