Oregon Coast Aquarium

                   

During our recent coast trip, we visited the Oregon Coast Aquarium.  This is our "official" family photo!

Lauren touching a starfish in the tide pool exhibit.

Emily was feeling adventurous and touched a starfish too!

The octopus was both amazing and slightly frightening to the girls...

Lauren (left) and Emily (right) riding on a wooden sea lion.

Emily taking a picture of a very slow moving fish.

Lauren working on her photography skills. 

The jellyfish exhibit is my favorite!

The girls each chose a souvenir stuffed animal... Lauren chose a snake and Emily chose a white sea lion.

Lincoln City Getaway

We recently went on our third annual summer trip to Lincoln City!  We stayed in a great condo near the beach. 

The condo had a pretty ocean view!

This photo was taken from the balcony... gorgeous!

We enjoyed breakfast at the condo each morning...

The smiley face pancakes were everyone's favorite!

Emily (left) and Lauren (right) playing in the sand.

The girls enjoyed searching for shells and rocks.

Kite flying!  Last year Emily was a bit frightened, but this year she really enjoyed it. 

Justin brought his kite boarding kite... it was a perfect day for flying kites!

Justin and the girls.

Before starting the drive back to Portland, we stopped at Regatta Park to play... it's one of our favorite parks.

It was a great way to finish off a wonderful trip.  We are already looking forward to next year's trip! 

Fun Times With Amanda

The girls recently met up with their friend Amanda for a fun filled day of activities!  We started the day with some hiking at Washington Park.  Here is Lauren holding flowers she collected along the way. 

After a short hike, we headed to the playground. 

We had brunch at a posh restaurant called Urban Farmer.  The girls loved this little sitting area!

Afterwards we went out for a post-brunch frozen yogurt treat.

Lauren requested that I take a picture of everyone's frozen yogurt bowls.  She had chocolate yogurt and Emily and Amanda had the chocolate/vanilla swirl.

The girls also recently met Amanda for a playdate at Pump It Up!

Everyone loves to bounce!

The girls really enjoy spending time with Amanda and we can't wait to see her again!

Benihana Birthday Dinner

We had dinner at Benihana this weekend to celebrate Justin's birthday!  The girls were delighted that Uncle Lane was able to join us, and they both really enjoyed watching the chef's performance.

Our official Benihana group photo!

Summer Camping With the Rufeners

The girls recently went on an overnight camping trip with the Rufeners!  I had to work, but fortunately Justin and Grandpa took some pictures.  The girls had a great time!  Here is Lauren and Grandpa by the campfire. 

Lauren and Emily in front of the tent they slept in with Justin. 

Lauren and Grandma.

Emily and Grandma.

The girls enjoyed drinking hot chocolate by the campfire the following morning.

The girls also participated in a bike parade near the campsite.  Here is Lauren with her decorated bike.

Emily's bike had LOTS of decorations!

4th of July Celebration

The Kisors hosted a fabulous 4th of July celebration, complete with a hand carved patriotic watermelon!

Pre-dinner backyard play time... from left to right: Kay, Lauren, Emily, and Kali

Emily smiling as she swings with Lauren.

Lauren looking delighted to be swinging with Kali.

Dinner time!  As usual, Emily and Lauren were more interested in eating than smiling for a picture.

Kay, Tian, Lauren, and Emily holding sparklers... it was Emily and Lauren's first time and they loved it!

Watching the fireworks... last year Emily was frightened, but this year she was so excited!  Lauren seemed to be the more cautious one this year.

A picture of the whole gang, including Justin lighting LONG sparklers that were almost as tall as the girls.  The girls were able to enjoy the festivities until 10:30 pm this year!  We all had a wonderful time!

Dinner Party With Amanda

This weekend the girls had their friend Amanda over for a dinner party!  The threesome made their very own pizzas for dinner.

After dinner, the girls played!  Running through the house with stuffed snakes was great fun.  Emily named the blue and black striped snake "Cocoa".

 Amanda, Emily, and Lauren trying to scare Amanda's dad with the snakes.

For dessert, everyone decorated their own chocolate cupcake!