Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Playing Catch Up!

Well we are back from Canon Beach as of last night. We had a wonderful time. It was very relaxing. I have alot to catch up on this week in blog land. I only had Internet a few times at a coffee shop...talk about withdrawal. We were all going a little crazy with not being able to check in on our email. It was a good thing though, I am sure.

The weather was mostly overcast; we had one day of sunshine and one day of pouring rain. It did not seem to dampen our spirits though. We enjoyed the sound and scent of the ocean and that was just lovely. Canon Beach is one of those extremely charming seaside spots. Everywhere you look you are blessed. It was the 4th of July weekend and this place was packed I am sure, but somehow I never felt overwhelmed with folks. The beaches are so expansive and un-crowded here in the PNW. I love that.

We had one very cool surprise. My son who was not going to be able to join us, because he was just getting down off of Mt. Rainier on the 4th; decided to hop in the car on Saturday and drove seven hours from Mazama WA to spend Sat. evening and Sunday with us. We walked on the beach, had dinner, and spent the afternoon in Portland shopping and hanging around 23rd street. It was so great to see him. I have to brag on my son a bit. He spent fourteen days with 9 students and one other instructor training for a climb on Mt. Rainier. The last 1500 ft. of the climb one of the students, a football player got too sick to make the ascent. So the other instructor stayed with him, as my son led 8 students to summit Mt. Rainier. It was the first group of Outward Bound students to make this trip. Josh said when they pulled back into camp, people cheered. Two of the girls that made the trip were sisters that had lost their dad during a climb at Denali (Mt. McKinley) last year. When the girls made it to the top, they dedicated the climb to their father...my son said they cried and he cried...it was quite a moment and a wonderful achievement for all these kids.

I of course am praising God they all made it back safe and sound. I will post some pictures of the trip after Josh sends them to me.


I love how uncrowed these beaches are

Puddin Toes enjoying the ocean waves

Puddin Toes first 4th

Getting reacquainted with Uncle Josh...who is that hairy guy?

They quickly became friends again

Puddin Toes with her mom & dad

We all really missed our youngest daughter Jenna, who was in Jakarta...having an experience of a life time ...see her blog for an update

14 comments:

Knitting Mania said...

Oh Cindy, loved catching up on the fam! Loved the photo's of everyone and such a great surprise to see Josh in them. I'm so proud of him for summitting Rainerwith those students. And the story on the sisters made me cry too. Can't wait to see those photo's.

Found a few minutes to check a few blogs this morning, I've been MIA pretty much these past two weeks, but I'll be back soon!

Sis

Alice said...

What a wonderful experience for your son and the kids he climbed the mountain with. And he looks really good in the beard!

The picture of Puddin' Toes walking in the surf with her grandpa is the cutest one yet (but I think that about each new picture of her.) I love the smile on her sweet little face.

Pappy said...

Hey, good to have you back. That really looks like a beautiful place. Cloudy days aren't as depressing when the scenery is that pretty. Glad all were safe and you made it back without incident. Pappy

Strider said...

I'm glad you guys had a wonderful time. Nothing better than wearing a sweatshirt in the summertime! Very nice pictures too. Glad your back though! Ann and I missed you guys!

Nadine said...

Oh that's great about Josh joining you guys. What fun. I love the pictures of puddin toes - she's getting so big. What a little cutie pie.

nanatrish said...

What a beautiful family you have! That Puddin' Toes is a gorgeous baby. It looks like you guys had so much fun. I'm glad you are back in the saddle, but it's great that you had such a fun time. Your part of the country is so pretty. I will be coming to Seattle next June and I can't wait. I will check out your daughter's blog. I must see about her adventure. Trish

Jenna said...

This is ridiculous!!! Thinks makes me miss home real bad!!! Love the pictures though..and i like how meg is wearing my coat haha =] Looks like the beach was fun though!!!!!!!!!

Barbara said...

What a wonderful time you had,and a joy to have your son come down. No wonder you are an extra proud Mum at the moment.
Puddin Toes is growing fast.
The desserted beach looks heaven.
Not having E-mail access can be a good and bad thing. I found it time consumming dealing with over 100.
Glad you are back anyhow as I have been thinking of you.

Emancipation of the Freed said...

What a wonderful family getaway! Looks like you guys had a blast, very cool. I look forward to seeing you this weekend.

Z

Charm and Grace said...

What a gorgeous family you have, and it's obvious you're all crazy about each other. What a blessing to be surrounded by those you love (I am sure you missed Jenna, though.) I know how it is to have a family gathering and have someone be conspicuously missing.

Blessings to you and your family,
Christi

Lavinia said...

Welcome back! I missed you. What a great post to come back with....my heart melts when I see puddin toes....her sun bonnet is too precious...she is a real darling....

Your son's mountain adventure sounds breath-taking....what a moment of triumph at the summit that was...I'll bet he never forgets it.

The pacific north west....we have it in Canada too, in British Columbia...everyone I meet wants to go and see for themselves the spectacular scenery.

Charming seaside town...I think that's my destiny, you know! Thanks for the great post and pics...

Vee said...

How wonderful that you got away with your beautiful family and that your son was able to join you after all. Love seeing Puddin' Toes on the beach!

Barb said...

What a beautiful family you have.
And that Puddin Toes... what a sweet pea. I'm so glad you had a great time.

hugs,
Barb

Make mine pink said...

Oh, Cindy - I LOVED the pictures! How fabulous that Josh got to come too!!! He looks GREAT in a beard!!! Way to go, Josh!

Puddin' toes is too adorable for words....I think she gets cuter every day that goes by!

Jenna - I KNOW they missed you, but you are having a great time I'll bet!!! I think I'll visit YOUR blog next!!!

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