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

Hurry!

Both Izzy and Dylan were frantic this evening, telling me to "hurry, mom!"
Dylan wanted to show me the sun shining through the clouds:

And Izzy wanted to show me the cute (tiny) frog she caught on the front lawn:

It is so much fun to see both of them taking full advantage of summer, new friends, new adventures, and enjoying life to the fullest. It is a joy to be their mom. However hard it was for us to get here, and whatever hurdles we still have to jump, it is all worth it. They are thriving, and nothing could make me happier!

Splash N Dash

Dylan and his friend Sullivan ran the Deschutes Splash N Dash on the same day that the girls participated in the triathlon. They had a blast and came away with some serious swag!

Waiting for his ribbon:

Dylan and Sullivan posing for me at the finish line:

It was such a fun day! I'm pretty sure it is the first of many races for Dylan. He really loves running-especially on trails. He is also enjoying his swimming lessons, and is looking forward to learning to fly fish. Being inside is torture...he is such a boy! Every time I see him, he has a snake or lizard or frog or salamander in his hands and is dirty from top to bottom. What in the world will he do when school starts?