pumpkin patch

We tried out a new pumpkin patch this year thanks to livingsocial deals. We were able to enjoy an afternoon at the Kruger farm for a mear 32 dollars. We got to go through the corn maze, take a hay ride to the pumpkin patch,, pick just the right pumpkins, enjoy freshly roasted corn on the cob and dipped right in front of you caramel apples. It was well worth the wait we had to endure as we sat to get onto Sauve Island. We followed all the other cars, unloaded, when we finally got there only to realize we were definitely at the wrong farm!! So, back into the car, and a 5 minute drive down the road(which took us an hour to get down going the other direction) we were at the right place. It was fun to be able to spend some quality time together as a family!!

addictions!

Now, I know most of us have some addiction to something or other...I will admit that my addiction is reading blogs. I'm not so saavy about keeping my own blog updated but am definitely an addict when it comes to reading blogs. I love to keep up with old friends and family with what's going on in their lives and i'm always loooking for new recipe blogs and craft blogs...in fact my list is long and I can spend a couple of hours getting updated on all the new postings. I have found so many cute things I want to make, we'll see if it ever happens. I have learned thrifty ways to do home make-overs, some of which I have used in my own home. I have learned some very yummy recipes that I have shared with friends and family. My name is Lori and I am a blogaholic and am willing to admit it!!

Now, Shule on the other hand has found his addiction to be...dun dun dun(insert music), none other than the fabulous, can you sense my sarcasm, game of World of War Craft. This man can spend countless hours glued to his computer playing this game!! I think I've clocked 6 hours at one time!! I don't know how he does it. He was so nice to introduce it to his brother while we were in Utah, sorry Deb and now they can both be glued to the computer for hours at a time. It's great. :) Don't get me wrong, I'm glad that he has found something that he likes to do, but for the last week he has been complaining of arm pain. Sharp pains shooting down his arm, his thumb and forefinger numb. He went to the doc this past week and doc says he has a pinched nerve. I honestly think it's because he sits in one position for so long playing his darned computer game..now I have no phd or formal training but I think that if he stayed off the game for a week he might see some sort of improvement. Anyway...we are waiting to hear from the MRI specialist to get an appt to see what's going on..in the meantime he will continue to IBprofin and vicadin up so he can continue to play his beloved game!!

School's back in session!

I can't believe that school's already back in session. The summer went by too fast!! What's even weirder, is that a word, weirder?? is that we now have a high schooler. I was too lazy to take pictures the first day of school but I will get some pics up soon. Sariah is in the 9th grade...a freshman already...CRAZY...Caylie started 7th grade this year and the boys are in 3rd grade. Spencer was spoiled all summer being home with the kids that he's back to an only child during the week again. I had wanted to get him into a preschool but that didn't happen...if any one in my neck of the woods knows of anything please let me know!! I am going to try and be better about posting as I know that's how some of you stay updated with our family happenings!!

our summer in review!

I can't believe another summer has passed. This year was such a weird summer weatherwise it doesn't seem like we had much of a summer. We spent the first part of the summer getting ready for our family vacation. We don't always get to take a vacation every year, but this year we were doing it and we were excited to go to Yellowstone with Shule's side of the family.

our family by a geiser

We rented a cabin about an hour outside of Yellowstone in what is called Island Park, Id. We got up early on a Monday morning and drove 12 hours to get to our destination. The kids did an awesome job in the car. There was minimal fighting and Spencer did well at entertaining himself and watching movies (thank goodness for portable dvd players). The kids were super excited to see all their cousins that they don't get to see very often. We spent the first night settling into the cabin and then Tuesday we all got up early and headed to Yellowstone. We got to see Old Faithful blow 2 times and explored some of the paint pots. There was so much more that I would have like to have seen but the kids were oober bored and were complaining so we decided too call it a day and head back to the cabin.We didn't see much wildlife while we were there. We saw a quick glance at a buffalo who was frolicking in the grass and this herd of elk. The kids wanted to see more animals but didn't want to drive the long distances in the park to go find them...go figure!Old Faithful, which erupts about every 74 minutes

Wednesday we rented rafts and most of us went floating the river. It wasn't the warmest day for this event to happen but it was fun nonetheless. The water was a balmy 52 degrees I believ and it was only 70 outside. It was a workout for sure...the wind was blowing just enough that if you stopped rowing you ended up going back upstream. I didn't bring the camera on this trip and I so wish I would have!!!

