August

We started the month enjoying a short hike and a refreshing time playing with friends

 

The most convenient way to get a haircut - thanks, coronavirus! 

More Sunday afternoon adventures . . .

Even though we'd recently been together in Oregon, we gratefully received Kaye K and Big Daddy for a few days as they were traveling for work.  These photos may or may not accurately describe the kids' relationships with each of their grandparents - ha!

Uncle Steve hooked us up with seats on his trolley tour, and Rooke got to join us!

Uncle Steve and Aunt Vallerie treated the kids to a very special day away in Luray.  They explored the Luray Caverns, played in a ropes course, and did a bit of scenic driving and walking through the Shenandoahs.  The kids had a blast!

The Rest of July: Oregon

Despite this summer being different in almost all ways possible, we were so grateful to still make a trip to Oregon.  Sadly, because of travel restrictions due to COVID, Ryan was not able to join us.  And with the border closed, the McTaggart family was not able to drive down.  Their absence was deeply felt.  But the kids I and masked up and took off to make the most of the opportunity to be in the Pacific Northwest for a couple weeks.  It was definitely worth it!

Travel these days looks a little different than it used to:

I love traveling with my kids

When in Oregon during the month of July, we aim to be outside as much as possible!  Daily walks, badminton, hikes, and picking raspberries were some of the fun outdoor activities we enjoyed.

So many berries to pick on the beautiful island of Sauvie.  

Even on vacation, quiet morning reading is a must.

Meet-up day with Jessie and her kids - my first non-family hug since coronavirus restrictions!  While the kids played, Jessie and I tried to talk as fast as possible to cover as many topics as possible before the day was done - ha!  Lunch at the taco shop and sharing horchata was the cherry on top.

A trip to Dairy Queen on National Ice Cream Day

We drove over to visit Nana and stay one night with her.  What a treat!  Watching my kids build memories with their great grandparent is a deep blessing, not to mention how wonderful it is for me to get to spend time with this precious woman of faith I get to call Nana.

The girls love playing with all of Kaye K's scarves

Kaye K patiently let the grandkids "help" her play iPad games

Bridgette and Finnick worked on a sand creation

a comparison on how sisters eat watermelon:

Family vacations always include a LOT of playing games.

The gorgeous Oregon coast

A beautiful hike out to "God's Thumb", seen behind the kids in this photo:

Kaye K and Uncle Konnor get the prize for best involvement in the water balloon fight this year. 

Thank you, Kaye K and Big Daddy, for reserving the vacation house, and for making the week at the coast one with lots of wonderful memories.

One last night of fun with the cousins before we head home.  Rooke let the younger boys play "on" him, providing entertainment for the rest of us =)

Kaye K surprised the kids with Sunday morning doughnuts before we left for the airport.

Masked up and ready to fly home to see Ryan!