A Girls' Weekend Getaway at Cannon Beach

The very first job I had as a nurse was at Mary Bridge Children's Hospital in Tacoma, WA. I only worked there for 18 months or so, but I loved it and met a bunch of really neat people there. When Tony and I moved to Oregon, I kept in touch with two friends named Icel and Candice. A year or so after I moved, they decided to make a trip to Cannon Beach for a fun girls' beach weekend. And they included me! I knew some of the other gals that went and some I didn't know very well. But we bonded quickly and here we are in 2008, and this last weekend we went on our 7th annual Girl's Beach Weekend!!

Unfortunately, my dear friend Icel couldn't come this year, and we really missed her. So there were 8 of us total and we had a blast! We had massages at the spa, ate delicious food, cooked delicious food, played games, shopped til we dropped, and laughed til we had six pack abs! Even though I usually don't see these girls any other time during the year, I absolutely consider them some of my best friends and I am so thankful for the time we spend together at the beach. I love you girls!

We were also blessed with the most beautiful weather we have ever had in November on the Oregon coast! Very little rain, no storms and lots of sun!

A down the beach view of Haystack Rock

Walking on the beach - Mariel, Karen, Jenny and Jessica

And oh, the sunset!

Spicing it up with some games!
Clockwise from right - Candice, Karen, Jessica, Mariel, Jenny and Anna

Can't wait for next year!

School Pictures

Sadie and Zack finally got their school pictures back! They are pretty cute, thought I would share them!



Aren't they SO big? Wow, time sure flies.

Side Bangs

Sadie has been wanting bangs for a long time. I keep saying no. Now to be fair, I am not saying no just because I don't want her to have bangs. She has such thick crazy hair that bangs would not work, guaranteed. But recently we have talked about her doing some "side bangs" and she has been SO excited. So yesterday we went together to get haircuts and our wonderful friend Jen gave Sadie side bangs! I must admit, they turned out pretty darn cute. We shall see if they bother her, but we retain that it was her choice and if she doesn't like it, bummer! :)

Karate Kids Three

Monday night was another karate testing for Sadie and Zack. They happen about every three months and the kids earn a new colored stripe for their white belts, since they are still Little Dragons. They went in groups of three and Sensei Guido had them perform different skills and then their kata, which is a series of karate moves that they practice at every class. Sadie earned her second stripe, orange, and Zack his third, blue.

Showing their belts BEFORE earning their new stripes.

Sadie doing down block front stance during her test.

Zack doing punches for his test.

After everyone tested, each student got a certificate with their new stripe. Sensei handed them out to everyone but Sadie and Zack, which we were a little confused about. Then he told everyone he had left them out for a reason. He pulled Drew up to the front and told how Drew likes to participate in class and how he counts to ten in Japanese. So Sensei asked Drew to count in Japanese while Sadie and Zack did punches. Drew was a little confused, so he did punches while he counted, but it was cute. Then Sensei presented Drew with his own uniform! It is this tiny little thing, but SO cute. The whole thing with Drew was unexpected, but it just shows how passionate Sensei is about teaching even the youngest kiddos!

"Ich! Ni! San!"

Sadie getting her certificate and stripe.

Zack getting his.

The whole group, including Drew and his new uniform!

The new stripes!

Drew immediately wanted his new uniform on as soon as we got home!

We are so proud of our kids and the work they have put into karate. They truly enjoy it and are learning so many valuable lessons and skills from it!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

Wow, this was the craziest Halloween we have ever had. Tony had back surgery on Thursday and came home from the hospital Friday morning. I managed to get him home and settled in time to go back to Zack's school for his Halloween party. My mom came to help us out and was able to come to Zack's party too!

Zack is the clone trooper 3rd from the left in the back row

Zack and his friend, Maggie. I mean, Cinderella.

Zack and his pal sharing an apparently hilarious moment.

Zack and Grandma Betsey

Candy corn BINGO

That evening we had a pizza dinner with some of our neighbors and then went out trick or treating! The kids had BLAST. Drew got the routine down very quickly and on his way down the driveway of each house, he would pull his new treat out of his pumpkin and say, "I got this candy!" Too cute! Poor Tony was stuck at home in pain, but he was okay with us going on without him. And no, I did not make him answer the door for trick or treaters! It was a crazy but fun and memorable day.

Princess Leia, Grandma, Cheetah and Captain Rex

Isn't that the cutest cheetah behind you have ever seen?

"I got this one!"

Our neighbor Matthew (aka Sweet Pea)

Yah, that is a LOT of candy! I will be 50 pounds heavier the next time you see me for sure...