staying awake

Spencer takes forever to go to sleep at night (well not forever, but for a tired mom and dad, who need some alone time it feels like forever). You can often find him doing things like shadow puppets, sketching in his notebook, reading, or asking for company, food or water. Tres took this photo the other night while trying to get Spencer to "just go to sleep little bear". On the contrary...Ruben is like one of those baby dolls that close their eyes when you lay them down. He goes to sleep in no time. He has always been a good sleeper. Spencer may take a while to get to sleep but he is an early riser and sweet little morning person too. I do love what different personalities and habits each of my children do bring to the family. I love love love this picture. Had he known Tres was watching I'm sure Spencer would have insisted he join him in shadow play. 

Hard to notice in the little nest of a bed Spencer is in, but I have to share....the quilt on Spencer's bed is a quilt Tres' Grandma Duncan made for him for his high school graduation 25 years ago! The entire quilt done by hand for Tres. I just love that Spencer sleeps under a quilt his great grandma made for his dad. Who would have ever known.

ahhh

I guess I am one of those people who take pictures of their dog. Pancho is such a good buddy to us all. He loves to be my hiking companion. What a cutie. I call him my bdf...best dog friend :)

Saturday afternoon

The wonderful Oregon Coast....we are so lucky!

Christmas tree burning

We burn our tree after Christmas each year, ours we burnt in our back yard. This one is a friend's tree, and we didn't want to miss the chance to warm up on a fire at the beach. As you can see Ruben is feeling the heat, not wearing a jacket on a very cold January day. Do kids get cold?...not very often here. You cold almost wear your fleece jacket all year round and be just fine.
It was a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon with friends around the fire, up and down the dunes, surfing, and walking the beach.

texture and patterns

Ship worms perhaps?

Ripple in the sand left by the tide.

I'm just not sure what this one is, but amazing and beautiful. Like veins, maybe an animal.

I am always impressed by the patterns and textures I find in nature. Some are left by animals others left by the elements. I admire each of them, they are beautiful. Inspiring to see, I keep walking just to see what else I see.

weekending

I took this one for April, I know she would love to see these beautiful trees.

catch and release.

Everyone should have a little time to stand "alone" in the woods.

Running out to the opening from under the canopy of the trees. I love this one.

We went on a new hike for us. What a great time. Pictures on the post are from half of the hike, the rest are from the beach. It was  loop hike which started at Hobbit Trail head and went along China Creek to Washburn, then to the beach. I will  post more pics later. It was exciting hike, with new territory and a little weather that got us. A Saturday well spent with family in nature.

Being silly with Aunt Melisa

Th

The boys just love her. I do too. She is just as fun as can be, can bake and cook her way to your heart, and is one adventurous aunt. We had a nice brunch with Melisa before we set out this morning on outdoor adventure of our own. I love this series of pictures of them, reluctant to pose, but to sweet too refuse.

task well done

We are fans of the pencil sharpener around here. Sounds silly, but really. This essential tool is not only very satisfying to use but much needed to these little artists and their colored pencils and good old fashioned pencils too. I like watching Spencer concentrate on using the motion of his hand and holding the pencil just right. He went on to sharpen all the pencils that day.

18th birthday quilt made by Mom for Jake.

Jake's Strawberry Cheese Cake from Aunt Melisa

Hazelnut Chocolate mousse made by Melisa

Jake with Shannon from DMV. He got his driver's license today!

Our birthday has come and gone. Hard to believe my babe is 18 years old. I had a great day with him and the rest of my family. Ruben and Spencer indulged me in a dance party at the end of the evening. We put the camera on the counter with the timer and the three shots at a time. A little blurry but oh boy it was fun!

Fun in the sun

 

A quick ride to Siltcoos gets us out in the much needed sun. We explored this wild wild river mouth and kept our distance from the high and ferocious tide.

Welcome 2013

 

 

A new start today

Life will continue with same

I choose the new ways