Friday we packed up and made our way to Utah but not before stopping at Bear World. The kids enj0y that place the most. You start off by driving through an open zoo of sorts. The animals are uncaged and can come right up to your car. We saw buffalo, elk, mountain goats, deer, moose, and of course bears!! it's basically most of the animals that you can see in Yellowstone all in one convenient location
This place was pretty cool, in fact we spent 3 hours there, and the kids could have stayed longer. Once done going through the park you can get out and they have a petting zoo with all kinds of animals...and carnival rides. You can feed all the aninals including ducks, fish, etc. I would highly recommend you go if you are headed that direction. You can drive through the park as many times as you please also!!

Saturday we went and enjoyed the Tripp family reunion. We figured that it had been about 8 years that we had been there as a family. Shule went a couple years ago without Sariah and I.
So, it was fun seeing everybody and playing at the waterpark. It's at the same place every year and it's sometime that we look forward to when we can go. The kids had a great time going on the waterslides and hanging out with their cousins that also made the trip down from Oregon!!

Sunday, we took the kids to a pretty cool, but extremely overpriced mexican restraunt for lunch. They have cliff divers that put on a show for you. The kids enjoyed the show and $125 later, lunch was done!!

It just so happens that that happened to be mine and Shule's 15th wedding anniversary that day also!! After lunch we were able to go visit with Shule's grandma and aunt, which was nice seeing them!! We had a great vacation!!

Seaside

We deicded to take the kids down to the beach for the day !! We chose to go to Seaside since it's only a 2 hour drive!!

The kids rode the carousel, it was Spencer's first time on one and he wasn't so sure about it. I had to end up getting on with him so he would feel more comfortable! We played on the beach, went shopping, ate ice cream and had a good time!!

More pics from our beach getaway!!!

An Early Anniversary

Shule and I were able to get away for a weekend in May...we decided that it was gonna be our pre anniversary celebration since we are gonna be in Utah on our Anniversary. We drove to Rockaway and stayed in a hotel there...This is the view from our hotel bed!!
We walked along the beach and then up to the old railroad track running through the town...Shule pulled out on the the nails as a souvenier!!
The next day we drove up to seaside but I forgot the camera so we didn't get any pics! We did get our pic taken at the old tyme photo shop...that was fun!! We spent the next day driving home but before goign home stopped at Tillamook, got some ice cream and some cheese curds!! This trip all made possible by my mom and dad who came to the house and stayed with the kids!

Jaren

Took Jaren to the doc today,...nothing serious,hopefully the cough medicine will work that they prescribed, but thought he looked soo cute in his gown and mask!!

EASTER!

We had a good easter this year!! It was a little different than normal as we dyed eggs the day before, without Sariah. When I got home from work Spencer woke up and he helped put the easter baskets together and hide the eggs. I told him that the easter bunny had dropped it off and I had to put it all together!!! It seemed to pass!! I didn't get a pic of the baskets, but the kids loot consisted of : Sariah-a shirt and 2 pairs of flipflops, Caylie-a pair of converse look a like high tops, Joseph and Jaren-new swimming suits, Spencer-a Lightning McQueen backpack and some books, along with all the candy they got!! They all loved thier stuff. We then went and had a candy hunt at Grammy and Papa's and ate yummy food!! We had a great Easter!!

My Birthday

I had a good birthday this year. It falling on a Friday I worked and still had a grand time..they threw a great birthday celebration for me!! I had customers bring me stuff, by me some drinks, give me flowers and my co-worker Amy made me a very yummy CHOCOLATE cake!! I'm still receiving birthday spankins from people... It was a great time and I felt very loved!! :O)

Snow in March??

