Tuesday, March 23, 2010

A cold, windy (fun!) day at the coast

Our intentions were good. Get up early, head to the coast, and enjoy the beautiful weather that had been predicted. We packed our beach blanket and a picnic lunch and set off on our adventure. The one small glitch in our best-laid plan: the beautiful weather did not materialize. So - rather than eating at a picnic table or on the beach, we ate our lunch in the comfort of our car, in the parking lot at a state park, where we could enjoy the splendid view of the waves in warmth and comfort.


This is a street sign near Waldport that I have admired over the years. As a Superman fan, I think that someone was sure creative with that street name.
Next stop was my most favorite place at the coast - Cape Perpetua. The wind was whipping, and we were freezing. Fortunately, Mark had an extra stocking cap and gloves to loan me - otherwise I might not have survived the cold to tell about it. We looked for whales, but didn't see any, at least for sure.
Brrrrrrrrr.......

The rock structure built in the post-Depression era by the CCC - at over 800 feet above the ocean.


I know, I know... the stocking cap is just so flattering.

The wind was exhilarating! I stood on a rock wall, and literally had to lean forward into the wind to keep my balance.
Driving further south, looking back toward the Heceta Head lighthouse (on the left) and the lighthouse keeper's home (on the right), now a bed and breakfast where we have stayed in the past.
Back in the warm, sunny Willamette Valley that afternoon, we went by Hazelnut Hill, our go-to place for roasted hazelnuts. They also make the most amazing ice cream cones known to man (or woman), complete with whipped cream and a chocolate-covered hazelnut on top.
Mark chose hazelnut ice cream, of course.
I went with chocolate brownie ice cream.
And below is a short video clip of Mark at Cape Perpetua. Just listen to that wind blow! All in all, a fun day despite the cold. An adventure with my sweet hubby - what could be better than that!

Friday, March 5, 2010

Jumping Bean

Ayeresam loves to jump! He is getting so big, so fast. He came by to play with Grandma and Grandpa yesterday, and in the short week since we'd last seen him, it was plain to see how much stronger he is, how good he is at sitting by himself, and how determined he is to learn to get from place to place. Mostly it was fun to see him smile and laugh.
Love you, sweet baby!

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Introducing.........

Hannah had the distinct privilege of naming our chicks. So, without further ado, please allow me to introduce
"The Girls"
Clockwise from top: Fern, Eloise, Cordelia, Rosemary, Ginger, and (center) Josie Mae. They are growing so fast! And thanks, Hannah. You fulfilled your responsibility with great honor and dignity.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Happy Birthday, Jake!

Thirty years ago. February 24, 1980. Jacob Mark Dorr entered our world. This is the first picture ever taken of him, at two hours old.
Two days old, leaving the hospital.
Three weeks old.
First birthday, 2/24/81. We love you, Jake. Have a special day today.

Monday, February 22, 2010

Have some Kleenex handy?

Second only to being Mark's wife, being a mommy has been the dearest and most precious experience of my life. I love to read other people's birth stories. This morning, this story was recommended to me, and I just had to share it with my family and friends. Perhaps it will touch your heart as deeply and profoundly as it did mine.

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Peep and Poop

Today was our big day to pick up six baby chicks from the local farm supply store. We got one each of every variety they were selling: Rhode Island Red, Barred Rock, Ameraucana, Buff Orpington, Australorp, and sex link (huh?). They are soooo cute!
We put them in a cage in Mark's tool shed in the back yard, under a nice heat lamp, where they will live for about a month, until they are bigger (and until Mark finishes building their chicken coop).
About all they can do at this point is peep and poop. And eat. And drink.
A few nights ago we went to Beka's parents' home to see pictures from Jake and Beka's trip to Ethiopia to get their son. And look who else was there! Baby Sam, the brand-new son of Beka's sister Alison and brother-in-law Brandon. What a joy it was to cuddle with him.
And, like our chickens, sweet Sam does his share of peeping and pooping, too! ♥

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Happy Birthday, Chris! ♥

Happy Birthday to our very favorite son-in-law, Chris. We love you, we are so thankful for you, and we hope you have a wonderful day today. We are excited to celebrate your big day with you this weekend! ♥