Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Spring Break 2015

1 
Clint and I went to Portland a couple of years ago for Quilt Market.  We decided then that we really needed to bring the kids back to the NorthWest.  It really is so beautiful there.  So, we took an early flight to Portland, our first with all four kids for Spring Break two weeks ago. After landing and renting a minivan (totally awesome and funny that Clint drove a minivan all week, he's been dead set against them for some time) we headed immediately to Multnomah Falls. It was a cold, but gorgeous day. Here's a shot from the top of the Falls.  If you are in the Portland area, you should go.  It is so beautiful. 

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After the falls we drove through Tillamook and went to the cheese factory with the kids.  We then headed to Depoe Bay, Oregon.  This was the first morning we were here.  We were right on the ocean.  I have a new found reverence for the awesomeness of the power of water.  Seriously.  The calm on this beautiful pink morning sunrise was nothing compared to the waves that crashed against the cliff walls and reached to our patio.  

Everytime Clint and I would comment on the waves, Lili our oldest would cry out, Tsunami? She is slightly paranoid and a nervous wreck.  I wonder where she got that from? We would always reassure her though that we were fine. ;-)

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It was really fun taking the kids tide pooling to see the star fish and anenomes in the ocean.  We want them to be able to experience different places and really appreciate the beautiful earth we are blessed to live on.  

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We went to the Yaquina Light House and going in was Noah's dream come true.  We were able to climb to the top and I have never seen my little guy so giddy and happy.  It was also hilarious when Jonah counted each and every 101 steps to the top.  The other people on the tour thought it was pretty cute too. 

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We spent a couple of days with rain and gray skies.  We swam in the outdoor heated pool with the ocean right there.  We had the pool all to ourselves because we were the only ones crazy enough to brave the temperatures.  

But, the day we left Depoe Bay to head to Seaside was a gorgeous day.  The sun came out just in time for me to get some awesome pictures of our view.  It was incredible. 

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Lovely. 

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This was along the drive to Seaside.  Close to Cannon Beach. There is nothing more spectacular than a view of the ocean on a cliff. Seriously.  

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Candid picture of my family on Cannon Beach.  It was a beautiful day and a moment like this is one I don't want to forget.  A perfect moment where everyone is happy and not fighting and witnessing the beauty of the sand and ocean.  Seriously good times. 

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Clint captured this picture of me and Lili in Seaside.  In this moment I was thinking about all of the obligations I have coming up.  I was enjoying Lili in this moment, but in the back of my mind I was trying to make peace with the fact that I will be traveling again this spring.  When I started quilting I never thought that I would be given opportunities to teach. I never planned on being away from my family.  But, I am grateful for those opportunities.  I really am.  I love being able to share my love of quilting with so many of you. I just pray that my children know that I am doing my best.  I am trying to prioritize so that I have time to serve God, my family and then have time to teach and quilt.  I feel completely overwhelmed at times, but I am making the most of it. 
  
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Our flight was delayed because of weather, but when we finally made our flight we were blessed with this incredible view! It was a wonderful week.  

20 comments:

bmayer said...

Loved spring breaking along with you!

Monica said...

Please tell me you went to the aquarium in Seaside and fed the sea lions! Seaside and Cannon Beach are two of my favorite destinations in Oregon.

Susan In Texas said...

What beautiful pictures, and what a lovely family you have! I'm glad you enjoyed such a nice trip with the kids.

Happy quilting,
Susan in Texas
susanintexas.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

I am so glad you brought the kids and explored the Oregon coast. Nothing is better then watching kids eye's light up when they see something new. It is so pretty. I live in Springfield, Or and we have a beach house in Yachats. I love the coast. When your in the area next time, I would love to share with you !!!

Judith Washburn - Bliss Quilter said...

Enjoy every moment and don't give in to guilt. God has blessed you and you are very talented. You and your family will have opportunities that are way beyond your dreams. ENJOY!!

Chris said...

I always count the steps.

Leeanne said...

Looks like a much needed break. I hope to be part of one of your classes one day as you inspire me so!

Jane S. said...

That bridge at Multnomah Falls is where my dad proposed to my mom. :)

The Oregon coast is lovely, isn't it? I live inland about 40 miles and I love the quick drive over no matter what time of year!

QuiltShopGal said...

What a wonderful Family Vacation/Spring Break. I've hiked to to Multnomah Falls, but have never made it to Seaside. Looks like a beautiful beach. Although I'm sorry that Lili is now paranoid of Tsunami situations, when at her age she should be able to innocently enjoy the surroundings. I guess there are good and bad things about the power of WW news.

QuiltShopGal
www.quiltShopGal.com

PS - I hope you get more special family getaways and time together to balance out the work stress and work travel. We don't always plan a life that takes us down a path with such demands, but those that are at least aware of the trade offs tend to have their priorities in the right place and kids grow up knowing that family is still #1.

Shannie said...

Cherish those special times with your family. Such sweet memories.

Derrith said...

I loved seeing your vacation pics. It made me very homesick. We just moved to SLC from the nothwest. The Worldmark at Depoe Bay was our favorite vacation spot and we have had family reunions at the Worldmark in Seaside. I'm glad you had a wonderful time.

Cheryl W. said...

Oregon was one of our favorite places to take our children when they were young. Our son still loves light houses! You reminded me of beautiful memories!

Judy1522 said...

Great that you had such a good time here in Oregon. You went to all of my favorite places and I have probably stood on the same spot at Cannon Beach where you family is standing in the picture. If you ever go back a fun thing to do on that beach is light a fire at night and sit around talking or roasting hot dogs or marshmallows. We spent the whole night around a campfire one time with our family and watched the moon and stars and then the sun come up in the morning. That may sound crazy but we were not the only ones on the beach the whole night. It is a great memory for our family.

Sandi said...

The Oregon coast drive is on of my favourite places to go. I've drven the length of it several times all the way down to San Diego and love it more it each time.

Next time head down to Port Orford and Check out the amazing face rock. Bandon is also lovely...time for another visit.

Mom said...

It is overwhelming for all of us at times. As a mother of 3 who is trying to do the same thing, I firmly believe that when your kids see you working, it instills in them the mindset that working is important, despite the occasional sacrifices. It will make them want to find their type work too one day.

Mindy Sebastian said...

I live in Calgary, but I grew up in Oregon. Isn't it beautiful? Your glorious photos really make me want to go back! I miss that beach.

Kelly Cline said...

Beautiful vacation! I am a 50 something longarmmer with 2 grown girls and now grandbabies. I was a calligrapher while my kids grew up and worked from home and traveled a lot of weekends for shows. My girls learned so much from my home business and could be with me while I worked. A large part of that time has made them who they are today, very successful, entrepreneurial moms. They say they had a great childhood playing alongside my work. SO, I think you'll find your kids will be greatly influenced by you in a fabulous way! OH, forgot to mention the very supportive HUBS too!! It all matters. Carry on and create!

Cindy A. said...

Thanks for sharing your pictures!! They are beautiful and priceless. I know we all feel overwhelmed at times but you are doing a great job and will be able to handle each day as it comes. :)

Lois Kindley, longarm quilter said...

Loved your pictures of time with family along the Oregon Coast! We used to live in the Portland area and loved visiting the coast. Depot Bay was a very romantic get away for my hubby and I. Didn’t see any whale tho! Did you guys?
You have such a sweet family, enjoy!!

Nancy said...

I hope you realize how strong you really are. Life isn't easy, is it? Please know there are a few of us who share your frustration, guilt, and loneliness. But we all get through the day. Sometimes chocolate helps. And wine. ;)