Spring Break 2015

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.

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. ;-)

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.

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.

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.

Lovely.

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.

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.

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.