Professional Development

So I finally got my own pair of snow shoes this year.  Of course this fell in a year when snow was scarce.  We did find a snow shoe race up on Mt. Hood though, so I was able to break in my new shoes.  Who was We you might be asking?  Kevin?  Ha never.  Bonnie and I!

And when I say snow shoe race, I really do mean race.  Most people actually ran the trail.  Us too...ok I am a liar.  Run we did not.  We cruised at our own pace, darting off the trail when a runner would come up behind us.

Bonnie had much better form than I...

And when we crossed the finish line, a prize awaited us.  A much-deserved prize I should add.

Beer (please excuse my eye-make up...I was a mess)

A very fun day with a very fun friend.  More to come I am sure.

Beach Bums

Well while we are on the topic of nice weather (see prior post if you missed it) let's step back in time to President's Day.  Another nice weather day - in February none the less!  Kevin sprung another last minute day trip to the beach on us.  Of course we were all game...well I did have one condition that had to be met and that was that I got to pick the lunch spot.  Kevin has always bypassed the Rogue Brewery in Astoria.  Not this time!  We enjoyed a great lunch with a great view and an amazing bloody mary.  I of course left my phone in the car, or else I would have shared a few pictures.  Oh well, there will be a next visit!

Next stop was Long Beach, WA.  We roamed around the kite shops, stopped for ice cream, stood in line for ice cream for 15 minutes, left ice cream shop with no ice cream, and then headed for the beach.

Though not a first beach trip for Kaci or Dean, it was the first time that they didn't cry due to the bone chilling wind when we made them get out of the car.  They even enjoyed themselves this time!

This stick was way better then the sand toys we had brought.

Dean finally got a shot at playing with the prized stick.

So how did we get pictures of smiling kids after denying them that ice cream?  Popcorn from the hardware store.  Seriously...these kids are so weird.

Chasing Waterfalls

When the sun comes out in the Pacific NW, people get out and enjoy it.  And even in March, with the temps only reaching the high sixties, some people will be enjoying said weather in jean shorts, tank tops and socks with sandals.  I digress though.  Let's get back to me enjoying this weather.  With this past Saturday calling for sunshine, I headed out to Multnomah Falls with 2 fun friends and our little stroller bound boys.  Kaci was away at a sleepover, which worked out great.  Her legs have a tendency to get tired very quickly, which would have resulted in me packing her 38 pounds to the top of the falls.

Though us girls failed to get a picture together, we did manage to get an action shot of the boys:

Dean, Elliott and Brooks!

It was still a bit brisk when we set out on our adventure at 9:00, so we bundled the boys up in blankets.  We warmed up quickly though pushing these chunks to the top.

Happy boy! 

This was my first trip and I definitely want to go back.  I foresee a longer hike in my future, but not while pushing a stroller.  

Not exaggerating...look even Dean was exhausted  afterwards.

And a well-deserved lunch with beer was enjoyed by all.  Cheers to adventures, sun and friends.