A Week of Accomplishments!

In the last week, we've celebrated two great events. On July 1st, Isaac turned 1 year old...he's crazy crawling everywhere and very busy, opening and closing things, eating dirt, hiding clothespins in our shoes (ouch!), and pulling up on everything! He has had his hard knocks..falling out the front door step, scraping his face on Uncle David and Aunt Wendi's fireplace, and acquiring quite a few slivers on the tops of his feet from crazy crawling across the deck, but all in all, it's a grand time in his little life. He will be so happy to meet more of his fun family next week at the reunion.

While he did not like the birthday hat, he did LOVE the birthday cupcake frosting!!

Secondly, Andrew and David summitted Mt. Rainier on the 4th of July this year. The plan had been in the works for a year, and with God's blessing, they had absolutely perfect weather, clear skies, and a view as far as the eye could see. We were very happy to have them back at sea level Monday night after their very long weekend. What a reward to watch fireworks and eat yummy Wendi food on the deck after a job well-done. We always enjoy our visits and this time, the weather was just delightful.

Reach the Beach 2011

Some photos from our latest bike ride...the annual Reach the Beach.  We rode 80 miles from Newberg to Pacific City on the Oregon coast through rolling hills and lush wine country.  I was a bit apprehensive since it was the longest I've ever been on a bike but it was great!  Weather was perfect, it wasn't TOO hilly, and there was lots of food....a fantastic way to spend David's birthday.

Suzy and Art agreed to drive our car to the coast for us and apparently serve as our pit crew as seen here where Art is installing a bike rack:

Me at one of the (many) rest stops for food, drinks, and maintenance:  We couldn't go for more than 10-15 miles without someone offering us peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, power bars, gatorade, or cookies.  I liked this. :)

James, one of the roving mechanics, helping David with his flat tire:

Here, we're about 10 miles away.  You can see Haystack Rock in the background:

In Pacific City nearing the Finish Line, David looking happy :)

At the Finish Line reunited with Art and Suzy:

We stayed for a couple nights at a condo in Neskowin.  Interestingly, it turned out to be owned by Sharon Kitzhaber, the First Lady of Oregon.  I guess she rents it out when she's not staying there.   It was decorated in an Art Deco Old Florida theme.  Lots of flamingos!  Plus there was a View Master with lots of reels, including pics from the Pendleton Round Up from the 1950s!!

More Isaac

Happy Spring! Maybe I'll just make this into my own blog?! JK. Congratulations Amarjeet on the marriage to Desiree! Keep us in the loop and we'll look forward to seeing you at the family reunion and meeting great grandson #3 later this year! We're heading down to Oregon to check on the Madras clan over Memorial Day Weekend. We are sooo looking forward to seeing everyone in just a couple months. Our spring has been windy, but finally our cherry blossoms are out, along with the tulips.

Isaac is still content and loves throwing things and eating Everything he can get his hands on now! He seems to LOVE black beans and chicken, eggs, broccoli, carrots, crackers, banana--pretty much anything you throw at him! So fun to see those little personalities come alive! He'll love meeting the Phillips later this month!
Here is a shot from a hike we did with Sarah and Steve at Hanford Reach Easter weekend--beautiful sunshine, but about a week too early for wildflowers this year :( Seems it's been a bit cooler this spring!




Here he is ready to ride the range with Uncle Charlie. He was very serious sitting on the rocking horse Grandpa Richards made for him when we visited in March.

National Cherry Blossom Festival

Last year I completely missed them (they are only in bloom about two weeks) so I didn't understand what all the fuss was about. It is quite pretty.
Apparently they were a gift from Japan in 1912; 3,000 trees!!

http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/

Spring Break

Here's a few pictures from my Spring Break this year. Fun times with the family.









I finally got to see my Marley Mae! She got big!

Well there goes Spring Break for me, it happened much too fast! Nathan picked me up on Friday the 12th and took me home. I spent the week with his family, The Gerhardts, and it was wonderful!! I finally got to see our puppy, Miss Marley Mae! She is beautiful and very cheerful with those she knows. On Friday the 18th, we drove down to Humboldt County, with the family, and spent Saturday on the beach. We also went to view the Redwoods, as the younger Gerhardts had never seen them before. Marley Mae loved the ocean, she is defiantly a water dog!! And not afraid to stick her whole head under water!! It was a wonderful time! We did much, including, golfing, sewing, and drinking lots of tea and coffee! They even gave a little dinner for me, since no one will be there for my birthday this year. (This all happened before we drove down of course). I was sad to leave. I can't wait 'til May, when I finally get to go home!!

Nathan tries to get in as much rock climbing as possible, he loves it!

Sorry, no pictures of the forest giants. :( Willow, Nathan's youngest sister, had the other camera and I forgot to ask for the pictures before they left.

New Isaac photos to share

Here are new pictures of our fast growing silly boy! He's 5 months old now, weighing in at a hefty 17 lbs. He just started sitting up with some help of pillows to catch his tumbles. He loves being outside and taking walks, going anywhere social, and smiling at EVERYONE! He's a sweetie and has a content personality (for now) and is a great sleeper! Maybe he got the best of both of us (we can pray)! We love you all and wish you a Merry Christmas. Can't wait to see you in July 2011 at the Family Reunion. We're grateful to have David and Wendi back--enjoyed spending Thanksgiving with them--now that they are so close! What a blessed year it has been. God bless in 2011--come visit anytime!
Love,
Jen, Andrew, and Isaac

Mercedes Priya Beals

Hey everyone! I'm doing this for Kelisha, she probably won't have any free time for awhile! I hope she doesn't mind, I'm just so excited! Meet Mercedes Priya Beals! She was born October 25, 2010 at 8:53pm! She was about 19 inches and around 6 pounds and is very sweet! I haven't got to see her yet myself, but I shall this Thanksgiving! I'm very excited! I know she'll be beautiful and love her auntie!! Reuben does! :)
Nathan is very excited to suddenly become an uncle-perspective!