Halloween 2015

October 2015

Mer's costume ideas changed several times before Halloween and, in fact, a couple of nights before going out, it changed yet again. This time to a scarecrow. Fortunately, we could make that work with what we had at home.

Ali knew she was going to be a zombie, but originally thought she was going to be a zombie volleyball player. We couldn't figure out how to to make that work without her being freezing cold (and ruining her volleyball uniform!) So she decided to be a zombie teenager instead.

I think they both turned out pretty great!

Daddy took them out for a little while, but it RAINED so much and so hard, it was short lived.

It was CRAZY!! The girls were soaked through! There were a few neighbors that were actually surprised to see anyone out in the weather!

Volleyball 2015

Ali participated in a volleyball camp this summer put on by the Oregon City High School volleyball players. So fun! It was just the boost of confidence she needed for her 7th grade season.

Her playing ability and confidence has grown by leaps and bounds since last year... it was so fun to watch!

Ali was on the same team with a couple of her best friends, so it was even more fun for her this year. She's already planning for next year... :) Go Ali!

Disneyland June 2015

Every time we go to Disneyland I tell the girls, "This is the last time we're coming here!" And yet, somehow they get me back. This time it was to meet Trav's dad, Ken, his wife, Karen, and their granddaughter, Marisa. Karen and Marisa had never been to Disneyland, so it was a necessary trip. :) Trav's brother, Ross, was able to to squeeze in a couple of days between work shifts, too! The girls were SO excited to have all of these people with them.

We decided to try something different this year... we drove down with our trailer and camped there. (Ken, Karen, and Marisa flew in and stayed at the hotel across the street from Disneyland, and Ross stayed with us.) The campground was pretty nice, although we were only there to shower and sleep!

Ali's favorite things were getting to see Grandma and Grandpa, Marisa and Ross. She loved being able to show Marisa and Grandma everything for the first time. Her favorite ride was the Cars ride... although we stood in line for almost two hours!!

Meri's favorite part was... everything! She especially liked the fact that Uncle Ross and Marisa were with us this time. She liked all of the rides; she even tried the giant roller coaster with Daddy! (That pretty much gave Mommy a heart attack!)

We met Ken and Karen at their hotel each morning and walked to the park. I think we covered every inch of that place! (Except the Peter Pan ride... it was closed for renovations.) The rides that we went on the most were: Splash Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean.

One of the mornings we had breakfast at Goofy's Kitchen. The food is always amazing, and the girls got to meet a bunch of characters.

On the last night we were in the park we stayed to watch the Light Parade and show. It was so cool when they were playing "Let it Go" and it started snowing! I thought the girls were going to all flip! :) It was such a fun way to kick off the summer! It was even more special that we got to introduce our favorite place to Karen and Marisa for the first time. :) 

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!!