October 8, 2023

Sorry this blog is a little late in posting. We have been off having fun and had no time to create a post. Okay, if I was being truthful I would just tell you that with company and extra beds in our apartment I could not get to my computer because there was a bed blocking it. :)

The week started out with MLC where we made dinner for 45. This month's menu included BQ chicken tenders, Mac-n-Cheese, salad, rolls, and special cookies from Julie Schupe. Here is a quick shot highlighting Elder Reil as he made his way down the line.

For the rest of the week I took off my missionary hat and put on my family hat. We have been so blessed to have Rachel & Chris here visiting us the past few days. We are grateful they made the trek up to the great Pacific Northwest!!! And grateful we could break away from our office duties to spend time with them. Before I start on our visit with them I just want to mention a few other family members and what has been going on with them. This is not everyone but just a sample of a few of them and what has been going on in their lives.

It was Elliot's birthday this week and at 14 he is almost 6 ft tall. Don't ask me what is going on with his hair!

Isabel is 16 and went to Prom. This photo of her is so beautiful I just had to post it.

Parker started Home MTC and we have been super excited to get reports from his mom on how he is doing. Going great so far!

It is Rachel & Chris' 10th wedding anniversary. Wow, has the time flown by! Congrats to the two of them!!

The Seniors at Washougal High School that play sports are honored with these banners hung in their honor. Way to go Danica!!

Rachel and Chris arrived on Friday and we got started right away doing all the things she loves since it was her birthday week. Friday was bowling. Good thing you can't see the scores in this picture because they were pretty pathetic!

Saturday was a session at the Portland Temple, then Olive Garden for their Never Ending Pasta Bowl, topped off with a visit to the International Rose Gardens, and finally Voodoo Donuts! Whew, it was a full day!

Sunday we attended church and then celebrated Rachel's birthday at Tracey's. Rachel was spoiled by her sister who made all of her favorite foods and then even sang a special rendition of Happy Birthday to her!

Monday we headed out to the coast for an overnight stay near Newport and Depot Bay. The weather didn't always cooperate but we had a great time anyway. On our way to the coast we explored this old covered bridge. Covered Bridge Tours are a "thing" here, who knew?

We hammed it up for the camera in front of the surf, drove on our favorite "drive on the beach" beach, walked over to Whale's Cove for a "photo op" moment, and checked into our hotel with this beautiful view from our balcony.

But the real highlight of the trip for me was watching Rachel at Sea Lion Dock in Newport. Oh my goodness! She loved it so much! She laughed, she giggled, and she talked to the animals. It was pure joy watching her delight. We even made a special trip back the next day because she loved it so much!!

We saw lighthouses and bridges and really just had a great time. We visited Mo's for dinner and then headed back to the hotel so Rachel could swim, another of her birthday loves!

On our way home we saw this spectacular double rainbow! What a way to end our trip. Thank you for coming Rachel and Chris!!!