Kloe and I went home to Oregon for Tanner's graduation at the end of May. Everyone was home (except Jesse, who had school and Drill), and we had so much fun. Jake brought his girlfriend, McKenzie (whom I love)and a friend who he works with.
With all of the excitement of having everyone around, here's what we did:
One night we went to Indian Lake and got our family pictures taken professionally, then enjoyed chicken fajitas, smores, corn on the cob, and even roasted Starbursts. (It's a Utah thing...thanks, McKenzie!)It stormed for a short while, which ended up being perfect...no bugs and less heat.
Another night, ALL of us went to Tanner's baseball awards. He pretty much got all of the awards (of course) including player of the year for the entire league and 1st team All-state.
After the awards, we went to Josh's for a bbq where we got to see a bunch of family and friends who were down for graduation (the next day). I enjoyed visiting with everyone and Kloe loved playing with all of the kids.
Graduation was HOT. Kloe hadn't had a nap and the gym was about 100 degrees, so I was holding her trying to get her to fall asleep. By the end of it I was about to pass out. She finally zonked out not too long before we left the school...of course!
After the stresses of graduation had passed, Mom, Dad, Hannah, Tanner, Graysen, Kloe and I went to the Oregon Coast for four days. The trip was perfect, including the weather. Kloe loved the ocean and even devoured the clam chowder at Mo's. Despite all of the potty stops and little corals with Graysen, she was a pretty good girl. 
On the way, we stopped at the fish hatchery (I forget which dam is is) and fed the fish. The kids loved it!
The first day at the coast we went to the OSU Aquarium (it's the cheapest) and the kids got to touch the starfish and other marine life. Kloe even got to touch the octopus. It grabbed her finger with its suction cup things and she freaked out. She talked about it the entire trip. Fun day!
This is the vehicle we parked next to (not too close), and I'm glad I got a few shots before we went in, because the obvious owner was on his way out as we were walking in.
Mom, Tanner and Graysen headed back early for a job interview and Dad, Hannah, Kloe and I took our time making our way back. We stopped at a fellow radio operator's in Dallas (near Western Oregon University), which was adventurous in itself. We missed the exit to skirt Portland and decided to stop at the temple since we were so close. I hadn't been there since our wedding almost five years ago, and Dad hadn't been since Gertch and Papa were sealed over ten years ago. I wanted Kloe to see where her mom and dad got married. It was just as I remembered it...green and beautiful.
Our last stop (well, planned stop that is) was at Multnomah Falls. 
It was a long day, but relaxing and enjoyable at the same time. Of course as soon as we got home, there was more on the agenda. My cousin, Torin graduated the next day so we went in to Pendleton to celebrate with an enchilada dinner and family.
Last, but not least...Dad INSISTED that we all get our pictures taken in the family outhouse that he inherited. It's planted in his backyard with the rest of the garden. Maybe it's for fertilization??? Kloe actually went in it, surprisingly! I hope nobody drove by and saw us hillbillies AKA the Mitchells.
this looks like it was such a fun trip erica! i love all of the pictures. i especially love the pictures of the trucks. . .oh man. :)
ReplyDeleteIt looks like you two had a great time and you got some gorgeous pictures!
ReplyDeleteVery cute pictures. It was fun to see you guys!
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