Last week when Melissa and I were visiting Grandpa we spent time looking through an old photo album of my grandparents when they were our age. It was great to see pictures of them at the beach and hanging out with their friends. Grandpa is a great storyteller and we always look forward to hearing and learning about our family. Click "Read More"

When we were visiting, he mentioned a small cemetery in Vancouver where many McIrvin's were buried and asked it we'd like to see it...Of course, we were thrilled to be invited and excited to go and learn about our heritage. The cemetery is small but so quaint. The McIrvin's have their own area along the east fence-line of the cemetery. What a beautiful place! We were very glad we got the opportunity to go.

Finally, we made it to see Auntie Helen at her new place in Port Orchard. For those of you who don't know Auntie Helen, she is my grandma's sister (my great Aunt) but she is truly like a grandma to me. Helen used to live right down the road from me where we would visit often and go out for meals. Now, it's a three hour drive...but a beautiful drive. Click "Read More"

We even got to go over the new "Narrows" bridge. At any rate, we were so happy to see her especially since she is looking so good!! Her place is awesome! Nice people, good food, beautiful grounds and apartments, definitely A+++
Just wish she was a little closer, of course.

WOW! What a trip to the farm! Unfortunately, Chris and I were unable to make it, but Parker and Grandma took the camera and documented the fun. Parker's 1st adventure was horseback riding with Roy... only to find out that when a horse gets spooked they BUCK! Everyone was O.K. but it was quite a scare. And, then of course, a trip to the farm is not complete without gathering eggs from the hen house and using them to make breakfast for lunch! Yummy waffles :) And still more fun, Parker got to go hunt for petrified wood! Trish and Roy's place could not be any COOLER! We can't wait to go next time! Click read more to hear about our trip to the beach...

To end Parker's week in Portland...Mark, Julie, & Rowan rode the train to Portland to join Grandma & Parker for their last adventure! ( A trip to Oceanside to meet up with us) After everyone arrived we headed down to the beach to relax, comb the beach and practice our kite flying abilities. In Oceanside, you have to share the skies with para-gliders as we found out when a para-glider had to push our kite aside to land!
Next week is Mark's birthday; so, to celebrate, we headed to Roseanna's for dinner. WOW! What an amazing meal...Julie has a new favorite "Baked Oysters" But I think the funniest part about our week-end was burying Parker in the sand, and giving him legs + more...

For the past week, Parker has been visiting his aunts, uncles, cousin and grandma in Portland. We have all had a blast sharing him throughout the week. He's been to the rock museum, rode the MAX, went swimming at Grandma's and the Butler's, floated the Washougal River with the Richey's & Wachlin's, and it's only Wednesday. Today we're off to the farm in Scio with Trish and Roy! Take a look at Parker in the kayak...he is a natural!

Walla Walla is a rainbow of scenic beauty -- golden hillsides, lush greens, creeks to explore, wineries and vineyards, country backroads and breathtaking views. As always, we thoroughly enjoyed our visit! But, when the weather reached 110 on Thursday it was hard to be outside...thank goodness for the Transformers movie and A\C in the theater.
click "Read More" to hear about our trip...

Our trip began on Tuesday night when Chris and I packed up the camper and drove 4 1/2 hours to Walla Walla. We were excited to break out the camper and go for a trial run before our big trip in August.
Shortly after we arrived, the Rathbun's came a knocking on the camper door (as of course, we were parked in their driveway) Months ago, Mark and Julie bought an older home to remodel and are almost finished. They hope to be done by August, so for now they stay at Dave's and we stay in the driveway! The house is going to be amazing!! I hope they keep it for awhile

The 4th of July began with a wake up call at 5:59am and bike ride around Walla Walla...which we thoroughly enjoyed. Then after our morning coffee and pastries we were off to pick up the boys and head to the property (78 acres) to explore. WOW! What a beautiful piece of property. Not only is there rolling wheat fields but also a lush green area with a creek full of life. The boys had a blast catching fish and "hermit crab" type bugs. But just make sure you don't litter on the road or else the neighbors might run you down on their quad!!

In the evening we headed to Mark and Patty's for a 4th of July BBQ and fireworks. Mark and Patty are the best hosts!! We love spending time with them and hanging out at their house. This year we got to try Jay's famous Walla Walla Sweets onion rings...yummy!!!

In the days to follow we went to the Foundry (www.wallawallafoundry.com) where we got to see Jim Dine's "Pinocchio" sculpture. Pinocchio will be 30 ft. tall and installed in Sweden. One word...AMAZING! And then the boys got to make their own sculptures out of tree bark.
We also made it to Pendleton for the Farmer's market, a wine & coffee bar, and of course the Fudge & Toy shop ( a highlight for Parker).

All in all we had a great time and can't until our next Walla Walla adventure!!