Family Vacation '06-Part Two

We almost didn't go on our "round-two" of our summer vacation, due to weather. But we're glad that we changed our minds...last minute. The weather was beautiful and we had lots of time to spend on the beach. And while we were there, we stopped at the outlets, took in the movie, Pirates...and ate dinner at Mo's. Yumm!



Brittany brought her friend from church, Hannah. They had a blast together and we enjoyed having her along.

Sunset at Lincoln City

And, weather permitting, you just have to see the sunset over the Pacific Ocean. Over the years, we have captured many in pictures, and every one is beautiful. Even this one, which wasn't quite as colorful as others we have seen, didn't disappoint.

Lonerock

Lonerock...population? I think it may be 22, but don't quote me on that. All I know is that our longtime friends, Candi and Andy Beebe share their wonderful place with us whenever we want to come and visit with them and it's a great place to really get away from it all.

Family Vacation '06-Part One

I'll try to give you a little taste of what it's like...




Our time in Lonerock is very laid back...one of the best reasons to go...to relax with great friends!







One of the last things we like to do before leaving Lonerock is visiting Candi's parents. It's always a treat to see them!


As you have already seen, there is history everywhere in Lonerock. On the drive home through the prairies, we always enjoy seeing the old homesteads dotted throughout the fields. I like to try to picture them in their glory days and wonder about the family that started it all. Also, other old buildings throughout Lonerock are ah, so interesting.

Friesen Family Fun on the Fourth

We started our day with a trip to Dallas, OR to visit Friesen family that we haven't seen in ages. We stopped by Dennis and Marci's first, because they had a prior commitment to man the fireworks booth in town and wouldn't be able to come to the Friesen get-together later on in the day. It was a wonderful visit and made us realize even more just how much we have missed them! Thanks for the tour of your gardens, too, Dennis and Marci!




The Friesen picnic was great! We enjoy laughing and catching up with everyone. Sometimes, we wish that we lived in Dallas, too, so that we could see veryone more often.

A Small-Town Celebration on the 4th

Andy and Vanessa joined us about an hour before the fireworks show on the Columbia River here in St. Helens, OR. My mom also joined us, so we all got a turn with Rile' until the big show. By the way, she did great during the fireworks. We were a little worried because of all the noise, but she loved it!...Rile' did too!! :-)

I haven't figured out, or should I say, taken the time yet, to figure out how to take some worthy fireworks shots with the digital camera. Maybe next year. But, here's to our independence and continued freedom!

Butterflies are free

Andy and Vanessa are planning a "butterfly wedding" next summer. So, I've been taking advantage of "our regulars" that we see all day long to take some shots for the invitation wanabees. It gives me a chance to just sit in the grass and wait for them to arrive once again.
Usually doesn't take very long. I love it. They are so beautiful!