OREGON COAST

Well, we haven't posted in a while so here is the update- Cam and Gwen finished up their first year of school in Omak with flying colors. Mistie is registered to start school this September at WVC in Omak. And Owen and Haaz are totally out of control. We all needed the summer break and are using it to catch up on work around the house as well as a little vacation to the Tri-Cities and the Oregon Coast. Here are some pictures of the family at the zoo and on the beach!

Gwen and Owen checking out a Zebra at the Portland Zoo

Owen running for a sand-dollar

Owen showing off all his findings

Gwennie with her feet in the sand and the breeze in her hair

Gwen and Owen watching the sun set on the Pacific Ocean

Gwen and Owen staring into the salty breeze

Cam and Mistie love'n it up on the beach

the good, the rad, and the gnarly

The good: Rode Stevens Pass with about 8" new on Saturday, Schweitzer Sunday with 6" new, 49 degrees N 8"+ of new snow.

The rad: Hooked up with a lot of the boys statewide. Friends Jimmy, Codi, Michelle (from Bellingham), Eric (from Okanogan), Paul, and Mark (from Seattle) possied up at Stevens. Byron (Bellingham) and "the kid"(Wenatchee) at Schweitzer. Skyler, Eric, Byron and "the kid", and Chris (Hoodriver/ Rossland B.C.) shredded up 49 degrees N until Tuesday.

The gnarly: Tuesday after lunch, shredding down a choppy pitch, got bucked into a tree. Ouch. broke fibula (not so fabulous). Got second-hand walking cast and crutches from lady serving us chinese food that same night.

I believe it is the right fibula.

GWENS BIRTHDAY/ EASTER

Here are some pics of Gwen's 7th birthday party. There was camping, jumping, breaking stuff, and cake. It was a total success. Papa Mike came up and visited, Gwen got a trampoline, Owen got to tap into his destructive potential. Since a picture is worth a thousand words. . .

Gwen's Birthday present- Jumping
Breaking stuff: a pinata
Owen and the pinata- a natural.

Easter!

Easter!

SNOW IS GONE IN THE VALLEY

The snow is finally gone down in the valley, but remains up in the mountains. This was the last weekend for the Loup, so Cam was sure to make it up. Other than that, with the snow out of the yard it is time for spring cleaning. Mistie started a bunch of plants in the spare bedroom that are going crazy so we figured we should start thinking about where we are putting in the garden as well. The kids and Haaz played, while Cam and Mistie started trying to make a dent in the yard projects. We are all looking forward to spring break. Afterwhich there should be some more pictures!

Owen doing "yard work."

Owen, Gwen, and Haaz- Lots of help.

No Snow!

As the snow melts, the Salmon Creek, as seen right out our back door, is beginning to flow.

MOVED IN/ HOME IMPROVEMENTS!

Well, we are completely moved in! Mistie put in a 10 hour day at the old rental to ensure that we got our deposite back, but we are finally done. Moving was hard on all of us, but we are happy that we won't be doing that again for a long, long, while.

Upon moving in, hurricane Cam promptly broke the handle off of the cheap faucet in the kitchen, sparking our first home improvement. A new faucet. A quick trip to Home Depot and a long deliberation regarding which faucet would best suit our needs followed by a quick installation and Mistie was a happy camper!

Owen doesn't seem to mind moving!

It wore Cam and Haaz out, though.

Mistie "enjoying" our new home improvement!

NEW BLOG

We wanted a way to keep in contact with family and friends without being on MYSPACE (which is exponentially lamer). We hope to keep loved ones posted with updates and pictures about the kids (including Haaz), the NEW house, work, and life up here in the Okanogan Valley!

NEW HOUSE

Thats right, we took the plunge! Built in 1908, this "charmer" boasts hardwood floors, rustic molding, and 1/2 acre of land bordered by the Salmon Creek just a few minutes walk from downtown Okanogan. Minutes away from crosscountry skiing, downhill skiing, rock climbing, mountain and road bicycling, and many other outdoor opportunities for recreation. We are pretty stoked to not be paying rent (now they call it a mortgage). We will be all moved in by January 30th, 2008! I hope everyone can come up and visit.