Horseback riding and blackberry picking

Aunt Roxane and cousin Raquel hosted us for an evening of horseback riding (and some more blackberry picking too).  Lily loved it.  We were joined by Grandma and Grandpa as well as cousins Jon, Brittany and little Tanner and Makayla. 

Taking Grandma Norma, Papa Cliff and Grandma Donna to the Oregon Coast

We were planning a trip to the Oregon Coast to go to the Aquarium in Newport, but we got so side tracked whale watching (6 stops and 6 whale spottings with 10 total whales) that we didn't even make it to the Aquarium.  However, we did get more yummy clam chowder at Mo's and made it to the tide pools at Yaquina Head Light House.  By the way, spotting this many whales from shore is a rare occurrence.  Lily was able to see everyone of them as well.  Amazing.

Lily at Mo's

Lincoln City

Headed toward Salishan outside of Lincoln City

Broiler Bay - First whale spotting

Depoe Bay - more whales inside the bay

A few surfers as well

Devils punchbowl

Final stop - the Yaquina Head Lighthouse and Tidepools (and our last bit of whale watching)

This guy kept flapping his fin down - very cool

Family and Friends in Oregon

The best part of Oregon has definitely been spending time with all our friends and family.  I think we are all feeling so lucky to have this time.  But guess what... we will be back for another 3-4 weeks next August. 

Lily and Macy... Happy Birthday Macy.

Dani and Lily

Grandpa helping Lily study her spelling words

Shrimp boil get together:  Raquel, Sean, Lily, Katie & Chris

Lily's BFF Katie

Uncle Jeff and Lily

Raquel, Lily and Uncle Jeff playing some play doh in front of the fire

Cheer Camp

Lily has been having a great time at her camps this summer in Oregon.  Week one was Cupcake Wars.  Week 2 was Cheer Camp and her final week later in August will be Mad Science.  Here are a few pictures from Cheer Camp which she really loved.

Reedsport to Lincoln City

After a great day at Crater Lake and overnight in Sutherlin, we headed towards the coast about 1 hour to Reedsport, stopping to see the Elk Refuge with a bunch of bull elk and a few cow elk too.  Then we made our way North from Reedsport clear up to Lincoln City before cutting back towards home.  The coast drive was awesome as always.  And the chowder at Mo's was amazing as well.  These are the times you really appreciate all Oregon has to offer.  And the company was pretty darned good too.

Elk Refuge near Reedsport 

Florence, OR

 Heceta Head Light House

Newport, OR

The amazing Crater Lake

Uncle Dave and Aunt Venita were kind enough to take a weekend off to take us touring around Oregon.  Our first stop on Saturday was Crater Lake.  What an amazing site it was.  We had a fantastic drive and visit.  Of course feeding the chipmunks was a highlight, especially when one jumped on Venita's lap.  Maybe a little too close for comfort.

We overnighted in the tiny town of Sutherlin, OR thoroughly enjoying the hotel we stayed in and the super Mexican restaurant we stopped at.