Oregon ~ Forever friends

The time you put into loving, listening, and investing - it comes back two-fold.  Really - what is life if you are just pursuing more money or the next thing or accomplishment?  One of our family goals has always been to nurture strong relationships with others.  We try to be together with others as much as we can.  Our life is rich!  The Lord has blessed us with so many wonderful friends!  

Some are lifetime friends - it is not always that your kids just "match up" - that they get along in a way that they disappear for hours and you don't hear a peep out of them...friends who don't consider turning on the TV or an electronic device.  They make up talent shows, or play in the yard, or just sit together in peace while they draw or read.  This is happiness!

So when these kinds of friends move away - there are tears and holes left that are never filled in an earthly way.  But the Lord has been so good - providing passions for all the kids (in Oregon & Arizona) to pursue that only exist where they live...joys for daily life.  It is good to see our friends happy in their new place - settled - quenched from the dryness of the desert.    

Would the kids still click after 3 years we wondered?  We mused about it for 30 seconds after the hello hugs.  These relationships are deep.  There is rest in knowing that there is no impressing that needs to happen.  Some friendships are safe - go ahead and be yourself - your imperfect self.  Because here there is grace, forgiveness, and acceptance.  These are relationships built on the foundations of Christ and who He is.  To God be the Glory - what pure joy!

Hiking...

Fun...

Dates and Maple/Bacon donuts...

Lots of dress up and posing...

Exploring...

Yelling, jumping, running....

Pure fun and happiness...

Lots of laughing...

and being silly...

Simply enjoying one another...

Trips like this sooth the soul!  It is good to see that the Lord is providing for our dear friends - Thank you for a most wonderful trip!  While there were many tears and it was hard to say goodbye - it is easier to leave knowing you are in good hands - the Lord provides new joys for you and a life that is rich. 

As we flew home leaving the good memories behind - what a blessing to know that we return to more relationships to cultivate.  The Lord has been faithful to provide - never replace - but provide new joys and friends to enjoy.  And we can always look toward a day when as believers we will fellowship ALL TOGETHER in the new EARTH.  No more separation and goodbyes!  He is Good! 

Oregon ~ Excursions

We took several short trips during our time in Oregon.  Some days it just worked better to spend half a day doing something.  There were so many things to see and do.  The last weekend we were in town we visited the Portland Market downtown...

The old buildings were cool to look at.  This is one in particular that Ryan enjoyed...

Not everyone is as into shopping as my two girls, but they had fun anyway...we could have a blast anywhere I think...

Another morning we went to Powell's book store.  Madison and I had a cow last time we came and visited here  and so had to take Merl, Ryan and Allie.  It is a new/used book store that takes up an entire city BLOCK!  Yes - and several stories high!  I love how once we get inside the kids just melt into the rows - excited about looking at the books that interest each other.  

Can't go to Portland and not go to Powell's!!!

Allie and I drifted through the picture books...this was about 10% of them...but finally settled in a section of Marguerite Henry books.  It was so fun to see her light up and see all the different types of copies of titles.  We even found an old signed copy of Misty.  Lots of treasures to be found here....

One of the last nights the parents had a date night at Cartlandia...When Amy and Steve lived in Arizona I don't think we EVER had a date night.  All of our kids were under the age of 11 or 12.  What a glorious thing to leave the older kids in charge of dinner/movie/bed and we were off!  So sweet how the older kids couldn't wait to send us out the door! Phoenix has an area like Cartlandia where there is an empty lot where bunches of food carts park and you wonder through and eat! 

Voodoo doughnuts is famous in Portland.  Just had to take a pic of the 80's rockers....No...they weren't with us!

Merl orders our dinner...great night with our friends having uninterrupted conversation!  We went home to a clean kitchen, younger kids asleep in bed, and older kids enjoying a "big kid" movie.  Awesome.

Oregon ~ Surf's up at Cannon Beach

After exploring the tide pools we decided to move down to Cannon beach so the older kids could boogie board.  This was an activity that was high on the list for our older two kids!  Thankfully, Emma and Amanda already had gear and knew where the waves worked!  

Off the four friends go - weren't they just 4 years old yesterday?  

The before shot....love these kids so much...!

Madison's #1 bucket list item - boogie boarding...she is so happy!

Off they go to catch the first few waves...

Don't worry about the others...they weren't suffering...

Freezing cold because of a hole in his suit, but still smiling...

So happy...

Love it...

A jellyfish!!!

Amanda

Emma

Luv...

Sheer joy...

and fun...

Love it...

Oregon ~ Tide Pools at Indian Beach

It was glorious fun to check out Indian Beach during low tide.  The beaches are less crowded here and the landscape provides for more opportunities to investigate!

The ocean was a place everyone enjoyed - but don't let the smiles fool you!  The water was freezing!

Just couldn't stop taking pictures of these two...

First time finding starfish and other creatures...

My honey...

Busy bees...

Fishing for shrimp...

Headed out...