The Nativity Play the Dudley Way

Do you see that angelic redhead with the wings? Yes that is our little Sage.

Oh and the good looking boy standing next to Mary and Baby Jesus... yep that would be Ashton playing Joseph.

And then there is the very short little boy who looks like an Ewok out of star wars... the toddler who is obviously the youngest child on the stage holding a Shepard's staff and struggling to keep his wrap around his head from covering his face... being relatively reverent for his age...

Up until the moment he raises his staff and begins to use it as if it were a rifle and quietly shoots it into the crowd who amusingly watch him... but oh wait... what is he doing now? Oh no not the donkey! That's right he turns, puts the staff right up to the Donkey's head, and pretends to shoot the Donkey.

Was the crowd horrified? Nah. They laughed. At least he knew better to not shoot the other Shepherds, or the angels. And thank goodness he did not have a desire to shoot the three stars of the play, Mary, Joseph and sweet Baby Jesus. But one thing is for sure, Jace is ALL BOY and no one can argue otherwise.

Oh look, its Another Update on the Whole Fam!

Well its been a while since I have done individual updates in the Fam, so I figured I would write one up for all you fans.


SAGE
Lets start with Sage. Sage has been in gymnastics for a while. She has almost gotten both her cartwheel and handstand down and does well in most of the other activites. Her favorite thing to do in gymnatics is to climb the rope all the way to the top (which is really really high).

Sage is doing really well in School. She is the second fastest reader in her class and does well in all her subjects. The teacher says she is very kind and never makes the other kids feel dumb. She has made a lot of new friends and as always is quite the social butterfly.

Sage is growing up fast.  She helps out a lot with the boys and I am very greatful that I have her. Although she wears skirts every other day she is still climbing trees and venturing out to get dirty. And she likes her fair share of boys. Although, her Dad says she should stay away from boys till she is 40.

Other than that Sage is just plugging away at daily life. She still fights me on keeping her room clean and she can get very dramatic at times, but we love her and her ability to lighten up a room.

Closeup of Sage in her cowgirl outfit

ASHTON
Ashton is no longer my little boy. He is my big boy. He has really been growing like a weed. He wants to eat all the time and he puts his foot down demanding he gets his way more often than he used to. Before Ashton would always do everything like his big sister. But now he has an opinion on everything. Ashton is discovering who HE is.

In school Ashton is learning fast. He is reading simple books now and learning how to write his letters neatly in the proper way. Ashton takes a lot of pride in his work, and will erase something he finds is not quite perfect to redo it to his satisfaction. This means that he may take a bit longer to do his homework than the average kid.

Ashton is a typical boy who loves superheroes and star wars. Although he can play by himself at times for hours he prefers to be with someone. Ashton is a people person and always will be a people person. He reminds me a lot of his Grandpa Peterson.

Kids and Grandparent (Wilde Side)

On our way to say hi to the Grandparents!

JACE
Jace is no longer a baby. He is hardly a toddler either. He is on the verge of being simply a kid. Jace talks a lot right now. He can repeat practically anything too. Jace can run, skip, jump, and maneuver his little body anywhere. He is very very very... VERY independent. If you help him up onto a chair and he did not want you to, he will literally get back down off the chair and hoist himself up on the chair by himself again. Jace is very particular about everything he does. He knows what he wants, how he wants it done, and who he wants to do it with. And if something is not how he envisions it, he will let everyone know. Having said that Jace is a very loving kid. He gives the best hugs and loves his family and extended family. If you are willing to love him, he will love you back!

RYKER
Our baby is growing fast. He is 1.5 months old. Ryker is a sweety. He does not scream like Jace did as a baby and we are greatful for that. Instead he whimpers and cries fairly softly. He has started smiling but I have not managed to get that on camera. He is still getting up often at night about every 3 hours so that he can eat. So mom is very tired but she sure loves the little tyke. We had a small scare regarding Ryker the other night. His temperature spiked to 101.1 which meant we had to take him into the ER since it was after hours. That turned out to be one long night for mom since she had same day surgery the next day... but in the end, it turned out he simply had the cold that Jace had the week before.

