2016

2016 was a great year for our little family.  Jason was promoted at Amazon where he is now running is own team of newbs.  He enjoys it most of the time and gets a lot of questions like “How do I log off work so I don’t get any more calls” frequently. 

In March we took a special trip to Quinault, Washington and had some adventures.  We were able to see a giant Sitka spruce tree, many herds of Elk, and tons of waterfalls.  The area was incredibly beautiful and it was such a fun getaway with the kids.

April was a month full of driving.  We were able to visit the Raptor Center in Eugene, Oregon.  The boys all loved seeing the birds of prey!  While visiting Eugene we decided to venture on over to the Wildlife Safari.  By far the best part of the trip!  The zoo is set up as a drive-thru and the animals are able to roam around freely.  We were able to a see a rhino up close, lions and tigers, as well as bears.  During the drive-thru we were able to purchase some feed and give it to emu’s.  It was terrifying.  They just come up so close to you in your window and will literally peck you in your car.  I ended up screaming and throwing all the food out so they’d leave.  The kids will tell you that was the best part of the trip.  Also at the zoo we all took turns riding a camel!  Elliot will inform you “it only cost 5 bucks”

            Towards the end of April Jason coached Elliot’s football league.  It was a fun season.  Elliot is not much a sports guy but he loved it.  Our team was the Kansas City Chiefs and we only lost one game.  They didn’t keep an official score—but all the parents did.  Jason enjoyed coaching but it was mostly like herding cats.  Getting eight six-year-old boys to practice plays was hilarious and busy.  Regardless he is probably going do it again this year.

            In June we went camping with the Zirkers on the Oregon Coast.  Camping with three little boys is no easy task but was a lot better with all the extra help.  During the camping trip we were able to wander the beach, watch the sea lions, and make lots of delicious smores.  It was a quick camping trip but definitely the right amount of time. 

At the end of July we took a trip to the coast again but this time just with Jason’s family.  It was such a fun week of playing with our nephew Charles; going to the beach, flying kites, having a marshmallow fight in the condo, and of course delicious eats.  We were able to take a hike to a suspension bridge with all the boys one day and climbed straight down to the waterfall.  It was beautiful and slippery! The last fun thing that we did together as a family was go Whale Watching in Depoe Bay, Oregon.  It was so incredible to see the whales coming up and one even went directly in front of our boat.  They said it was the most activity they had seen in the area in over 10 years.  We can’t wait to go again next summer!

In August Elliot and I flew out to Arizona to visit with my brother, Jef, and his wife, Amber.  When we first got there Jef took us to a kids museum where Elliot could run wild.  Elliot had a great time painting, being chased by Jef through tubes, and playing with puppets.  Once we got to their house Elliot couldn’t help but jump in the pool.  We had such a great time swimming and playing with them!

September welcomed school!  Elliot is in the first grade this year and loving it.  He has an incredible teacher named Mrs. McLaughlin and she makes each day lots of fun.  Elliot’s favorite subject in school is art and he definitely excels in it.  We love seeing all the creations he comes home with.  Jude is still in Preschool and doing well.  He has made quite a few friends in class and is always excited to learn.  He is also the quietest in class—shocking I know.  Jude’s favorite subject in school is science.  He likes to practice projects at home and calls them “his creations”. 

As well in September Jason and I were able to attend his first ever concert.  We were able to see Blink-182 and All American-Rejects play.  It was a blast!

In October Jef and Amber came up for a visit.  The entire family hiked up Multnomah Falls and enjoyed the beautiful waterfall.  It was a tough hike with three little boys but it was definitely fun.  Once we got to the top we were able to look directly down as well as take another path to a creek that runs to the waterfall.

At the end of November we took a ride on the Polar Express in Hood River.  The boys all wore new Christmas pajamas and enjoyed fresh hot chocolate.  It was a fun ride on a train but it definitely would have been better at night.  We went during the day and the “North Pole” is directly located next to a junkyard of cars.  The funny part of this is that we later watched a show where they showed what the North Pole actually looked like and Elliot looked at me and said, “Mom that’s not what it looks like!  The North Pole is full of garbage!”  Thanks Polar Express….

All in all 2016 was a pretty fantastic year!  We can’t wait to see what 2017 will bring and all the brand new opportunities that come our way.  We are hoping to make more trips, have a healthy baby in June, and well just survive together!