Vacation

We've been on vacation - thus the lack of blog posts. Yes, we've been home for almost a week now, but sometimes it just takes that long to get settled. Did I say 'unpacked'? No... we still have a little bit more unpacking to do, but we're finally feeling settled. It's just been that kind of crazy week. :o)

So here's some pics from our vacation. It wasn't a real vacation I suppose, but for a couple days it sure felt like it! What happened is that Travis had to go to Woodburn, OR for two weeks of training for his new position at work, so we decided that I would come out with the kids for the weekend so we could spend time together.

Our drive out there wasn't too crazy except for the 50+mph winds through the Columbia River Gorge the entire way - but it sure was beautiful and sunny! The kids were so excited to be there when we arrived that they just stretched out on the hotel bed for a while and relaxed (no room for mommy, but it made for a cute picture).

On the Saturday we were together we drove with Grandpa and Grandma up to Seaside for lunch, a little bit of time on the beach (it was SO foggy and cold!), some time in the arcade for Andrew and Travis, and some great salt water taffy (that we later found out was made in Salt Lake City, UT)!! Then we drove down the coast with a quick stop at the Tillamook Cheese factory for some ice cream. The kids had so much fun!!

After our post-church naps on Sunday afternoon we drove out to Silver Falls for a short hike and snapped a few pictures there as well. It was SO hot outside, but it sure was beautiful!!!

The rest of our time out there was spent working (the kids were SO patient with me), but the trip was wrapped up with a great surprise.... we finally got a second car!!! I work for a medical transportation company and the guy that my boss gets their cars through gave us an INCREDIBLE deal on a used 2010 Toyota Corolla, so with the gas savings over our Jeep it pays for the small car payment. Travis said we should name her "Lola" the Corolla, but then Andrew insisted that we give her a last name so he named her "Lola Zucchini". That's too much for me so I just call her "Liz". It'll be fun to see what name sticks. So far she's been perfect for us - what a blessing!!

Maybe we ought to go on 'vacation' more often... :o)