We went to Ape Caves for the first time this summer with our friends from Greater Grace in Portland and our church. There were all kinds of cool places to explore, rocks to traverse and walls to climb. The kids all ran ahead (I don’t know how they went so fast) and left us old folks behind. To see more of our spelunking adventures go to Ape Caves
Now that the boys are old enough to sleep in their own tent, Chris and I decided to invest in a little travel trailer. It’s so much easier to head out in a moment’s notice when everything’s already all packed. Just throw in some food and clothes and you’re ready to go! Well, at least that’s the idea… She needs some work, but we’re hoping to have her up and fully operational by spring! To see the progress so far go to trailer tour , fun with trailers , curtains
This year the boys had the opportunity to be in a movie that was written, directed, crewed, acted, edited, scored by kids all under 18 (mostly all homeschooled). Their friend Danny is a talented film maker and they had a great time doing it! It even premiered at a movie theatre here in town this summer! They did a great job! The movie isn’t out yet but you can see the trailer on You Tube or our blogs at Fort Stevens , Camo , Rough Cut premier
The youth group hosted another Valentine’s Dinner at church this year. We learned a lot from the year before and it went much better this time. Next year will be even better yet… It was an even more special night because Will came home from his trip that night! If you’re thinking about coming next year, check out all the details at Valentine's Dinner
This year the boys and I did another week of boat-in camping on Walker Island in the Columbia River. And like every year of camping on the river, we had another adventure. The scariest adventure yet!!!But this year we drug our friends and family into it… For the most part the weather was beautiful, we had a great time and we are very thankful we (and all our stuff) made it back safely. If the suspense is killing you, read Camping Day 1 , Day 2, Day 3 , The Adventure
Last year for Christmas we got tickets for Creation 2009 at the Gorge in George, WA. And as usual, it was HOT! About 110 degrees hot! Despite the fact that it was fairly miserable heat and Andy ended up at the hospital thanks to dehydration, we all had an incredible time! There were tons of great bands, but Skillet totally “rocked our faces off!!!” More pics at : Creation Fest 2009
In August our whole family got to go on the youth group’s camping trip to San Juan Island. Chris and I were chaperones and all the boys went as youth group members. Are they really all that old already??? We had a great time and are looking forward to next year’s Great Escape! More pictures at Days 1 & 2 , Day 3 , Day 4 , Day 5
It was a big year for Zack. He turned 16, got his driver’s permit and went on his first date to a Halloween homeschool costume ball. Theresa and I made him a samurai costume to match what Erinn wore. It turned out fantastic! To see more of the process and finished product… Samurai costume
the waiters for the youth group Valentine's Dinner
Youth Group Super Bowl party
serving coffee and building snowmen at the rest stop
taking Grandpa's new boat out to see if it floats 
freak spring snow on March 27th!
Easter
my Lewis and Clark class' trip to Fort Clatsop
the Davises come to visit!
biking around the lake
Zack got an electric guitar for his birthday
our sand sculptures
having ice cream at Cannon Beach Conference Center
at the beach with Amy, Maggie and Charlie
Zack's party
my Oregon Trail class' field trip to Fort Vancouver
Chronicles of Narnia class trip to opening day of Prince Caspian
a community service project
going on a boat ride
Amy's baby shower 
