Seaside.... Rainy, Rainy Seaside

One of the plans we made with Grandma and Pa and Kristy and Steve was to go to the beach while they were here. So here we went. It was a fun, fun day, in spite of the typhoon. Or maybe... because of the typhoon.

Seriously, we stepped out of our cars and met up with quite the monster rain storm. "Rain, on the Oregon coast? Well I never." It drove us indoors to the absolutely darling Seaside mall. Here we are riding the carousel.

After perusing the shops (one of the best toy shops EVER is at this mall) and impressing my children with my mad Centipede skills at the vintage arcade, we made it to the candy shop. Free taffy samples, hello??

And bacon and chocolate Twinkies???

At this point we thought, we're here by the ocean, we really ought to walk to the beach and experience it. The sand, the waves, the downpour threatening to soak our clothes... FrankenBlanket and I thought it was smarter to stay in the car and laugh at the suckers who just had to go outside.

Good choice, FrankenBlanket

Perfect beachcombing weather if you like pneumonia

Inevitably we ended up at the Tillamook cheese factory. I heart you, Tillamook cheese factory.

We arrived shortly before closing time and the line for samples was gone - everyone had abandoned the samples to get their ice cream and expensive jars of jam - so the kids and I had free reign and yes, I must admit, I tanked up on free small squares of various kinds of cheese. The kids were scandalized. "Mommy! You can't go through the line more than once!" Oh dear children, I have taught you well... now move it. Mama needs cheese.

We drove home in slightly better but still wet weather. It was a wonderful day.

Graduation Day

Some sweet person picked this rose and
left it on our doorstep this morning

Cap'n Gown

Sixth row back, fourth seat from the far aisle
....or something

Uncle Ernie and Grannie
(yay!)

Dada

Kristy, Harrison, Carter

Carter and Brennan

Steve and Rozzie

I DONE GRADUATED

Gillian, Bella, Bailey

Katie and Bella

Devon, Katie and Bella

Two tired girlies

Proud MSTie Mom

My children are riffing on an episode of Rick Steves' Europe.

If I could thank the creators of Mystery Science Theater 3000, I so would.

Seminary Graduation

She was looped on cold medication (came home sick from school Friday) and barely cognizant of her surroundings, but Bella managed to graduate from Seminary tonight. Woot!

Hubby, Harrison and I were there to take in the event and eat cake and cookies afterward. All the kids stayed home from church in various stages of "sick" today, but Harrison was well enough to go with us. It was a lovely program. Pam mentioned Bella in her talk, which made our hearts go pitter-pat. We are sad to lose Pam as a Seminary teacher this year, but I agree with her that three years is plenty. Especially at her house. Every morning.

Bella and Sister Turley

Hugs! Awww.

Thanks Sister Turley for teaching
these two lovely children this year :)

After this, we went to Stephanie P's missionary open house at the P family home. Stephanie gave an exceptional talk today in Sacrament about her battle with mental illness and her decision to serve a year-long service mission at home. Sandy P (the bishop's wife) and I cried pretty much through the whole thing. Sandy said she was so happy to hear someone talk about mental illness so candidly over the pulpit. Seriously. Those were healing words. Stephanie is an awesome kid and we're proud of her and love her family dearly. And the Turleys. :)

Then, after this very long day of two presidency meetings, church, and these two events, I went home, ate ravioli and died. The end.

The Obviously Exhausting Sport of Bowling

But first: This morning I went for a walk.

Looked over a bridge.

Looked over the other side.

Took a pic of this old lady.

And now, our story.

Our first "kids bowl free" coupons of the summer have arrived! Hubby took the three youngest kids bowling today. What a good daddy.

Don't you point that finger at me.

To bowl properly, one must take advantage of the lounges by
LOUNGING on them

A wonderful time was had by all. :) 

Last Day of Seminary

...ever, for Bella. She graduates from Seminary on Sunday. (sniffle)

Here we are in front of the Turleys' home. Thanks, Pam, for the extreme patience I know you used to teach these two.

Just so we're all aware, these pictures were not taken without some whining, griping, slapping, shoving, photobombing from Spencer, and my other phone dying with the Spencer picture not quite showing up, dang it. But I managed to get these two.

Long Beach and Astoria Day

But first: our new microwave! Dad noticed our microwave-less state and took pity on us this morning. We took off early for Walmart and found this lovely item.

It's red and that's all that matters

Rosalind's fourth grade "big" field trip happened today. Brian took the day off and joined her. They rode the school bus to Astoria and visited Fort Clatsop and learned all about Lewis and Clark.

Have fun Rozzie! Be safe :)

Meanwhile, Dad, Neenaw and I took a day trip to Long Beach. They hadn't seen the beach in a long time and Dad wanted some crispies from the local bakery. The weather was beautiful and it was a great drive.

First we had lunch at Dooger's, which was good. Eat at Dooger's!

Saw this sign in a shop window... I see a future cross stitch project happening here.

Ha. Hahahaha. HAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAA

We procured our pastries from the oh-so-pleasant women at the bakery (snort) and browsed the shops along that one street in Long Beach that has shops. Dad wanted to find part of his gift for Bella's graduation but no luck. We still had a good time.

Then we drove around and up the hill to Beards Hollow viewpoint. Just absolutely gorgeous.

We eventually made our way across the Astoria-Megler Bridge to Astoria, drove to Rainier and Longview, and then home. Brian and Rosalind had already come and gone to soccer practice.

Later Ernie came over and joined us for dinner at Shari's. So glad he'll be sticking around Portland for a while and was able to see Dad and Neenaw while they were here.

The Folks

Uncle John and Aunt Karen had some clientele to visit in our part of the country, so they took a trip and brought Neenaw with them. Dad arrived later in the day, while we were dining at the Izzy's in Hazel Dell. We all had a nice visit. John and Karen took off for Corvallis area after dinner and Dad and Neenaw stayed here.