Willamette River Fun

Nice relaxing day boating on the Willamette all the way past downtown Portland. We couldn't have asked for a better day!   

River beach spot in downtown Portland where "Riots for Revival" baptized many newcomers for Christ!  

My Funny Valentine

Bit of background, the meaning of this song for me.. I learned and sang this song through my high school Jazz Choir (an elite group of singers who I was proud to be apart of). The teacher of this group who was also the symphonic choir teacher taught me and our class the Lord's Prayer through song. I didn't know how important that prayer would later be in my life when I finally came to Christ.  It was then I realized God was working through others to plant that seed in my heart, the seed of prayer and love. This song, for me, reminds me of God's perfect love for us! You and I,  are his favorite work of art! 

Writer(s): rodgers/hart Preformed by Frank Senatra

Splash Park summer 2016

My first rodeo

The people watching fantastic, the show exciting.. but my energy was spent before the final act. Maybe next year we'll all stay for the firework finally. 

Happy New Year! 2016

Stayed up till midnight this year! Now it's time for bed after I figure out my resolution....

xmas party

Yeah she may never forgive me IF I get her to get in the car, out of the car and attend this party. BUT I'm trying to preach what I, we as a family do...put others feelings first. Go to the party you were invited to, be present and let others enjoy the company of YOU! In that be yourself, let your walls come down. If they love you as you are, you will be invited next year.... YAY! 

http://thoughtcatalog.com/heidi-priebe/2015/11/how-each-myers-briggs-personality-type-prepares-for-the-holidays/ -Spot on!! IF only I had more time, I hate being under the gun! 

We can hope for snow, that would be perfect day all around! 

Happy Halloween 2015!

We braved the pouring rain to collect as much candy as possible!

Emma - Sofia the First

Sam - Indian Jones

Maddy - A Shadow 

Christian - Teen w/a green mask 

Wordless Wednesday - Easter Prank

Night before Easter and all through the house....

Christian remembered this tradition from when he was Sams age!

Trail of bunny poop (jelly beans)

(yes there are only 3 baskets.. Maddy didn't want her's photoed)

Halloween 2013

Zombie, Baby, Spiderman, & Pebbles

Carving pumpkins

Easter

HE HAS RISEN! 

Wenzel Fantasy Trail

This is my in law's fantasy trail that they open to the public during the Halloween and Christmas season. The entire extended family help work the trail on busy weekends, in which guests fill the entire parking lot.  Christian and Maddy especially like to help serve hot chocolate in the snack shack. Even little Sam participates, handing out candy canes to all the visitors!  It truly is a family affair.

Halloween 2010

We had such a fun Halloween this year here are a few pics.

Carving pumpkins

 Sam in nothing but a cloth dipe :)

 The Costumes

The gang together just before heading out for trick or treating

Between all 3 kids we have over enough candy to fill and entire reusable shopping bag over 10lbs of candy!!!!

fav pics of 2008 Christmas

Here are my favorite pics from Christmas 2008

Maddy in the snow - we were snowed in for over a week!

Sammy's first ChristmasLove the hat

Christian still loves starwars!

Santa came to visit!

Sammy loved Santa!

Artic Blast 2008

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Making a list, checking it twice!

Just look at all the people I buy Christmas presents for. I'm done with most of them...but still have to hit the stores again this week.

Mom

Dad

Dad

Robin

Mom in-Law

Dad in-law

Grandma

Grandma

Grandpa

Sasha

Troy

Logan

Aiden

Chris

Jen

Gracie

Alex

Secret Santa for Brandy

Secret Santa for Dane

Heath

Heather

Han

Hunter

Noelle

Logan

Hailey

Chase

Tyler

Jenny

Lauren

School friend for Maddy

School friend for Christian

CHRISTIAN

MADDY

SAMUEL

Wow! Writing it out makes it seem even more daunting!!

Another Holiday Brunch

Yes my in-laws spoil us rotten. This last Sunday all 15 of us when to Multnomah Falls for brunch. Here are some pics.

Multnomah Falls

Zoo lights!

Sunday night Janice and Wayne aka Mom & Dad, treated us all to buffet dinner and zoo lights! All were there except Kim :( We all had a lot of fun! The lights were so beautiful, and it now feels officially like Christmas! This was Sammy's first zoo lights, Maddy and Christian have been going for years now! This year we toted him around in my front carrier and stroller! Maddy it think had the most fun driving the stroller! She also loved the baby elephant, who is now about 5 months old! She was so cute! The mama elephant was just getting her lo to sleep by stoking her back and fourth with her trunk. Christian ofcourse loved the train and the gift shop.. This time it only took 1/2 and hour for all the grandkids to pick out a trinket! AHH progress! Last year I think they were in there for about an hour! Gotta love GAGA's patients and generosity! Thank you Janice and Wayne for an awsome evening!

The family

The extended family

Pretty lights

More pretty lights

Sammy in zoo stroller

Maddy the little mommy

Maddy, Noelle, and Rudolff

More pretty lights

Eating an Elephant Ear

Samudra the baby Elephant

(my picture didn't turn out too well as you can't use the flash inside his exibit)

Sammy loved the lights!