CASSIE
Our kitty is doing great! She has really become part of our family. Although Curtis is supposed to be allergic to her, he has found that she does not affect his allergies at all. Cassie is a pesky people cat. She follows you around all day stepping infront of you tripping you up. She wants attention and will do anything to get it. She loves to attack hair and loves to attack anyone coming up the stairs from the basement. Cassie spends half her days climbing trees and chasing after birds. But I do not believe she has actually killed anything. So she is either clumsy or is merely playing with critters. We love Cassie.

CURTIS
Curtis has been working hard at both his Search and Rescue and Work. This fall has been a bit crazy. For a while he was getting called out to save people at least 3+ times a week. People were falling, getting lost, getting hurt and getting themselves into trouble left and right. But recently it has haulted as it has gotten cold and less people are up in the mountains. So now that he has more time he has been studying for his series 9-10 test and having fun finding, buying, and using some new equipement to cast and make his own bullets for his new Shiloh Sharps Rifle. He has also been busy helping me rent out the rental. In reality things have been really crazy for Curtis lately and have just barely started to calm down.

Casting bullets out of lead.

Shiny!

BECKY
I have recovered nicely from having Ryker a little over a month ago. I do however feel out of shape and need to lose another 10 pounds. So I am attempting to put together some sort of exercise schedule. Tough part is finding the time to do it! I swear I am still losing the baby weight by simply running around being a mom. I would however like to lose it more quickly so hopefully I will figure out some sort of schedule soon. I have a lot of pent up energy and need to exert it before I go insane. Other than that I have been busy with the rental, housework, kids, and trying to sleep. With Ryker getting up as often as he does I am always very tired and try to nap on a regular basis. But naps come sedomly. I am looking forward to the day I get a full nights rest again. I could use the beauty sleep. Even though I am very tired most of the time I feel pretty good emotionally. No postpartum issues and like I said before I have a decent amount of energy. My skip has almost come back (yes if you know me, you know that I will randomly, without thinking about it give a little skip, but only when I am feeling REALLY good.)

I recently had the Essure procedure done on myself to ensure Curtis and I that there will be no more pregnancies. For those gals looking into Essure, I can attest that it is basically painless. No cutting and no smashing. We will find out it it worked in about three months.

And that's a wrap! Halloween was great and the Dudley Family is doing well and we are excited for the holidays and Jace's birthday. Yay for family!

The Guide To Trading Candy

Becky's Thought: Fall

It is Fall!!! Out of all the seasons Fall brings back more memories than Winter, Spring, and Summer combined. I love the Fall. The air is intoxicating. Its crisp, cool, and clear and you can literally smell the changes in nature that occur around you. The mountains light ablaze in amazing yellows, reds, and oranges and beckon to those who live in the valley to come and celebrate with them the arrival of Fall. My taste buds start to crave anything with allspice in it and a fresh apple to be picked off a tree is never too far. When I am outside I can close my eyes and just feel Fall wrap itself around me soothing any fear or worry that may be bothering me.

Not only does the Fall hit my senses but it also brings up many wonderful memories. Fall makes me think of the beginning of the school year. Being a gal who yearns to learn and LOVES school with a passion, these memories are joyful memories for me. The excitment of meeting my new teachers, getting my textbooks and supplies, and meeting new people flood back into my mind. I think of all the amazing people I have met through the educational system. The wonderful sense of accomplisment I would feel while at school. And then of course in the end Fall makes me miss school.

Fall seems to be my season of change which is appropriate since that is exactly what Fall does, it changes things. I became a single mom in the fall, I got to know my Curtis in the Fall, and I rediscovered who I am in the Fall. I also changed my train of thought and view on life in the Fall. Some of these changes bring brief moments of mind numbing pain but overall as the years pass I feel thankful for everything Fall ever brought me.

