Summer trip to Salem, Oregon

This summer we really traveled...our last stop was Oregon country to visit Grandma Cindy and Grandpa Walt.  We had a really relaxing time playing in the pool, sunbathing, berry picking (we brought 49 lbs home), checking out many frisbee disc courses (and losing lots of frisbees), racing in a 5K Bubble Run, walking to see the llamas and spending fun evenings playing games.  Here are the pictures from that trip...

We took lots of pictures of the Bubble Run...David and Sarah joined us!

 They almost covered Grandma and McKaleigh...

 Here's the before and after pictures of the run... Alex was actually lost in the bubbles at one point!

 We spent our entire first morning picking fresh berries - and we probably ate close to the number we picked.  We ended up taking an entire suitcase home full of the berries.  In addition, we visited our favorite country farm and picked up some cherries and freshly made donuts!

 We also spent a day up at Uncle David's and Aunt Sarah's house.  We lazed around, discussed many important topics and dined on Voodoo Donuts - picked up from downtown Portland.

 Brett turned 38 years old during this trip - so we celebrated with a Mexican Dinner at a favorite Mexican restaurant and homemade chocolate chip cookies! I was impressed Grandma Cindy had a 3 and 8 candle!

 One of our favorite activities was visiting frisbee disc golf courses.  We played 3 course during the time we were there and enjoyed the pool everyday after.  We all had a favorite course and most of us lost at least 1 disc ( I won't mention who lost the most!)

 Grandma and Grandpa live near a llama farm and Alex loved walking there each day.  Grandma had lots of veggies that we took to feed the little goats.  Alex named them Wilma and Fred (and there was a ram - not pictured - he named fluffy). I might add that those little guys are gluttons! 

 We love visiting grandma and grandpa and the fun we had at their home.  It is always nice to visit them in Oregon and see and do new things.  We love a good adventure!

Cushing California Vacation

We recently returned from 10 busy, nonstop fun filled days in California.  Grandpa Rod and Grandma Deb graciously treated us to a reunion in California - and we filled everyday with family, beach, amusement parks, family games, and lots of other new and exciting adventures.  We stayed in Imperial Beach and enjoyed the company of the California Cushings - It was fun, as we hardly ever get to see them. Although we had a condo to crash in, most of our time was spent in the bigger condo mingling with every, eating ourselves into oblivion, and playing games.  This was definitely the longest trip we'd every taken and how we managed to fill every minute is a mystery to me!  Here are alot of pictures of the fun that was had on this vacation (In no particular order)...

Family day at Balboa park We took a day and explored Balboa Park...There are lots of Museums, gardens, fountains and a big open space where we played soccer, frisbee and napped.

 Disneyland - Definitely a trip highlight.  How can you not enjoy yourself in the Magical Kingdom! It was the first stop...Here is the family all dressed and ready for the Disney Experience.

 Downtown Disney - a little bite to eat and some fantastic shopping.  I think that the kids were so excited to spend their money that they pretty much blew it all here, on the first day. The family all ready for the Day...

 McKaleigh and Grandpa getting ready for the Star Wars ride..,

 All 3 little boys signed up for the Jedi experience. They were part of a Jedi show and got to get up on stage and fight a bad guy - after some training.

 Pirates of the Caribbean ride - our family took up one entire boat, which made the ride extra fun!

 The Disney teens - ready for Indiana Jones - they look so happy go lucky

 Cushing siblings

 The Splash Mountain crew - Such hams... knew where the camera was - except Lilly - who is wearing a pretty fearful look!  That's my arm stretched across her - keeping her in the boat!

 In the evenings we gathered for family games - We picked up some quarters, nickels, dimes and pennies and Grandpa Rod taught all of the kids how to play poker! They had so much fun being able to bet their money!

 THE BEACH - where most days were spent... Everyone had a great time searching for the perfect shell, being buried in the sand, jumping waves, boogie boarding, reading and relaxing.  I think this was a favorite part of the trip for everyone!

 One of the days we ventured to Shell Beach  and an aquarium in La Jolla.  The kids spent forever with these seals - they let you get super close while they dozed in the sun.

 The Final Day - Universal Studios - Harry Potter! This was a jam packed day, and also the day that our camera died, so we did not get too many pictures.  The lines were long and the weather was hot.  We had awoken at 4a.m. to make the drive to L.A. for the opening of the park.  The most exciting part of the day was early evening when everyone began to leave and the lines decreased - by 10 p.m. we were able to walk onto most rides, which made for a fun night for all of us!

 A Golf Day - On one of the days, some of the boys ventured onto the Army base to play a round of golf.  I was a great time for them to bond and get some time together.

 It's always so much fun to make these kinds of memories together.  After this Summer, over the next few years, some of our family members will head off to college, and missions and who knows what adventures, so it was a wonderful way to spend time together while everyone still has all of their kiddos at home.  We look forward to these adventures, and hope to always be able to spend time together!