• Oregon Travels
    Travel

    West Coast Trip:Day 10 Oregon Coast

    May 26, 2017 - By 

    Day 10 was all about the Oregon Coast. We started off with a lumberjack breakfast at Camp 18 Restaurant. This place is a must see. Every time Rob and I drive up the coast we stop and get pictures outside, our friends who usually follow behind on their motorcycles love to take videos of the landscape we pass by, but they do have to be careful because one of them almost fell of their motorcycle trying to get the perfect scenery shot, that day would have ended up either in a hospital or talking all night with their motorcycle accident…

  • Garden of the Gods
    Travel

    Garden of the Gods

    May 10, 2017 - By 

    Garden of the Gods is a public park located in Colorado Springs, CO. It became a National Natural Landmark in 1971 and it is SO worth a visit next time you are in Colorado Springs. The beautiful red rock formations that tower above are quite mesmerizing. It is a rock climbers dream and you will see folks climbing, although we didn’t notice any while we were there. After taking a short drive from our hotel, we turned into one of the parking lots and to our surprise, a lady in the car next to us rolled her window down and…

  • Buffalo Chicken Meatballs - Crockpot These Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are so easy and can be made in the crockpot. You can also make them ahead of time and freeze and just double the crockpot time. Perfect for parties or potluck dinners.
    Appetizers & Snacks

    Buffalo Chicken Meatballs {Crockpot}

    May 3, 2017 - By 

    Last year for Drew’s homecoming dinner, a group of his friends were meeting up for pictures and dinner at a friend’s house. My responsibility for the meal was to bring an appetizer. Buffalo Chicken Meatballs in the crockpot is what I finally decided to try. They turned out great and were quite a hit with the entire group. I love that these Buffalo Chicken Meatballs can be prepared ahead of time and even frozen until you’re ready to throw them into the crockpot. Servings: 25 Prep Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 2 hours Ingredients: 1 lb. ground chicken 3/4 cup…

  • Driving from Newport, Oregon to Portland? Here's somethings you should stop at see on the way!
    Travel

    West Coast Trip:Newport to Portland

    May 2, 2017 - By 

    Continuing with our family adventures on the West Coast as we leave Newport and head to Portland, Oregon. 1st stop was the Yaquina Bay and Yaquina Head Lighthouses. Such a beautiful lighthouse and natural area. It was quite foggy that morning, which made for some cool pictures. 2nd stop was the campus of Oregon State University in Corvallis, OR. We found this be a beautiful campus with lots of cool buildings, old and new. We also went to OSU’s Hatfield Marine Science Center, which has free to get in. They just ask for donations. I highly recommend this if you’re…

  • Travel

    West Coast Trip:Florence & Newport

    April 8, 2017 - By 

    Our drive up the coast of Oregon continued as we left Cottage Grove Oregon and headed to Newport, stopping a few times for some fun activities, like going to Sand Dunes, Sea Lion Caves, Thor’s Well, and more. First stop was Florence, OR for Dune Buggies ATVs. When we were researching we came to the realization that Dune Buggies for individuals really isn’t a thing you can do anymore. The thing now is driving ATV’s over the dunes. I really didn’t want to drive so Rob and I were in one and the kids each had their own ATV. Let…

  • Travel

    West Coast Trip:Day 7

    March 30, 2017 - By 

    On our 7th day West Coast adventure, we got up and checked out of the cabin. We drove up to Crater Lake Lodge, which was built in 1915 and is listed as in the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Beautiful log cabin feel with gorgeous views of Crater Lake. We enjoyed the view a little more, but since we saw most of what there was to see the day before at Crater Lake we ended up not staying as long as first planned. We continued on our journey north as we drove to Cottage Grove, but made several stops…

  • Travel

    West Coast Trip: Crater Lake

    March 25, 2017 - By 

    On our 6th day of adventures on the West Coast, we got up and left Eureka and continued north towards Crater Lake. We made a quick stop at Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center in Orick, CA. We used the bathroom and took a quick peek inside. They have an informational desk, exhibits, bookstore, etc. We enjoyed walking out back where there’s a boardwalk to the shore and some informative signs about Tsunamis among other things. There was a cool bird’s nest we observed as well. We later stopped in Cave Junction, Oregon for lunch at a Dairy Queen. Then, we…

