15 Year Anniversary

First, when we thought that we'd be moving back from Mexico in the Spring, Ben and I tentatively planned on doing a trip together...actually New York was our destination of choice.

Then, we extended our contract to stay in Monterrey until June, which meant no childcare from grandparents, so we tentatively planned to have my friend Amanda watch them for a night.

Then, the pandemic hit and we thought that we wouldn't be able to do anything. But then we moved home early, things started opening up a bit, and we had childcare on hand. 

So, although it did not look anything like we expected, Ben and I were able to spend two nights away to celebrate 15 years of marriage. We went to the Carson Ridge Luxury Cabins and were absolutely delighted with our stay there. The cabin and grounds were so nice, and the breakfast provided each morning was a treat (allergy friendly food made just for me!). Although it was pretty rainy, we still managed to do a couple hikes and see new-to-us waterfalls. We slept in and rested and really enjoyed time just the two of us (this was a rarity when we were living in Mexico). 

In thinking through 15 years of marriage, I think that going to Mexico truly was the best thing for our relationship. It was so good to go through something hard and challenging together; we saw one another struggle, be brave, fail and try again. There is nothing like a grand adventure to bring some growth in your marriage! 

 Panther Creek Falls from above (this part is fed by springs)

 To the right of the spring fed waterfall, is the fall made by a creek

 The combination of the spring fed waterfall with the creek fed one roaring to the right makes this waterfall one of my favorites!

 Falls Creek Falls

There is actually an upper tier to this waterfall that isn't visible from the lower viewpoint. It is truly an impressive waterfall! 

We had dinner in Stevenson and spent the evening down on the Columbia river 

 Meanwhile the kids played with fire at Grandma and Grandpa's

 Always climbing some large rock (I wonder where the kids get it from)

 A beautiful sunset

 Sunday morning listening to a sermon on the grounds of the cabin with a fire

 Beautiful grounds!

Here's to 15 years of adventure! 

Birthdays Back in Oregon

One of the reasons that were grateful to move back to Oregon when we did was because we got to celebrate the twins' birthday with family: in fact, they had three different events (all with family!) to celebrate turning 11!

Birthday celebration #1 was with their cousins from Estacada. We had a casual party at Jeremiah and Alicia's house, did a photo scavenger hunt, and roasted s'mores. It was a perfect evening to be outside and the view from their house is amazing!

Sam and Judah were the birthday boys on this scavenger hunt team

And Seth and Titus were the birthday boys on this team

"Everyone on your team hanging from the monkey bars"

"Fit your team into a small space"

"Everyone on your team onto the airplane teeter-totter"

Wheel barrel race (Josh and Seth)

"Make a crown using things in the environment"  (Sam and Judah)

Titus' crown

Seth's crown

Both teams combined

Silly picture

Roasting hotdogs over the fire

Then some more games (spike ball)

Then opening presents with a whole slew of kids

Finally, s'mores with candles for the birthday boys

Close up

We're so grateful for these people loving up on our kids

That view! 

The second birthday party was with our immediate Morris family the celebrate Sam and Seth and Hailey. The twins requested donuts for their dessert and then we just got Thai take out for our meal. We spent the afternoon playing outdoor games together and thoroughly enjoying one another's company. 

The birthday kiddos

Notice how the boys had to try 4 different kinds of Voodoo donuts. 

The boys received "survival kits" from Uncle Nate and he's showing them how to use their new flint and steel

I had to snap this picture of the boys enjoying toys with the girls

Seth and Sam's final celebration was on their actual birthday and we had the Platos out for dinner and dessert. I love that their cousins are their favorites; it makes me so happy. I made sweet and sour chicken for dinner and they wanted ice cream cake for dessert. (Three desserts for their birthday! Lucky boys!)

Interesting location to eat dinner

(Sam, Seth) They look very identical with their short hair!

Eleven!

A picture with our birthday boys...they're going to be taller than me before we know it.

After all those festivities, my parents came to visit for a few days (oops: no pictures!) and then it was my turn to celebrate 37 with my family. I was soooo happy to be in the Pacific Northwest for my birthday. Ben made me breakfast of a poached egg on avocado toast, we went for a five mile hike at Silver Creek Falls, and then my sister made me dinner. It was a wonderful day! 

The first of 7 waterfalls we'd see on our hike. 

Ben and I hiked here when we were dating

Silver Creek Falls

The trail goes right behind the falls

The water just thunders overhead. It's spectacular.

From the other side

I love these Maidenhair ferns so much

On to the next falls

You get to go behind this one too, but much closer to the water. 

It's awe inspiring

I couldn't stop marveling at all the different leaf shapes and shades of green. I do really love the Pacific NW.

Look at the enormous ferns on the side of the trail

Another falls

The whole families (minus Nick who was taking the picture)

37 looks pretty good with this family!