So all you out there who do not like the Fall simply because it means Winter is coming. Stop worrying about things you can not change and enjoy the brief moment of Fall while it lasts! Besides, Winter is not all that bad. Winter means hot chocolate, the silence of a fresh snow, the sound of winter birds, a blazing fire to cuddle up with your sweetheart, the holidays, and family. And Winter makes you even more grateful for that first flower that pops its head out of the ground as the ground starts to thaw.

Yay for seasons! Especially Fall:)

Ryker Charles Dudley

 A while back ago we went into our OB's office to get an ultrasound done because I was measuring small as usual. And as always even though I was not showing it on the outside, the baby was measuring big on the inside. So my husband and I thought for a while and decided to induce on the 17th of September.

As the date began to creep nearer, I found that I was getting a decent amount of anxiety over my last pregnancy and birth. This was abnormal for me. But I was worried that since my last three had gone so well, it was my statistical turn for something to go wrong. As I fell asleep that night, I found myself to be very emotional and very anxious.

The next morning I felt a little better. We gathered things up and headed over to my parents house to drop off our two boys. Then we headed to the hospital where we arrived promptly at 7AM to begin my long day of inducing the baby. Here is a very quick and shortened version of the labor and delivery.

1- Needles and questions and bags and bags of liquid with various drugs and sugars in them.
2- Contractions start but nothing I could not handle.
3- Dr comes in wants to break my water and encouraged me to get my epidural before he does so, claiming the pain will increase 10 fold.
4- I conscent to an epidural but it only worked on my left side of my body.
5- Dr. breaks water and I swear half of the weight I was carrying gushed all around me.
6- Contractions get more intense and closer together. Half of my body is still feeling all of it.
7- Eventually I have a different Dr. redo the epidural completely.
8- Epidural worked perfectly, Thanks Dr. Fisher.
9- hours go by. Around 5PM I finally make it to a Ten.
10- Wait for Dr for about an hour.
11- Dr comes in tells me to push. I give it one big push and the head came out revealing that the umbilical chord was wrapped around the babies neck twice. Dr removes the chord twice and tells me to give just a little push.
12. Out he came at 7 lbs, 11 ounces, 20 inches long, and screaming his lungs off making everyone raise their eyebrows in astonishment that a newborn could have lungs like that. Baby rated a very high 9 on the health chart. Hair was light brown, eyes to be decided (I think they may be brown, Curtis things they will turn blue like the other two boys).

And that is pretty much how it went. I had a bit of a problem with excessive bleeding and low blodd pressure and had to be under close watch for the night but baby was a picture of health and took to nursing like a true boy.

It took us about a day to come up with the name. And in the end Curtis gave him his first and I gave him his middle name. So officially he is named, Ryker Charles Dudley. And yes for all you treky fans I have heard all the jokes about unisuits and calling him number one.

So far, Ryker has turned out to be a pretty easy going baby. I have not heard those pipes he displayed since his birth. He seems to have a good amount of patience for a baby and he is just so darn cute. He looks a lot like Jace did when he was a baby so my guess is he will grow up to be blond, dark skinned, and have similar facial features to Jace. Time will tell.

And finally, pictures! Cause lets face it, most of you are here to see pictures:)

Grandpa Dudley and Ryker

Grandpa and Grandma Wilde with my boys Ashton, Jace, and Ryker

Dad and Ryker

Mom and Ryker. Note: I want you all to know that I really don't like after birth pictures with me in it since I look like a train wreck. So feel privileged that I put one up for you all anyway with no makeup, crazy hair, and completely worn out.

Mom Dudley and Ryker

I would like to give a special thanks to my parents for watching the boys for me for a few days. And to Holly for helping out with Sage. Curtis is a very protective and caring husband and does not like to leave his wife alone in the hospital in case something were to happen. And of course a special thanks to my husband Curtis for being an amazing husband who obviously loves me more than anything.

Crazy Times

This last few weeks have been a whirlwind of craziness. The following has happened within the last 2 or 3 weeks.

1- We found our family pet. Her name is Cassie and she is a gorgeous kitty cat that loves to follow us around and get into everything that we are doing.