  • Travel

    Spring Training Trip 2017

    March 22, 2017 - By 

    In recent years, my family has traveled down to Florida to stay with Rob’s Gramma and enjoy some baseball during Spring Training. This year was no exception. It’s always interesting to visit new spring training ballparks as they are all different for better or worse. Wednesday, we left after work and drove to Rob’s Gramma’s house in Spring Hill, Fl. We got there in the middle of the night and went straight to sleep. The next morning we visited a bit and then got on the road to Sarasota. We checked into the hotel (Ramanda). This hotel is located on…

  • Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus
    Life

    Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus

    March 21, 2017 - By 

    Recently we went to the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, since they are calling it quits. We drove up to Duluth, GA. If you’re planning to attend in these last few weeks, I highly recommend you get there for the Preshow that starts an hour before the circus starts. You get to go down on the floor watch and interact with the performers. Here’s several shots I got from the floor. We took a quick restroom break before the show started and then went to find our seats. This guy was hanging out near the restroom. Spectacular beginning…

  • Alex’s 13th Birthday
    Life

    Alex’s 13th Birthday

    March 13, 2017 - By 

    Alex turned 13 last week. His actual birthday was on Tuesday, so we celebrated by taking him to Mikata (his favorite choice). Then, on Saturday we had a party at Surge Trampoline park. They were so tired they couldn’t even stand for the picture! Jumping for 2 hours = hungry and thirsty boys! So we brought them to CiCi’s for lunch. One of the boys got Alex a doll! It was quite a hit. Click the link below to see more pics from the party! https://www.flickr.com/photos/tags/alex13thbirthdayparty

  • Medieval Fantasy Themed Wedding
    Photography

    Medieval Fantasy Themed Wedding

    March 9, 2017 - By 

    Rob’s cousin, Tara, recently got married. We drove down to Spring Hill Florida, which is about an hour north of Tampa. She had a Medieval Fantasy Themed Wedding at the Nature Coast Botanical Garden. It was lots of fun. Tara worked her fingers to the bone, but did a great job of delegating help that weekend. If you also want to have this kind of wedding, then you may start inquiring for affordable all-inclusive wedding packages with options for wedding ballrooms. And for grooms who still don’t have any ideas what to wear on their wedding day, you may consider…

  • West Coast Trip Day 5 - San Francisco to Eureka, CA - Golden Gate Bridge - Wine Country - Redwoods
    Travel

    West Coast Trip:Day 5

    March 4, 2017 - By 

    On Day 5 of our West Coast trip, we checked out of our hotel and head towards the Golden Gate Bridge. We drove over it and then stopped for some photos. It was a chili, foggy day. We drove through Wine Country and stopped at a couple different wineries. The first one was Milano Family Winery. The lady there was friendly and educated us a bit on a few of their wines. We tasted a couple and ended up buying a bottle of Big A$$ Blonde, which is a white wine with fruity undertones. We paid around $15, I believe.…

  • Winter Retreat 2017
    Life

    Winter Retreat 2017

    February 26, 2017 - By 

    Every February our church rents out Shocco Springs for 2 retreats that happen simultaneously. For the last 6 or so years, Drew has been in youth so he’s gone to the youth part of the retreat which is called Winter Retreat. The rest of us usually go to the Family Retreat that happens just up the hill. This year since Alex is now part of youth, he attended Winter Retreat. Rob and Drew are both Disciple Group leaders, so they went as leaders. So that left me, to either go to the Family Retreat without my family, stay home, or…

  • Travel

    Gatlinburg 2017

    February 10, 2017 - By 

    We enjoyed another annual ski trip with the Scouts again this year. Last year I stayed back to deal with moving and organizing stuff after having the carpet installed. This year, I went so that Caitlyn wouldn’t have to pay for a room by herself. As usual we caravanned up there Friday night arriving around 1 am. The next morning the scouts got up and gallivanted through Downtown Gatlinburg, while Caitlyn and I decided to explore Gatlinburg on our own. We walked around and shopped and then ate an early lunch at Bennett’s Pit BBQ, which is my favorite place…

