The Muddy Adventures

October 6, 2012

Family Photos

My sister asked me to take some family photos for her. I am NOT claiming to be a professional. I leave that to my sister-in-law, Cindy. I am happy with the results of these pictures. I do wish I would spend a little more time figuring out my "fancy" camera.

We tried getting a few "cousin" pictures without great results but this one of just K was pretty cute.

Labor Day/Xmas Celebration

This celebration took place over Labor Day weekend with our Nebraska family. We rotate years and this was the year for my mom to host. We have had an insanely dry and hot summer. Labor Day weekend blessed us with many inches of rain (remnants of a hurricane). It was much needed but wasn't exactly the best timing. It cleared up and we had plenty of fun outside. Anyway... on to the pictures!

First buggy ride! All "the Grands" love riding on this cart.

We don't exchange gifts for these events but my mom made capes for all the grands. Superman for the boys, princess or wonder woman for the girls. HUGE HIT!

Great grandma and most of the kids present. Pretty tough to get a decent one at this age. Kamden was NOT happy.

September 14, 2012

So Excited!

This home project isn't complete but I couldn't resist posted the progress pictures.

Before:

After:

That is right people... all the navy is GONE!!!!

I will post more details later. When it is done.... weeks from now. I had no idea how long it takes to install shower doors (or how much they flipping cost!).

Portland, OR

I am finally getting around to recapping the trip to Portland. Only about 6 weeks after the trip.

We had planned an anniversary trip to New Hampshire but Joe needed to be in Portland about 3 days before we were going to NH. So, we just changed the trip and headed to OR instead! It was a great choice. Loved the city and the people we got to visit while there.

This will be a quick and dirty synopsis of the trip. Mostly photos and a few captions :)

I had the day to explore on my own while Joe was working. I took full advantage and did things I couldn't drag him to. I started with the International Rose Test Garden. It was AMAZING! Hundreds of thousands of roses in bloom.

Next stop (literally across the street) was the Japanese Garden. I was able to catch a tour that was just starting. Very informative and interesting.

I bought this adorable owl at the Japanese Garden. I love him.

Ended my time alone with an amazing sandwhich at PBJs Grill food cart. Portland has city blocks full of food carts. We basically ate lunch everyday at different carts. great food!

Joe surprised me with flowers, champagne, and chocolates in the room! Love that guy :)

We explored the city the next day (including Powell Books, Voodoo Donuts) and then hit up the Bite of Oregon the next. Fun food/wine/beer festival

The next day we headed to the coast. On the way, we stopped at the Tillamook Cheese Factory. Nice tour, great cheese, amazing ice cream.

We loved the coast! Cool weather and plenty of sun. We were just in time for the last few days of Dungeness crab season. We shared a delicious whole crab at Ecola Seafood Market. We brought a bottle of local wine that we got at the festival, cheese from the factory, and sat on the beach and enjoyed. Seriously, a great day.

That evening we celebrated a great 5 years at Jake's Grill.

Other food/drink highlights from the trip include:

Tasty n Sons

Laurelhurst Market

Portland City Grill

and Russel's private grill (good food/beer/friends)!

August 19, 2012

Love a good mullet

Kamden was sporting an awesome mullet for about a month. I refused to get his hair cut before the 1st birthday mark but Joe couldn't handle it any longer. He did really great at the appointment.

The Mullet