Sage and Cassie.

2- One of our DVD players finally gave up the ghost followed closely by our little TV. This resulted in a new blu-ray player and TV in our room.

3- Curtis finds a good deal on a the gun that he has wanted for a while.  It's an 1874 Shiloh Sharps just like Quigleys rifle from the movie. Now he has been busy with trying to find everything to hand make his bullets.

I am Man hear me Roar!

The kitty was having fun playing with the gun while Curtis cleaned it.

 

4- Our Renters have given their 30 day notice and we are frantically trying to find someone before our lives get more complicated when baby comes. That means a lot of rental showings and going through applications.

If you know someone that may want to rent a 4 bed 3 bath for 1200/month in the Ranches of Eagle Mountain let me know. We will be taking applications till the end of this week.

5- Curtis's Grandma died a few days ago from natural causes in Texas.

6- Life is crazy and I am due to deliver this baby in one week.

So if you see me and I can not even manage to remember you name... this is why. Too much going on right now and little time to deal with things. Good thing Curtis is bringing home Pizza tonight!

I think I can- Becky's Pregnancy

Less than two months to go... Right now the baby is hiccuping inside of me. I would love to tell you that I'm loving these last few months but really I am not. Its fun to feel baby move inside of me up until he jabs me in the hip or ribs. My back has been progressively getting achier and achier due to the added weight gain. I get an occasional sharp painful cramp when I try and do too much. I waddle like a duck when I walk. To get out of bed I have to gain momentum by rocking back and forth on my back often failing at my attempt and tumbling back into bed and then just simply rolling out of bed landing half on my knees and using the nightstand to prop myself up. My energy level has dropped through the floor making it hard for me to actually get much accomplished. I've developed these funny spots on my arm the doctor might think is related to dilated blood vessels... Occasionally my heart speeds up, my pressure drops, and I become dizzy and nauseated. Doc says I need to take my pulse and if it ever gets above 120 he wants to put a heart monitor on me halter style and have me walk around with that for a week or two. Cleaning my house has become even more of a chore. I find that its easier if I just pick things up on my hands and knees without getting up and down. I hate getting myself dressed in the morning because most of my clothes are winter pregnancy clothes and those maternity summer outfits that fit me in my second trimester I have out grown in my third... but I don't want to go out and buy more because this is after all my last kid. I could go on... but I think you all get the jist of what I am trying to say. The fact is pregnancy is no fun for me. One more month to go before I am free of this pregnant body of mine for the rest of my life. Then I will have my newborn baby boy to cuddle and spoil as my final child. I will be moving on to another stage of my life... maybe I should be thankful to be pregnant. To feel this little critter inside of me. To witness and be a part of the miracle of reproduction for the last time. Now I feel a little sad to know I will never be pregnant again... Don't pay attention to me, its the pregnancy brain talking. I can tell you this out of certainty. I love this baby inside of me just as much as I love my other three babies. No matter how it makes me feel physically or emotionally, I am thankful to be able to even have children. So I guess what I am saying is although I am physically miserable, I am happy.

The End

Losing my Go To Girl

I was one of those lucky people that had the opportunity and pleasure of growing up with three Grandmas. I love each and everyone of them for different reason because frankly they are very different people. Recently my Grandma Mangels has passed away. Grandma Mangels was my spunky Grandma full of love and fun. Her and I were very close and spoke on the phone often. I always felt like I could go to her with any problem and she would help talk me through it. She was my Go To Girl. So when I got that first text from my mom that she was not doing well and would most likely not live much longer I was devastated. So what do I do? I call her of course and tell her in tears that she could not die. I needed her. She chuckled and said, " You can talk to me any time Becky. Just go to your memory and remember all that I have taught you." The truth is, she did teach me a lot. She taught me that it was ok to be a little different and weird. She taught me how to love unconditionally. She taught me what it means to be patient but at the same time how important it was to stand up for what I believe in.