We've had some weird weather patterns this year!! It will be sunny, then cloudy, then windy, then rainy, then hailing, and then snowing all within a 20 minute period. This was the last day of March, a big hail storm and then ending in snow!! Crazy, the kids thought it was cool!!

March 23rd Zoo trip

We took the kids to the zoo again!! We love it there and the weather was beautiful!! It was the Tuesday of spring break, so the place was packed we had a great time!! I had way more pics, these ones are off my cell phone, Joseph got ahold of the camera and deleted all my pics so this is what you get!! I love how this arangatang was just hanging out!!

After the zoo we headed over to Voodoo donuts since we were in the area! We went to the Original one but there was a line outside so we drove just down the road to Voodoo 2 no waiting and the same donuts. It was our first time there...fun atmosphere, good donuts!! Most of us chose the maple bar with bacon, but we also got a chocolate cocoa puff one, a fruitloop one and a peanut butter chocolate chip one!! Yummy it was a long and fun day to spend as a family

A new me!!

it had been a year since my last haircut and coloring, it was way overdue...so I had a little extra money and went to my favorite hairdresser and let her work her magic!! I love it!! Shule's not so sure about all the colors in it, but I think it's growing on him and I get lots of compliments on it!! It's amazing how getting a fresh new look can make you feel sooooo much better!!

So far behind

I'm so far behind in my blogging and haven't really taken any pictures lately so this will be a catch up post!!

Joseph and Jaren turned 8 on January 22nd. They chose to go to Olive Garden for dinner, Grammy and Papa came along and split the bill with us...that place is expensive!! We had a good time though. It has been a weird year for birthdays this year...We haven't been ready for them and they have just kind of snuck up on us. We have had to get used to new schedules at work, for both of us and new schedules for the kids. Joseph and Jaren got airsoft guns for their birthdays(their dad's choice) I thought we were getting them new bikes but they wanted the guns instead. As a result we have little plastic pellets all over the house!! We got them some clothes and then about a month after their birthday bought them a ps3 as a late birthday present. The xbox died and left them with nothing to play with(what a shame) We didn't do birthday cakes or anything of the sort this year(xcept the one that we got them at olive garden) They don't seem to care though as no one in our house is a huge cake fan away!! (except me!!!)

With turning 8 the boys had the decision to be baptized into the church and they chose not to. Not too surprising as they hated going in the first place. So, maybe later on in life they will decide that that is something that they would like to do! They did decide however to be a part of the scouting program at the church and they are enjoying that. The participated in their first pinewood derby and had a good time. Joseph's car failed miserably but he still had fun and found out at the end of the race that it worked better if he turned it around backwards. Oh well hopefully next year they can build a winner.

Spencer turned 3 on Feb 18th. We celebrated by going rollerskating with Grammy and Papa and Kari and Aaron and kids. We went on presidents day...all the kids were out of school and skating was cheap. We all had a good time and everyone skated, Even Grammy and Papa. Spencer had a blast and asks almost everyday if we can go again!! A Natural skater..NICE!! Joseph got the record for most falls I think, but he kept getting up and going!! I got some pics with my cell phone, they aren't the best but I didn't want to skate around with my good camera, fall and break it

! After skating we all went to a yummy mexican restaurant for dinner!! Once again no birthday cake, but the restaurant did give us some ice cream and sopapillas!! Sounds good to me!! For his presents we took him to the store and let hime pick what he wanted..of course he went to the toy aisle and we spent 100 dollars on Disney Cars stuff! The kid is obsessed!!

Super PAPA Mario?

My sister Kari and I made these Mario hats for her daughters birthday party, aren't they cute?? Anyway dad decided to try it out!! Isn't it just GREAT!!!

Creamy tomato basil soup with italian sausage

We had family dinner tonight, we had a soup bar and this is what I made...I stole the recipe from a friends blog!! It was absolutely delicious!! My family asked for the recipe!

This recipe from Picky Palate is SUPER delicious, quick and easy.


