Camping in the Sun

One of Jeff's favorite memories growing up is the Melvard family vacations to Sun Lakes. Since we started dating, Jeff talked about taking me to this special place. This summer, with Lily to share in the tradition and memories, he insisted we go. We took advantage of Jeff's parents being in town for a few weeks and headed east for a long weekend. It was the first time I filled my memory card...so there are lots of pictures to remember our fun time there. The whole trip was filled with stories about the infamous Melvard vacations and it was fun for Lily and I to get to experience a few of the traditions, too.

While Jeff and Scott went golfing, Karin, Lily and I met up with them to walk the course.

Jeff's family used to pack up coolers and beach supplies and spend the day at Summer Falls. We did the same and enjoyed lounging by the water, fishing, and hiking around the falls.

There was plenty of time to relax and hang out around camp. We went for walks, played in the water, played games and just enjoyed time together.

Lily enjoyed Grandma Kay's cooking tools.

Lily wasn't sure what she thought of the water, but Jeff loved sharing his special places with her.

All tuckered out!

A shot of Sun Lakes from above...Isn't it amazing?

This was Lily's first time in a motor home. It was my first time, too!

Notice the horses in the background.

Lily playing in the tent waiting for everyone else to wake up.

Lily and Papa had lots of fun playing together. Papa was particularly impressed when Lily had an explosive diaper and got poop all over Jeff.

Looking forward to doing it all over again next summer!

Neskowin

Neskowin is a little town on the Oregon Coast of little consequence except to those lucky enough to grow up there. My dad went with his family as a boy, and I have been going to Neskowin almost every summer since I was just a few years old. This year I had the joy of continuing on the tradition and sharing the ocean with Lily. Going to Neskowin is always a special time for me. I love bundling up to go for walks in the sand (because Neskowin is almost always encased in fog), chasing waves, watching sunsets, eating at the cafe, shopping, playing games, and being reminded of how great and powerful God is through his creation; but most of all I love the time I get to spend with family.

On the way down, everyone stopped to have a picnic with Nana Bea.

Lily loves spending time with her Grandma and Boppo!

Fun on the beach...
Lily was most interested in eating the sand, so she didn't spend much time on the ground.

This year we had a campfire on the beach with smores. Hopefully a new yearly tradition!

The dogs love the beach, too!

Lily got tired shopping and fell asleep sitting on Boppo's lap. So sweet!

In the evenings, after the little ones had gone to bed, we would play a game to earn money by answering questions. At the end of the week, we use the money we have earned to bid on mystery items at an auction. I did very well this year because I submitted the most questions.

Thanks Boppo and Grandma for another great year at the beach filled with so many fun memories!

Lake Cushman

At the end of July we went with some amazing friends to spend a long weekend at this great cabin To enjoy this beautiful lake...and our own private cove.Jeff and Lily had fun playing in the water.Sadie was certainly the happiest of all! Jeff would throw her Frisbee off the deck and then Sadie would run down the path, jump off the dock, and swim to retrieve it back.Lily and Bridgett had lots of fun playing together. They are looking forward to next summer when their new friend, baby Dekokker, joins them!
The boys had fun playing ping pong on the grass.And we all enjoyed some time hiking.

Lily loves being out in nature and exploring all the plants.

Bridgett had too much fun and needed a little nap before continuing on.

This is the second summer we have been blessed by the Klein's to enjoy their cabin. We cherish this time to get away with our good friends, relax, play games, and laugh together. Now we have the fun of watching our kids share in these experiences and become friends too.

What a great weekend!

Visitors

We have had some visitors in our yard recently. Usually the deer leave evidence of their visits by eating some of our favorite plants. This evening they must have decided the plants were worth putting up the with paparazzi.