Father's Day Get Away

We wanted to go somewhere fun for Father's Day this year, but with M so busy at work, it was hard for him to get a lot of time off. We decided to stay in state but go somewhere we haven't been before. We headed south on Saturday morning and went to Wildlife Safari. They were celebrating Jack's 37th birthday that day; he is a rhino. K was very excited about that. It was fun seeing all the animals in the park. K even got to ride on a camel!

The entrance.

We were greeted in the parking lot by a peacock.

K taking a ride on a camel.

The girls by a topiary elephant.

Flamingo

I liked the bears, they were cute.

L helped me steer the car through the park.

I was amazed at how big the hippo was.

M and I agree these birds look evil.
We were surprised at how many people let them
walk up to their open windows. I was very cautious
when they were around, keeping our windows closed.

I love looking at zebras, they are so pretty.

Grizzly bear, I always thought they were bigger than this.

Jack the Rhino.

I have always been a cat lover, especially the big cats.
There were tigers, cheetahs and lions at the park.

Father's Day Get Away Part 2

On Father's Day we headed to the Golden and Silver Falls Park near Coos Bay. We hiked up to Silver Falls first. It was so green and inviting along the path. The girls had a great time looking at snails, slugs, and flowers. After the Silver Falls, we found another path that took us to the top of Golden Falls. It was a long drop down to the bottom but so gorgeous! After having a little picnic and enjoying the view, we headed back down to the beginning of the path and took the last trail to the bottom of Golden Falls. It was just as pretty and breath-taking at the bottom. K commented on how we didn't see anyone while we were hiking. It was so nice just being the four of us. I felt like we were in our own little world created just for us.

Daddy and the girls heading up to Silver Falls.

Silver Falls

The girls love using their walking sticks.

Here is the drop to the bottom of Golden Falls.
Later you will see a picture from the bottom.

Our little picnic on the path.

Top of Golden Falls

Golden Falls drop.

They climbed up onto a rock that was
near the base of the falls for a photo op.

K climbed over some rocks and was
looking in the pools of water for fish.

The bottom of Gold Falls.

After hiking up the falls, we started heading for home. Along the way we saw a pretty area to stop at the beach and hike around. Mommy even got to sit and read her book while enjoying the sound of the ocean. After we left the beach, we came upon a sign for Loon Lake. We decided to go check it out too. It was a beautiful lake and camping area. I think we will go back in a few years when the girls are older to camp here and play.

Cape Arago

Enjoying the view.

Two cute kids up a tree.

Loon Lake

We ended up getting home pretty late on Father's Day, so daddy opened gifts the next morning after breakfast. The girls made their gifts this year. L finger painted a masterpiece on canvas. K made him a foot print book mark, a card, a picture of a duck and a finger painting of flowers and a tree.

Doesn't L look so proud of her art work?

K showing off her master piece.

10 Things K Loves about Grandma's

Driving the car with Papa.

Cutting grass on the riding lawn mower.

Playing with Jack.

Cleaning out the wildlife watering hole.

Making jewelry with Aunt Kendra.

Hanging out with Uncle Luke.

Learning new things like how to build a fire.

Roasting and eating marshmallows as big as her head.

Riding on and steering the ATV.

Riding and feeding her horse Red.

Weekend with Grandma

We went up to Kountry Kim's this weekend for a visit. Mel was excited to spend time with the girls and encouraged us to go on a date. We were able to go out both nights to see a movie and eat a late dinner. It was really nice to spend some time out with my hubby without the kids and have a real date. I don't think we have had one of those in a couple of years. While we were enjoying each others company, the girls were having a blast with grandma. They rode the ATV, played outside, went for walks, fed the horses, and camped out in the living room for a slumber party.

One of many ATV rides.

Running up to the horse stables.

Throwing rocks in a puddle.

Aren't they adorable?

Waving the flags they made with grandma.

Graduation Day

Today K graduated from preschool. I can hardly believe she will be going into kindergarten in a few short months. She has grown up so much this year. She is writing and reading. She knows her full name, address and phone number plus her parents names. She is very creative and loves to draw pictures and make cards for her friends and family. She also enjoys cooking and jumps at the chance to help us in the kitchen. She has had an amazing teacher this year and is truly going to miss her. I can only hope her next teacher is just as good. I had to choke back the tears a few times during her program and when she received her diploma. It is a happy day for us and a glimpse of the memories to come. Congratulations, baby! You are the apple of my eye and I love you!

K coming into the chapel.

K's whole class waving to their parents
before starting their part of the program.

Singing a song.

Another song.

K standing next to her "husband" Grant.
Grant's mommy told me they were playing house
recently at school; Grant was daddy and K was mommy.

Getting her diploma.

K's best friend in class, Kira.

K with her teacher Mrs. Rayl and assistant Mrs. Damon.

Hugs goodbye and promises of returns.