2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 lb Italian Sausage(I doubled the recipe and used 1 lb of mild italian sausage and 1 lb of hot italian sausage)

10 fresh basil leaves, chiffonade (stacked, rolled and thinly sliced)

1 26 oz jar of your favorite pasta sauce or homemade sauce

1 Cup water

1 1/2 Cups half and half

Pinch of salt and pepper

Place olive oil into a medium sized dutch oven over medium heat. Cook sausage until browned, about 5 minutes. Stir in basil leaves, pasta sauce, water, half and half, salt and pepper. Cook until warm then reduce heat to low. Simmer until ready to serve. It’s that easy!

4+ servings

Lincoln City

We decided to start the year off with a trip to Lincoln City with the kids and some friends. We rented a beach house for 2 nights and had a lot of fun. The original plan was stay at the friends beach house but it ended up not being able to be used so we found a house, luckily, the night before that wasn't a bad price. We stopped at their house and picked the keys up on the way out of town and then we were off!! We stopped at the house first but the renters were still there so we decided to go down to the beach for awhile while we waited for them to evacuate!!

The kids had a fun time being chased by the waves and skipping rocks in the little "river" that was coming down the beach! It was windy and raining a little but that didn't stop anyone!I was telling Spencer to freeze and strike a pose this is what he came up with!

The first night we were there we played apples to apples with the kids..it was a close game but Caylie took 1st place. Shule couldn't get a card to save his life.. He ended the game with the 3 cards in his hand and we decided that all the cards we had were describing us...it was rather humurous. For some reason all we took pics of was Shule's... Joseph had the word "HOT" Shule's throwdown card was "FIRE" Joseph on the other hand though "GIRLS" was more fitting for "HOT" We all got a kick out of that!

We decided that since it wasn't raining and wasn't windy we would go down to the beach at 3am..Spencer decided to wake up and join us!

I honestly can't remember the name of this place..I know it's Oregon History, but it's escaped my mind!This is in Depot Bay...it was SUPER windy...we got a few pictures and thanks to a very kind lady that drove up took a pic of all of us! The only one we got all week!

We drove to Yaquina Head Lighthouse and they were having gale-force winds and so the lighthouse was closed, but we drove down to see the tidepools, which were completely covered with sand...you couldn't even go down on the beach. It was covered with massive amounts of sea foam, as we were videoing the seafoam and looking around we saw harbor seals, lots of them, and had a fun time watching them swim and play in the water...Ian makes the perfect sound and they came swimmin his direction..so that was cool!!

After that we went to Newport to see and hear the Sea Lions. pretty Cool!!
Spencer once again decided to join us on another late night. That kid's sleeping pattern sucks...lol! Anyway...he slept through dinner and when he woke up at 1am he decided he was hungry...what did he want...Cereal, smores, and Code Red Mt. Dew...so that's what he got! It was a vacation afterall!! We got some alone family time after we were done at Newport and drove back to Lincoln City. We spent about an hour roaming around the beach before it started POURING rain!! We headed back to the house after that. Becca and I decided to go outside while we were waiting for Ian to finish up dinner, who by the way cooked ALL the meals that we ate!! YEAH Ian!! It took a few time of us pressing our faces up against the glas before anyone noticed...then of course they had to take pictures. It rained all night!! Heavy winds and rain and at one point we got woken up by a loud clack of thunder that actually shook the house! Pretty cool...we were all too lazy too get out of bed though to go look outside!!

On the way out of Lincoln City we stopped at Pacific City...the best day at the beach. It was windy but the sun was actually trying to shine. We got to go explore some rocks and the kids and Ian and Becca, go you, hiked up to th top of the big sand dune!! We got to see little sand crabs, or hermit crabs, some sea anenome, and even some little shrimp! Spencer had a blast running through the seafoam!!

And on the way home we HAD to stop at Tillamook and get some cheese curds and ice cream!


We're looking foward to hopefully going back over spring break.

*hopefully the pics will enlarge if you click them...some of them are hard to see!