Grandma was a hard working gal with a fun sense of humor and an addicting laugh. Sometimes she would start laughing so hard she would turn bright red and run for the bathroom before she had an embarrassing accident. She dressed to match her personality in bright colors and prints. She loved people and people loved her, and she loved me. You see she is not technically related to me by blood. But she is one of those amazing people where that makes no difference. And I could feel that. And that meant the world to me.

Her memorial was held on the 9th of August the day before her 77th birthday. Over 200 people showed up to her service. And about a dozen people approached me to tell me how special my Grandma was and how she had changed their life with compassion and service. Truly an amazing lady.

Grandma, I will miss our long talks. I will miss your smile and witty personality. I will miss your hugs and excitement for life. But I am glad that you are no longer hurting anymore. I am glad that you can finally rest. All I ask is that you keep a good watch over me and be my angel to help guide me when I need it. Till we meet again Grandma. I love you.

Joanne Inez Ferris Mangels, 76 - Daily Inter Lake: Obituaries

Meet My Wilde Side

I told you that we had a big family photo shoot. Well here it is! Meet my Wilde side:)

So here we all are! All seven brother and sisters with their families and Mom and Dad.

This is very typical of my Dad. Always wanting to love a baby or a grandchild. He is where I get my soft side.

We attempted to take a picture by the water with everyone. It was everything but a disaster with the kids. They were getting tired and grumpy. This was the best we could do...

Just after the failed picture we had all the kids gather around a pool of water with critters in it. We figured this may be the only way to get all the kids in a picture with no tears. It worked.

As cute as it was from the front, their bums were even cuter:) I love this picture.

The women, errr I mean the spouses taking care of the babies while we had our immediate family picture taken. What is Curtis doing? Why he is trying to get every spec of sand off of Jace of course! You have to know Curtis well to fully understand that last statement.

The family I grew up in. My dad does not wear jeans:)

My brothers and sisters starting at the bottom with the oldest and working up to the youngest. We are all pretty close even though we are starting to spread out all over the place. Funny how a split family can be so tightly knit together. I love every single one of my siblings.

And finally my little family. I am so thankful that Curtis chose to become part of my crazy huge family. And we are both excited for the little one that is pictured but hidden inside of me. 7 months along in this picture.

Cupcakes from Jake

It was the year 2009 and it was my birthday. I was at the time separated from my X. He was living with his folks and I and the kids were at our home. I woke up that morning somewhat excited because my X had promised to spend some time with me since it was my birthday. We went over to my parents in laws and gathered everyone to go to the Provo Parade. My X handed me a card and an open bag of chocolates and said happy birthday. I found this strange because he had always made a big deal over my birthdays in the past... this was not a good sign. But he had promised to spend some time with me so that was at least something. After about an hour of bands playing and people waving we headed home to my place. My X then said he had to go back to his place to grab something but would be back within the hour. 3 hours past. No one came. I started to realize that day that I had truly lost any love my X had for me. It was not like him to act so indifferent to the fact I was having a birthday. I started to cry. I felt alone, and desparetely sad. Then there was a knock. It was Jake, my home teacher. He told me that as he was shopping in the store he had a feeling that he should buy and bring me some cupcakes. So there he was at my doorstep with festive fourth of July chocolate cupcakes. I told him it had been my birthday and it had not been a good one. He had no idea it was my birthday. But he had been prompted to give me cupcakes. Cake had never meant so much to me and it really lifted my spirits that day. The rest of the day did not go well with my X. But I had those cupcakes. Thanks Jake for listening to the promptings of the spirit.

This 4th of July I spent with my family at Lincoln Beach. I was wished happy birthday by many. And I was surprised to get a text from Jake letting me know that he had left cupcakes at my neighbors house for when I got home. Now I was no where miserable that day. I was happy spending time with those I loved. But it did make me feel grateful for people like Jake who take the time to try and help others out even when they are not sure why they are doing the things that they do. Because even though cake means little to me... its the action of giving and caring that truly counted that July 4th of 2009. Not to mention later on that year he gave me Curtis because he felt inspired to set us up. I owe Jake a lot. Thank you.

