July in one post

July is one of my favorite months! This month was full of my favorite things plus some new surprises. First was the 4th of July. I am all about the red, white, and blue. It saddens me to think of where our country is headed, but this is one of those days I take pride in what she truly stands for.

While waiting in the park for the big event, we heard an ice cream truck pass by. Brandon ran off in a hurry to return with 3 chocolate fudgsicles for everyone.

 

 Jana, and her family recently moved here for Keith's residency. I was so excited to have them come here. We have had play dates ever since. (Lorelei, Marie, Celeste, and Riley)

Lorelei of course turned 5 months old and so this means more pictures. Lorelei loves her feet and is constantly smiling. We have been told by people in the ward that she is a happy ball of sunshine. She also adores her brother and try's to get his attention all the time. She even trys to talk like him.

 

 Apricot Knördels. My father made them once when I was a child. They are so delicious and make me happy. I love the authentic food from my fathers Austrian Heritage. I hope that Gram will someday make a recipe book. That way her delicious food will live on forever.

Another highlight of my month was a whole week of evening thunderstorms. They were so exciting that I had to get pictures.

Riley's Joy in the summer time... the fountains. He has become my handsome little man!

 

 Our little ball of sunshine

Good Ol Oregon part 2!

This next post is packed full of pictures! We started our week off at the Oregon Coast Aquarium with the Henderson Clan. Riley loved the Seal the best. He even made friends with a girl while watching the seal show. She made sure our little guy didn't fall over. The rest of the time was spent in bathroom due to Riley eating too much fruit. I will save you from the graphic description of what we found. At least his messes were easily cleaned up and we were able to eat at Mo's. I can't go to the beach and not have my bread bowl clam chowder fix!

 

  Next was the Zoo! Riley and Jason in a hallow log.

 

 The Hippo that Has never EVER moved. Well, I guess he has had to move before, but never in the 16 years I had lived in Oregon. This was exciting for both Brandon and I. So of course I had to take a picture. 

   

 Yeah, we came to the zoo just for the John Deer tractor.  

 After many days of neglect we thought they'd like a bath. Plus, who doesn't have at least one picture of a cousin communal bath?

The coveted window ledge. The boys loved this area of the house. It was the only way Alicia and I could get pictures of them in their matching dude shirts for Memaw. Second Week with the Cziep Gang! Our little trip to Arcadia beach was a nice overcast day. Luckily it was not freezing and raining.

Rose Garden!

The rose garden had an unusual bloom year. All of their roses came late due to the weather. Thank heavens they showed their faces before we left. The smell is wonderful and the atmosphere is just beautiful.