Portland Visit 2012- Aunt Nikki's House

We went over to Aunt Nikki's house for 2 fun celebrations. First, we went over for YiaYia's 75th birthday party. The whole family was there so it was really nice to see everyone. The kids had a great time playing with Holden and Harrison.

A few nights before we left we went back over to Aunt Nikki's house for a very yummy Thanksgiving feast, turkey and all the trimmings. We miss having Thanksgiving with everyone, so we celebrated a few months early. It was so yummy. The kids played and played with Holden and Harrison.

Me and the Boys!

Portland Visit 2012- Water Fun

The last weekend in Portland the weather was warm and sunny. Grandpa and Grandma set up a water fun obstacle course. Slide down into the pool, jump out, run to the next pool, jump in then out, then run down to the double slip n slide. The kids went over and over again, trying to get the fastest time through the course.

After the water fun they stopped for a few pictures. So cute!

Portland Visit 2012- Visiting Grandpa's Work

One afternoon we went downtown and visited Grandpa at work. The kids have always loved going down to the train station. We walked around the trains and the kids got a private tour on board. They just loved it!

Portland Visit 2012- The Dogs

The kids always love going to Grandma & Grandpas' house because they just love the dogs. Nelson, Maureen, and the newest puppy addition, Emma. Carson in particular can play all day long with those dogs. The kids love kissing them, petting them, playing chase and cuddling at night with them. Those dogs are so wonderful with the kids.

I just love this picture of the kids. Its the only one I took while in Portland of all 4 happy. I will be framing this!

Portland Visit 2012- Joshua & Me

Josh and I were so excited for a trip to Portland. We were very excited to see our families. We were also very excited to have babysitters. Josh and I never go out without the kids. Josh travels all the time and we really miss each other when we are apart. We had so many wonderful moments together while we were on vacation. We love spending time together and always have so much fun with one another.

Here are some more pictures of us with some of our family members. I love this one of me and my Dad. I also love this one of my nephew Harrison. I was so happy I finally got to meet him. He is just too cute and always happy!

Josh took me clothes shopping. It was so exciting to go to real stores and shop. Online shopping gets so old after awhile.

Josh didn't shave at all the first 2 weeks we were there. If he doesn't have to work, he is not going to shave. This was the last day of his beard. He was so proud of it! Luckily, he shaved it off for our trip to Disneyland and Vegas!

Portland Visit 2012- Just Hanging Out

Our 3 1/2 week trip was amazing, full of adventures and family fun. We fit so much into our first trip back to the States. It was so much fun!

Carson's morning set up provided by Grandpa- ipad, earphones, french toast and hot chocolate.

Grandpa and his silly 5 grandchildren.

The most amazing flourless dark chocolate cookie and the most amazing donuts!

Good bye hugs. The kids are going to miss Jack so much. They had so much fun with him and had so many fun sleepovers. They just love their cousin Jack!

The kids ate donuts almost everyday. That is all they wanted. They love the little mom and pop donut shop by my parents house.

Love this one, just wish Parker would have been in it!

Ecola State Park on the Oregon Coast- Tidepools

We made it to the beach just in time for low tide. Cooper of course was especially excited to look for sea creatures. Once we found those huge brightly colored starfish he was in heaven!

Ecola State Park on the Oregon Coast- My Sweet Emma

I just love all these pictures of my sweet baby girl. She looks so grown up and beautiful!

I love you Emma Banana!