Hillsboro, Oregon with Cam and Karren

After we left the Seattle area we headed on a 4 hour drive back down to Hillsboro, Oregon to see and spend more time with my brother and his family. The trip was a bit difficult because Jace decided he was going to yell and fuss the entire time.

When we got there we were greeted by my brother's lovely wife Karren and their little girl Sonya. Over the next two days we simply enjoyed the company of Cam's family. Karren was an amazing host and even made us eggs Benedict and a crab pot which was much better than what we had experienced at the Crab Pot in Seattle. We also got to go to Omsi which I remembered going to when I was a child. The kids and even Curtis enjoyed looking at all the different science displays and trying to figure out all the puzzles. Here are a few pics as always.

Jace and Cole hanging out in the stroller at Omsi. Cole is such a smiley baby!

Ashton and Sonya trying to make a square out of the pieces.

You have to bring the two rings from opposite sides together on the same side... Karren was getting a little frustrated.

Make a cube out of the pieces... 20 minutes later he managed to do it and would not leave the puzzle till he had. If Curtis starts something he will always finish it.

This is a clip of Jace and Cole at Omsi just being cute.

We only stayed a short two days in Hillsboro and then headed off to Boise, Idaho to say hello to Uncle Dean and Aunt Sharron. After one night with them we finally headed home. I was personally happy to be home. It's nice to sleep in your own bed after being away for so long. I was however just a little sad to be leaving the NW. Even though I poke fun of it sometimes I really do have a soft spot in my heart for it. Thank you again to all those who made this trip possible for us! Thanks to Mom and Dad Wilde for renting out the beach house and putting the reunion together! Thanks to Ilene and Richard for letting us stay with them in Washington. Thanks to Cam and Karren for letting us stay with them and for setting up the family pictures! 

Home Away from Home

After we were done with visiting all my immediate family at Lincoln Beach we headed up to Bellevue, Washington where my Aunt Ilene and Uncle Richard live. Washington holds a special place in my heart. As a young child my family would head up to Seattle to celebrate Thanksgiving with the whole Wilde Clan every year. When we moved away from Oregon I still yearned to be with my Wilde side and even went as far as purchasing my own ticket one November so that I could be with them. As I have gotten older my draw to Washington has remained. I almost consider it more home than Oregon was even though I lived in Oregon for a good chunk of my life. Washington fits me very well and if I ended up there I would not be disappointed.

When we arrived in Bellevue we were greeted by my aunt and uncle, my cousin Garrett and his family, and Buffy my puppy cousin. The next few days we visited Pikes Market Place, Ivars fish bar, Issaquah's fish hatchery, Snoqualmie Falls, The Crab Pot, and my Grandparents. Jace had a blast with his Puppy Cousin Buffy, and we just enjoyed being in the area. Here are some pics.

Ashton and Buffy (Labradoodle)

Sage and Ashton at Fish Hatchery in Issaquah. We did not see much salmon that day because they were not migrating but we did see a few Fry (smaller baby Salmon) and lots of trout. The kids got to feed them as well.

An old looking gas station in Issaquah that Curtis really liked.

Snoqualmie Falls. You could feel the mist from way up here.

Grandpa Wilde with kids. Jace was playing in the curtains which was not appreciated by Grandma who has just finished telling us that they had been expensive.

Grandma and Grandpa Wilde with kids. I know amazing, they are all smiling! While there the kids weeded some for Grandma and Grandpa and Curtis fixed some doors for them as well. We sure do love these guys! True story.

While we were in Issaquah we ate at the XXX root-bear place. And no its not adult rated. Its just a really neat place that showcases a lot of old cars and has great rootbeer! (http://www.triplexrootbeer.com/) Jace was having a blast dancing to the music.
Here is the clip.

