Independence Day Celebration

Despite the ridiculously hot weather, we had a fabulous 4th of July spent with family and friends. Some family friends hosted a wonderful cookout at their lake-front home. We ate, played, ate, ate and watched fireworks. It was a wonderful day!

Ben so badly wanted to figure out how to make his pinwheel spin. He is a studious little fellow.

McLean thinks everything is hilarious

Piper had a blast...she slept through the whole afternoon!

They adore their new little lawn mowers

Sparklers and fireworks!

Note

It took several posts to include a very small portion of the pictures of our trip to Portland, OR where we visited my sister, her husband and my new niece, Piper. It was an amazing trip! Scroll way down to start at the beginning!

The Coast

This was our first trip to the West Coast and the first time seeing the Pacific Ocean. I was amazed at the rocky coastline and landscapes. Oh, and it was FREEZING! I couldn't believe how cold the water was! It was beautiful and I am glad we were able to visit, but I could never trade South Carolina's warm water and sandy beaches.

We visited a quaint little fishing town called Newport where we ate the most amazing seafood straight off the boat. Yummy!

Oregon Coast Aquarium

More Sightseeing

Mt. Hood

The Rose Gardens

Acres of gorgeous flowers. I literally took a hundred pictures so here are a few of my favorites.

Sightseeing

The Columbia River Gorge

Cape Horn

View from the Columbia River Scenic Highway

Of course Gene took this picture...

Multnomah Falls

The Fish Hatchery

Herman the Sturgeon, 450 lbs!

Traveling to meet Piper

We made it all the way across the country and back again. I was unsure of how my so sweet, but very rambunctious, toddlers were going to handle a full day of traveling, changing planes and sitting relatively still for extended periods of time. But, I am happy to say they handled like they were pros. As though they do it all of the time!

Waiting for our plane

Pops with his first granddaughterPiper and her Uncle Geno

My sweet niece