Four Stops, One Trip: Part IV

The very last stop on our trip was a surprise to me. It was our anniversary weekend, and I knew we were going somewhere on the coast, but Dallas did a fantastic job and took me to my favorite beach of all time. We stayed at THE CUTEST Bed and Breakfast (The Thyme and Tide, in Oceanside if anyone is interested), with the nicest couple that made the best breakfasts. That was a lot of superlatives. We spent the whole weekend relaxing sitting on  the beach, eating and shopping. It was perfect. I told Dallas I wasn't sure how he was going to top this one next year, but he assured me he would.

 I am so grateful to be married to such a wonderful man! One year down, a million gazillion to go, and I couldn't be happier.

Four Stops, One Trip: Part III

We were sad to leave all of the cousins on Sunday, but it was six more hours of driving to Portland, so we got started soon after church. We made it to Portland, only to pack up and drive 3 more hours the next day down to a heavenly little spot called Loon Lake.

We have been going to this lake as a family for as long as I can remember, and it is always my favorite vacation of the year. The lake is warm(ish), has a white sandy beach (imported), and is perfect for boating. We spend 4 days tubing, skiing, wakeboarding and kneeboarding until our muscles give out and our shoulders are burnt to a crisp. 

This year my parents were crazy enough to take 3 newlywed couples with them, with Dallas and I being the longest married among the bunch. But, we were glad they did because we had a fantabulous time.

And the cutest two people on our trip award goes to...

J and A. By a long shot. 

Did I mention how much I love this place?

Four Stops, One Trip: Part II

After a fantastic Fourth, we packed up and drove another three hours to Ontario to where some of Dallas's family owns a campground. I got to meet a whole bunch of my new family, and I think Dallas even met a few new family members of his own. Dallas was very excited to see some of his cousins that he had been close with growing up, but hadn't seen in years. They were girl cousins, so I was terrified they weren't going to like me. BUT, they were even more awesome than Dallas let on and we got along very very well to say the least. Talk about a relief. We are definitely looking forward to spending more time with them.

Cousins and spouses. And one very tired toddler

We were lucky enough to have a wonderful aunt and uncle who let us borrow their camper, without even having to set it up or take it down. And did I mention they had bathrooms there? Real, flush toilet, wonderfully clean bathrooms? I was the happiest camper after this discovery, although Dallas spent the whole weekend rolling his eyes at my elation. He even had me use the porta-potty before revealing this crucial piece of information.

It was so stinking hot they put a sprinkler under the zip-line for the kids to cool off

While playing on the zip-line, I met two wonderful girls, A and M, who I became instant friends with. They drove me on ATVs, went exploring with us, and swam in the river with me and Dallas.

Me, A and M. Buds. The whole weekend. LOVED IT. 

I took sweet Z down on the zipline, and she didn't even cry!

Such a cute face

The whole weekend was filled with games, food and good company. I was so grateful to be welcomed in so lovingly to a great family.

The theme this year was a carnival, and the games were very creative!

Everybody all together

And did I mention there were bathrooms?