Ilene and Richard were great hosts! We are so thankful for their hospitality! Yet another reason I love Washington. We packed up our bags on Wednesday and started to drive back toward Oregon. It was around Auburn Washington that it occurred to me I was leaving yet again a place that I loved. Wonder when we will return... I hope sooner than later but it most likely wont be for a another few years. So long Washington. Thanks for the memories.

Beach House + Sand + Wildes = Crazy Love

It's been years since all of the Wilde Clan has been together under one roof. And since that last reunion we have added many new soldiers to the ranks. So when my Mom decided to throw together a Wilde reunion on the coast of Oregon, I was excited.

The Drive and Day 1- We arrived after three days of travel stopping in Boise to see amazing friends (Lori, and Ben) and once more in Redmond to give the kids a break. We also took the time to stop by in Albany to show the kids where Mom grew up. We arrived promptly exactly at 4PM at the beach house in Lincoln City. We then unpacked our bags and waited as other Wilde's trickled in. The beach was only a 2 minute walk from the house so we all headed that direction to walk on the beach trying to keep the kids as dry as possible tempting them with the discovery of treasure that could only be found out of the water. Jace however wandered a bit too close and was knocked over by a "wave". He was scared of the water for the rest of the trip.

Curtis Driving as always.

North Albany house that I lived in during my childhood. Whoever lives here now has removed the hedge that bordered the road and the stairs that led to the front door... oh and they painted it yellow...

Day 2- It's Independence Day!! The fourth of July was spent on the beach and lighting Fireworks. This day we actually allowed the kids to get wet. Sage had a blast playing with Ian her cousin by running out into the ocean holding hands and waiting for a bigger wave to get them. Then they would break away and RUN! Jace was cold and wanted nothing to do with the water. But enjoyed filling a bucket of sand with his cousin Natalie. And Ashton was bouncing around all over the place, playing with sand and playing in the waves. Curtis enjoyed playing with Ned's kite.

Our view from our window at Beach House.

Curtis and Jace on their way to the beach.

The Oregon Beach is COLD!

Curtis flying a kite.

Sage and Ian waiting for the next wave.

Sage running from the wave.

Ashton playing while trying to keep warm.

Later on that day we had dinner, scared our spouses with old childhood songs from our past, and enjoyed watching the fireworks that lit up the sky all along the beach.

Curtis and Me in Beach House.

Jace was petrified of the fireworks.

Ashton working he sparklers.

Around and around we go.

Only smile I got out of Jace the entire night. He was fine with the fireworks if they were far away enough and pretty enough.

Day 3- Family Pictures!!! Ok so as a family grows in small children its becomes nearly impossible to take a large group photo with all children gleefully looking at the camera. And in the end I don't believe... or let me reword that, I know for a FACT that we did not get that Perfect picture of everyone smiling for the camera. But I can say for a FACT that it was an experience that will not be forgotten. As soon as I get the results I am sure I will share.

Later on that day, some of us went to the tallest lighthouse on the Oregon Coast. Curtis and the kids went up and Jace and I stayed down (Jace was too short to be allowed to climb all those stairs). This caused  a commotion since Jace had decided over the last few days that Mom was not an adequate parental guardian and wanted NOTHING to do with me. Not sure why... but I had offended my 18 month old in some way. He did however forgive me and accepted me back as his Mom in a day or two.

Tallest Lighthouse in Oregon

Looking up the stairs from the bottom of lighthouse.

Curtis and Kids on stairs of lighthouse. Sage was very scared of the height.

Day 4- We basically packed up said our goodbyes and left. The time spent with family was crazy, loud, and fun, but was packed with a lot of love. Even my brother Andy and his newly acquired wife Marybeth made an appearance here and there while they were on their honeymoon. Talk about sacrifice!

On our way out we went with Cam and Karren and their kids and visited the shortest lighthouse on the Oregon Coast followed by the Tillamook Cheese Factory where we ate and devoured ice cream. Afterword we headed toward what I consider to be my home away from home.

Shortest Lighthouse in Oregon

Sage up top in lighthouse. She was not so scared of this one.

Jace eating ice cream at Tillamook Cheese Factory.