Pumpkin Patch

This weekend was a little chilly, but the sun was shining and we were surrounded by beautiful scenery and great friends. We went to Smith Rock State Park in Terrebonne (just a few minutes out of town) to the pumpkin patch and corn maze. It was so much fun!

We entered the corn maze...

Made time for a quick selfie...

(Corie and Patrick also made the leap of faith and moved to Bend-you can read Corie's post by clicking here: Moving Home. She is an amazing writer!)

Made our way to the pumpkin patch...

Waited patiently while the kids chose the perfect pumpkin...

Then went home, ate some good food, and got creative!

We are so blessed to have found such amazing friends here in Bend. When we left Utah, we knew we would miss the Robbins and the Brogs terribly. We look forward to seeing them whenever possible and think about them every day! The only thing that softened the blow of leaving them was knowing that we will be friends for the rest of our lives, no matter what. We are so lucky that we have found that here, too. Here's to good friends, old and new!

Have a happy and safe halloween!!

Blaze

The Portland Trailblazers were in town doing some assemblies at local schools, and Dylan's school just happened to be one of them. When Luke found out that Blaze was along for the ride, he made a phone call to his old friend and set up a little meeting. Luke had fun catching up, and Dylan was so excited!

Devils Lake

A nice little Sunday drive landed us at Devils Lake...the sun was on our shoulders, the water was the most amazing clear turquoise, and the scenery was absolutely incredible!

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!