And I thought they liked me

I guess it's going to take longer than 14 years for Eric's dad and sisters to really like me. 

Coast Christmas Part 2

Eric has been trying out some surfing.  He found out the beach we stayed at was not a good surfing spot.  I did allow him to go out to another beach early one morning.   My kids have always loved being in the freezing ocean water.  We added wetsuits to this trip and Sierra took full advantage of them.  She used my booties, hood and gloves and spent a lot of time boogie boarding in the water with Eric.  She is always willing to try a new adventure or challenge.  That first photo is of her and Eric heading out to catch a ride.

A few other fun memories that may become forgotten in years to come:
Our little white Christmas tree
The "Eyeful" tower in our rented house, such a fun spot to view the ocean
All of the kids getting to pick out a $4 souvenir at what Eric and I call the "junk store".  So many treasures to behold as a kids though
A quiet Christmas morning together
Mason enjoying football on the beach
Me leaving a whole bag of our food for the trip in the garage, oops. 
Yummy crepes at a little cafe
Eric surprising me with gifts from my favorite local boutique Emma's 
Blue, blue skies everyday!
Meeting up with Eric's family on the last day for a trip to the Aquarium and a seafood feast

Coast Christmas Part 1

We had Christmas at the coast this year and it was really wonderful.  We arrived Christmas Eve and  had a little family Christmas together in the surf and sand.  One of the best things about the trip was the sun and blue sky and the sunsets at night. 

We spent time playing games, watching movies, the kids played the Wii and loved it (we don't have one or anything like it), Eric tried to surf, got a lot of use out of the boogie boards, spent time in the hot tub, went to the Aquarium, ate seafood and dug in the sand.  It was beautiful there, we really love the Oregon Coast.  

Santa Cross

Eric talked his mountain biking buddies into doing a Cyclocross race.  It was wet, cold and snowy but that is the way a Cyclocross race should be in the winter.  I tried hard to catch a picture of Seth puking but I don't know if he ever did.  It would have been a really great one.  The kids race was full of happy little faces and mud.  Congrats to all of the mountain bikers turned 'Cross for a day. 

Fall Leaves

The leaves are long gone now but there were a lot to clean up during fall.  Allie and Garrett like to create contraptions to help them with their work.  This was a"leaf trailer" system.  I am not sure it really helped get more work done but they were having fun together. 

Thanksgiving

We had a nice quiet Thanksgiving this year.  My parents came to town and stayed for 4 days!  Grandma C helped the girls sew some skirts and Grandpa helped Eric work on the new chicken structure.  I am very thankful for both of my parents and their many talents and skills.  We were all very happy they came!

Baby J

Trends

I am loving these colors and prints right now. 

Happy 2014!