  • Trombones vs. Trumpets 2017
    Life

    Trombones vs. Trumpets 2017

    February 2, 2017 - By 

    Sunday was the Annual Bodie Bowl, where the trombones and trumpets wage war on the football field. The intense rivalry begins on the marching field every August when the band convenes to prepare for the upcoming AU football season. Even after the last note is blown, the last flag is popped, and instruments, equipment, and uniforms are returned, this staunch rivalry never dies. To continue the tradition, these 2 sections of the band meet on the football field not to march in concordance, but to see who can cross the goal line more. Here’s a few pics from the action……

  • Sugar Bowl Weekend 2017
    Travel

    Sugar Bowl Weekend 2017

    January 27, 2017 - By 

    When we found out that Auburn was going to the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans, we decided we would go. We were able to get 2 tickets since we have 2 regular season tickets. Drew would be going with the Auburn University Marching Band (AUMB). They left Friday, Dec. 30th first thing in the morning. We left that morning too, but not as early because Rob hadn’t been feeling great. We stayed in Baton Rouge with Rob’s cousin and her family from Friday till Tuesday. We watched lots of football, played games, and just enjoyed visiting. Saturday, Rob and I…

  • Christmas Day 2016
    Life

    Christmas Day 2016 in Pics

    January 19, 2017 - By 

    Christmas was a little odd this year, since we got back from our cruise on Christmas Eve. Santa must have been hungry! Pics of our tree before opening presents We enjoyed the Christmas Day service at church Drew actually smiled for a photo with gift from Santa! Excited about my gifts! Family pic at church since none of us really in the mood beofre getting to church After church we headed up to Moreland to spend the day with Rob’s family. The calm before the cooking storm… This is Sweetie…she makes me laugh. My nephew staring in to space My…

  • Carnival Paradise {5 Day Western} Christmas Cruise
    Travel

    Carnival Paradise {5 Day Western} Christmas Cruise

    January 14, 2017 - By 

    Embarkation Day We spent the weekend before Christmas in Spring Hill, FL visiting with Rob’s Gramma, Grampa, Mom, and others. We celebrated Gramma McMahon’s birthday that Sunday. Then, on Monday we loaded up and headed down to the Tampa Cruise port. We always arrive at the port around 11am. Even though the cruise documents say you start checking in at 1pm that’s not true. Here’s everyone walking from the long-term garage to the cruise port and then Drew and Caitlyn after we checked in and were waiting for our group to be called so we could board the Carnival Paradise.…

  • Recipes

    Banana Nut Bread Muffins

    January 5, 2017 - By 

    My Granny was one of the best cooks around. One of my favorite things she made was her banana nut bread. When I started making the bread, I decided I’d like them to easier to eat on the go, so I made them into muffins. Just as good, just easier to eat on the run. So yummy and convenient. Granny would be proud. Servings: 12 Prep Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 1 hour 1 1/2 cups sugar 1/2 cup oil 2 eggs 1/2 cup buttermilk 1/4 tsp. salt 1 1/2 cups ripe mashed bananas 2 cups flour 1 tsp. vanilla…

  • Life

    Memories of the Month {12.2016}

    December 31, 2016 - By 

    This month I was happy about: going on a cruise right before Christmas. Christmas Cruise This year I’m going to rate the books & movies. Here’s my rating system: ♥ ♥ = Love it! A must read/see! ♥ = Really good! Highly recommend. ✓ ✓ = Good, not great ✓ = Not much to talk about X = Awful. Total waste of time Movies I watched were: Rogue One ✓ ✓ Hackshaw Ridge ♥ ♥ Christmas Belle ♥ TV Shows I watched were: Prison Break (Netflix) – finished it! ♥ ♥ One Tree Hill (Netflix) – finished it! ♥ ♥…