Mer's Dance Recital

Mer had been taking dance lessons once a week since January. Because she started later, she was feeling a little behind, so she started taking private lessons once a week also. Oh my... those lessons really paid off! She looked fantastic on stage!

Her expressions, her smile, her moves... she looked like she was having SO much fun. It made it fun to watch!

It was pretty special that we also got to see Johnna and Natalie dance.

Mer Mer loved that Gramma came to watch, and brought her flowers!

Mer loved her dance teacher, MaKayla.

First Summer Camping Trip

Such a fun way to kick off the summer!

Our new trailer! We decided to upgrade... the girls were growing out of their beds!

Merilyn decided that it was time for the training wheels to come off of her bike. So, on our camping trip to Champoeg Park, she left the training wheels at home and just brought her bike. Daddy ran beside her for a bit - (not too long, actually!) and she had it! Then, all she wanted was to ride her bike around and around the campground.

Gramma and Alison had an art lesson while Mer and Daddy zipped around the campground.

In order to keep up with Merilyn, Trav decided to jump on Ali's scooter. 

It was such a nice camping trip. Beautiful weather and lots of walks. Trav loved hiking along where the old settlement & the streets used to be.

May 2015 - Outdoor School

Outdoor School

by Alison

I was super nervous about Outdoor School, but once I got there, I never wanted to leave! The weekend before, my dad and Grandma Barb helped me pack. My dad was very picky about what I packed... I always had to have an extra something. (Although, at times I was glad he made me bring that something!)

On Tuesday, my dad drove me to school. I was with friends, and felt comfortable They started to load busses and I said goodbye to my dad and Merilyn. The drive to the camp was LONG! I fell asleep for a part of the drive.

I was in a cabin with my friends, Savannah, Olivia, Natalie, Shay and Madison. 

My cabin group.

My super-awesome counselor, Fable.

The first day's field study was really boring... it was all about the Earth. I'm pretty sure my feet about froze off. After dinner that night, my cabin had to wash dishes... but it was really fun! Then we went to campfire to sing songs. It was so fun!

Savannah; my cabin mate, friend, and locker partner!

On the second day our field study we went to the beach, got in tide pools, dissected squid, and played super fun games.

After lunch we had cabin time, and then we took a walk around the campsite. We had another study, and then recreation time. Some kids went on the beach and others went on a hike.

My friends, Maya and Savannah.

Tonight we did something extra special. We went on a night hike! It was pitch black! First, we sat in a circle with a candle, and we got to eat moon rocks. Next, we went on the beach and took our magical glasses to look at the moon and stars. Then, we went in the forest and sat in a circle. One of the counselor announced an ultimate challenge... no one can talk until morning to get a glow-in-the-dark bead (for our camp necklaces). Savannah and I linked arms and walked back to the cabin with the others. 

The tree ceremony on the last day.

I woke up and it took a minute to realize where I was! For our last field study we went on a hike which was so much fun! Then we had lunch and more cabin time. After that we did "Life and Death" in the forest. I hated it! I ripped my pants and fell in the mud. :(

But still, I had a great time at camp! I think that I will be a counselor when I get into high school!!

Spring Highlights

Actually, these photos were from the winter, but I just love them, so I include them everywhere. :)

Another choir concert for Ali at Oregon City HS. It included both junior high choirs, and the high school choirs. It was pretty amazing!

A field trip to the zoo with the first graders.

A science experiment with Ali's 6th grade science class.

Mer's Spring Concert (April)

Merilyn had her Spring Musical concert this April for 1st and 2nd grade... and she was so cute! They were asked to dress up, which she loves to do, of course!

There were a lot of kids!

We had pretty good seats, but Mer was in a spot that was a little tricky for me to get great pictures. It didn't matter though, she was singing her heart out. :)

The show got to be a little long... there were a lot of speaking parts in between the songs... the kiddos (and the parents watching) were starting to get a bit restless.

My baby is growing up!

Ali's Birthday

Somehow, this girl turned 12. I know I've said this before, but it's crazy how fast the time goes. It seems just like yesterday this young lady was a little, chubby toddler standing at the window waiting for Daddy to come home from work. :)

She took a few friends to Bullwinkle's for a day of fun and adventure!! :) We started with pizza and sundaes... and then the kids put on their bracelets and hit the rides and games. (Stomachs full of pizza and ice cream shouldn't be a problem, right?!)

 All of the gang in front of the lazer tag room.

Mer and Johnna enjoyed all of the rides as well. :)

On the night of her *real* birthday, Alison picked Canton Grill for her restaurant. She said she'd been craving rice and shrimp. Her biggest and best present was the iPhone from Grammy. (And approved by Daddy, of course!)

Happy Birthday Baby Girl!

Christmas Morning 2014

We started at home with the four of us opening a few presents. Then it was on to Aunt Casey's for more presents, games, and dinner.

Mer loved her present for Ali... a gift card wrapped up in a great big box! She was giggling the whole time Ali unwrapped each level of tissue paper!

After dinner, it was on to Gramma's scavenger hunt around the house. Each stop was a clue with a fun present for each girl.

Another special Christmas with our family. 

Merry Christmas!