Our little Babymoon!

 

From early on in the pregnancy, Kevin tried to plan a babymoon getaway for the two of us to enjoy some child free time before our little guy arrives.  At first he looked into warm beaches, like Mexico or Southern California where we could relax together.  As the time got closer, childcare became an issue and our schedules filled up, we had decided on either going to Vancouver or Portland for a few nights to eat good meals and watched films. 

 

The weather this winter has been so wonderfully warm and so Grandma Carol planned a second winter trip to the beach and our plan started to formulate.  We have been sitting on a generous gift certificate for Bandon Dunes in Southern Oregon since our wedding 9 1/2 years ago and figured if Carol could watch the girls at the beach house, it might be a great opportunity to use it!

 

As the days grew closer, the weather report became better and better leaving us with a few 70 degree days of sun and sand.  The Bandon Dunes resort was really comfortable and beautiful to explore.  Kevin got in a round of golf, but mainly we got extra rest, ate some great meals, and explored the town of Bandon.  It was perfect!

 

Having a few days alone together was wonderful!  Pre-kids we had many beach trips together and so we just sunk back into that routine, devouring yummy seafood, taking walks on the beach and just being silly.  It was cool to get our warm, beach getaway after all!

Gem's Valentine Party

Daddy got to attend Janie's Valentine's Day Party at school!  The class exchanged Valentine's, made yogurt & fruit parfaits, and sang sweet songs about love and friendship.  So fun to get to come watch!

Janie looks inside her mailbox at all her fun loot!

Scout is SEVEN!

Clara Natalie celebrated her 7th birthday in style with a "fancy" Valentine tea party.  I have been slowing down lately due to the pregnancy, and at the same time, Clara is becoming more mature and also has a clearer understanding of what she wants with most things.  This year she seemed to have a vision for this party and I let her roll with it.  She went to the party store and picked out doilies and heart garlands.  She gave Kevin specific directions about how she hoped to have the Crete paper hung and which items from our Valentine's Day décor she wanted to use.  We also let her pick our her own cake at Fred Meyer, which was a first for this mama, but what a fun and logistically easy party this turned out to be.  Clara had seven girlfriends show up and they all had such great manners.  Kevin & I kept commenting on how quiet the kids were! 
 

Food service from Daddy - How adorable!

 

Clara was so happy to have the tea service with all the sweet treats.   

Janie even got to join in the tea party at a separate table with Auntie Michele, Papa Mark & Grandma Jan!

It is hard to believe that we have been parents to our dear Clara Natalie for seven years now.  She has been a delight to parent and we enjoy watching her become her own person day by day.  Some days are bittersweet, but she impresses us with her learning and mostly good judgment.  Watching her sweetly interact with her friends is heartwarming.  We are SO proud!