McKenzie + Tiffany's Wedding Day

September 5th~ The weekend after we got back from California we went to Portland for McKenzie and Tiffany's wedding. We planned to get there a few hours early so that we could go to Ikea (: and then to my aunt and uncle's house to get ready for the wedding.

My handsome guys all dressed up (& willing to wear ties!).

We kept Ronan and Griffin with us during the ceremony and they did really well. We sat by my parents and the Henrys so they all helped keep the boys entertained.

I love this picture because it captures just how sweet these two brothers can be toward each other. It doesn't always happen, but it is so nice to see every once in awhile. (:

It was a 1920's themed/semi-formal wedding held in a beautiful theater. McKenzie composed all of the music, and even played the piano during parts of the ceremony. It was an incredible production and such a joy for us to be a part of their special day!

Several of the groomsmen and bridesmaids read special poems and verses about love. The ring bearer carried this red balloon down the aisle, and then his dad (Courtney) ended up holding it for the rest of the ceremony...even while he did his reading. (:

the kiss

Amy & Nicole

This was our last chance to visit with Ashley & Camilla before they returned home to Norway

Katrina, Erik, and his friend, Morgan

cutting the cake

the dance

sleepy, sleepy boys
They got to stay up late that night, but thankfully we stayed the night in Portland so we didn't have to drive home after the wedding.

Kenton & Katrina

My parents did a great job dressing according to the theme!

Jon & Amy

the getaway

California Trip: last night

After visiting Oma we all went to the Barrett's house to have dinner and visit for a few hours before driving home to Oregon. The Chases & Henrys were staying a few more days, but Josh needed to get back to work since he had used up all of his vacation time earlier in the summer.

The sky was so smoky and the sun was bright red/orange because of all the fires around Glendora.
We just loved seeing how much all of the kids enjoyed the water and really became swimmers on this trip! Griffin got more comfortable with getting his face and head wet. (:

Cohen loved jumping off the diving board (:

Griffin's cheesy happy face (:

Aunt Carol and baby Lincoln

I borrowed this picture from Katrina's blog because I think it's such a cute picture of my Aunt Carol and Uncle Keith! The baby is pretty cute, too. (: (:

We finally got a group shot of the cousins, but unfortunately we were missing Erik, Hannah, and Eleanor. I'm so bummed that we didn't get a picture of all of us, but it just means we'll have to try harder next time--and hopefully it will be sooner than later. (:
Oldest to youngest: Becca, me, Katrina, Melissa, Kellie, Emily, Natasha, and Wyatt

Here's a group shot of all the husbands/significant others of the cousins:
Shaheen (Melissa's husband), Kenton, Josh, Aaron, Steve (Kellie's boyfriend), and Ryan (Emily's boyfriend)

Goofy Guys!

Me and Aunt Carol~night swimming is so much fun (:

California Trip: visiting Oma

On our last day we drove down to Sun City to visit Oma (my dad's mom). It was kind of a last-minute decision, since it was a two hour drive each way & then we'd be driving home that night, but I'm so glad we decided to! I can't remember the last time the four of us siblings (+all of our kids) were all together with Oma, so it was very special!
This was Oma's first time meeting Cedar.
Oma had prepared food ahead of time, so when we got there Becca, Katrina, and I helped serve everyone.

Cedar with Uncle Aaron

Oma with her great grandchildren

It was extremely hot there and Oma's air conditioner was acting up, so Josh worked on it and got it to start blowing cold air again. So, her house felt cool, but it was super hot outside! I forgot to mention also that on our drive to Sun City our car started overheating (it had been doing that throughout our time in CA), so we actually got a new radiator while we were visiting Oma. It was a bummer, but we were thankful that the mechanic was able to fit us in so we could get it taken care of before the long drive home.
The kids played inside and found ways to stay entertained--thanks to Uncle Erik and his cool iphone!

Oma and Finn eating ice cream together. (:

Me and my siblings with Oma

On the way back to Glendora the Henry's took Erik to the airport to catch his flight to Seattle, then the rest of us went to the Barrett's for one final swim & visit.

California Trip: visiting Jaimi

Monday, August 31st~ Since we were only in southern California for a few days I wasn't expecting to do much more than just spent time with family. So, it was extra special for me that we were able to make time to visit my best friend, Jaimi! Right now she is being sponsored by Gatorade to play professional beach volleyball and participate in a competition/online series called the Quest for G. I am so proud of her!! We got to see the "Gatorade" house that Jaimi is living in, go to the beach where she trains, and hear all about this exciting chapter of her life. We had such a great time together! She adores our boys and they are quite smitten with her, too. (:
Jaimi's room in the Gatorade house

Ronan loves his Auntie Jaimers (:

We took Jaimi out to dinner at LA Food Show in Manhattan Beach, where we celebrated her birthday that was just 2 days away.

Our yummy dessert (:

Redondo Beach

Jaimi and I on the beach where she trains every day

We walked down to the water to watch the sunset & let the boys splash around.

our sweeties (: