Monday, August 20, 2018

Bodie James

At the end fofMay, our beloved and crazy Naomi Jane went missing and never came home. We miss her terribly and still wonder what happened to her. We have been grieving her as well as can be expected.

After Sam died, it took a couple of years for us to be ready for a new kitten. I wasn't sure how long it would be before the kids started asking for a new kitty. To my surprise at the beginning of the month, both kids started asking when we could get another one. I told them usually spring is when you can find kittens for free (we were NOT going to buy one.. even the shelter ones cost money) so we probably would have to wait until next year.

About 3 weeks ago I got a text from my sister asking if we wanted a free kitty. A friend of hers had one that needed a new home quickly due to unforeseen circumstances. It wasn't what we had planned but it just seemed right. He came home to us on the 6th and we love him already.

Of course, finding a name was top priority. His previous owner just called him kitty and baby. After lots of discussion we settle on Bodie James. It fits his cute face and personality.



He is just the cutest thing with the cutest face!

One of his favorite activites so far is to watch the kids play with hot wheels. He is fascinated with them!

He loves this little mouse too..
The kids and Doug made this amazing cat perch for Naomi soon before she went missing. Bodie thinks it's fantastic and spends lots of time up there. With hot wheels cars...haha!
Living his best life.... He loves this window sill, watching the world go by.
Cat Sequence.. his favorite game.. haha!
Doug is pretty smitten with him!

He sleeps like this sometimes.. hilarious and cute!
This is another of his favorite spots.. and I'm not sure why. Silly boy...

We love him already and are sure to have many fun memories made with our Bodie James. 

Friday, August 17, 2018

Springwater Park

After lots of hazy and smokey days due to wild fire smoke, we had a beautifully clear day today and we headed out to a new park I have heard about over by where both Doug and I lived when we were dating. Springwater Park in near Multnomah Village has lots of cool climbing things and the kids had fun checking in out!

















The kids said it was a very "ninja warrior" type park and want to go back again sometime. I am glad they still like to play at parks and this one is a gem we will return to for sure!!

Monday, August 13, 2018

Doug's Birthday

We celebrated our favorite guy today!! With a busy weekend and Matthew having practice tonight, we didn't get to do our usual "go out to dinner for dad's birthday" tradition. But we made sure he had a good day... and had a little party after Matthew got home.







Happy Happy Birthday Doug! You make life fun. You make life better. We love you!!

Saturday, August 11, 2018

Hannah and Liam's Wedding

We got to attend the wedding of Hannah and Liam tonight. I have worked with Hannah in the church nursery for 6 years or so.. and she was one of Evelyn's Sunday school teachers when she was in Junior High and Ev was 4 or so. It has been a privilege to watch her grow up, and watch her and Liam's relationship grow. The kids were SO excited to see her get married.

They didn't allow photos during the ceremony but I can assure you it was lovely. At the reception the kids were super silly and Evelyn started taking pictures using my phone. It was pretty funny...









They make us smile...
HERE is the happy couple. Hannah was beautiful as always. We are so happy for them.

Congrats Hannah and Liam!

Monday, August 6, 2018

Idaho Trip

We traveled to Idaho late last week to spend time with my sister and her family. My nephew Curtis graduated high school in June and it was time to celebrate him for working so hard to finish high school strong!

Reunited with their Aunt Michelle... they were SO happy to see her.. as was I!

Cousin Abby is the coolest!

We stayed in a hotel 5 minutes from Shell's house. It had a pool and free breakfast (a requirement for Matthew...haha). The kids loved swimming and playing in the hot tub. 


He is close to being able to do this OUT of the water as well. Love these faces!
Abby came to join us. I love spending time with my niece. She's gonna change the world for sure!

The "big" party was Saturday so Friday we helped prep and set up. Evelyn and Matthew jumped right in to pitch in. 

The corn hole game was Matthew's favorite thing to do all weekend (besides swimming...haha)




Stella. We love her. She loves Evelyn and gravitated towards her all weekend. 
The hostess with the mostess! 

That face... love this sweet pup!
Eric and Doug.. they always have lots to talk about. 
Mom and Doug were here too!
Love her!
Matthew and Stella had some play time too...

We all went to breakfast on Saturday morning

Hot cocoa for the win!

Michelle and Eric have done an amazing job on their backyard, This fire pit was a great place to gather. 

She drank my entire bottle of water... silly girl!

Party time!
The graduate and his momm!!

Momma/daughter love...
This boy.....





The original Bower clan... it was good to see Curtis' and Abby's dad Jim... it's been a while!
The Johnson Clan.. they are pretty darn awesome!






I can't believe he is 18 and done with high school!
Loved this time with family!!

We headed home Sunday, thankful to be able to celebrate Curtis and spend time with family.