peonies in my garden

Friday, July 11, 2014

Oregon Coast

Oregon

July 3rd - July 10th

Netarts Bay

Oceanside

Seaside

Tillamook

Canon Beach

Short Sands Beach

Astoria

You were EVERYTHING we hoped you would be!

Explorers- our family of 5, Sharon's family of 4 and Go Ute Nana

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

"I could never stay long enough on the shore; the tang of the untainted, fresh and free sea air was like a cool quieting thought." -Helen Keller

I often saw her alone...digging in the sand, jumping waves, and running on the shore. I would call to her to join us...and she sweetly declined. Her contentment was tangible. She played with the ocean like she would play with a friend.

Sunday, July 6, 2014

Oceanside, OR

One beach holds so many memories from one small trip.

a friend

We met when I was 14. I had just moved to Petaluma. I didn't know anyone. It was the summer before our first year of high school. We met at church. Attending the same church was almost all we had in common. She was tall and I was short. She was a gifted pianist and musician (still is) and I could make a mean batch of brownies from a mix. She was an excellent student, and I unfortunately was very unmotivated academically. We came from different financial backgrounds too. As different as we were, she was always kind and always there. She moved away our junior year. She returned briefly our senior year. I remember her sitting in the middle of the congregation at my farewell before I left for Argentina. Since that moment we have corresponded through letters and emails. When we decided to go to Oregon on vacation I emailed her, hoping she lived close enough that we could see each other. She drove two hours and we met in Astoria. It felt like we hadn't been separated for over twenty years. She has two beautiful boys that she adores. I am so grateful to have her as a life long friend. I hope we see each other again before we let another 20 years pass.

Friday, July 4, 2014

4th of July - Seaside, OR

Our Oregon vacation happened to fall over the 4th of July, my very favorite holiday. We wanted to see the fireworks over the ocean and we picked Seaside as our perfect spot. We were astounded at the sheer number of spectators! There were campfires and fireworks being set off everywhere before the scheduled show began. It was quite an experience...and honestly had a slight resemblance to a war zone. What a beautiful country we live in...and what a delight to celebrate from sea to shining sea.

Saturday, June 28, 2014

girl's camp 2014

It was the first year of Girl's camp for Ellie!

I was lucky enough to be asked to be an assistant camp director at the last minute (a few weeks before camp). I was SOOO happy to be there for her first year.

It was filled with archery, target shooting, strumming and singing around the fire, amazing food, laughs, a challenging hike, wonderful YW leaders...all at the Lowe's property in Argyle Canyon.