On July 4th we rose early to make our way to Windy Ridge Viewpoint at Mount St. Helens. I can’t tell you how hopeful I was that we’d be able to see this mysterious mountain that I’ve visited twice, but only seen for short spurts from a far and saw for literally 30 seconds last… Read More »
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… Read More »
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… Read More »
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… Read More »
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… Read More »
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… Read More »
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… Read More »
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… Read More »
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… Read More »
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… Read More »
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… Read More »
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… Read More »
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… Read More »
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… Read More »
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… Read More »
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… Read More »
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.… Read More »
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… Read More »
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… Read More »
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.… Read More »