August = Birthdays

Backing up a little bit to August again... We had one insane week of fun traveling all over our State to celebrate birthdays...

On Tuesday, the 12th, the kids and I took Mimi to Cannon Beach for the day. We had ice cream not once, but twice!

We enjoyed the sand (some more than others...),

sun,

and shops!

What a fun day!

Then, on Wednesday and Thursday, we celebrated Grandma B's Birthday in Kahneeta in the sun with swimming.

We enjoyed a Salmon Bake while watching a native dance with beautiful beaded outfits as well.

On Friday, I went to celebrate Great Grandma B's birthday at her house.

On Saturday (it wasn't a birthday, but interesting and fun none-the-less), we went to the PLAN picnic in McMinnville. We had a good time seeing all of the miracles that had happened in so many families. I wish I had gotten better pictures, but Cliff was working and it was a busy time of calculating carbs from the dessert table, giving extra insulin, keeping Lochlan happy, making sure Bria didn't run off, and actually visiting with some of these people!

One woman in particular was very fascinating to me. She and her husband had 3 biological kids, adopted 2 from Liberia, adopted another 5 (at the same time!) ranging in age from 7 to 14 (I think) and then got pregnant with a little boy who had no septum dividing the chambers of his heart! This gal was busy and yet she had no kids near her while we were talking. They were all off playing and entertaining each other and the baby who was doing pretty well! Amazing.

She encouraged and reminded me that when God is calling you to do something, he will provide. We don't need to fuss and say it can't be done, we can't afford it. Her story was amazing! When they were trying to adopt the 5, it was costing $70,000! Then someone came to their church asking if any family there had a need. They ended up giving this family $57,000!! It was so cool to see her eyes well up with tears recalling God's faithfulness and wanting to encourage another young mother. I certainly was. So, I pray that I won't say it can't be done when faced with seemingly overwhelming obstacles.

Then Sunday, we got back in the car and headed for Eugene to celebrate Ethan's 4th!

So there you have it! In 6 days we traveled to Cannon Beach, Warm Springs, Portland, McMinnville, and Eugene. Kinda nutty! But honestly, We are blessed that we even have a car and can afford to do fun day trips like these to keep in touch with family and celebrate important moments.