Winner! Winner!

Chicken dinner!
This weekend Jake and I took a little drive to Redmond for the Northwest Tractor Puller's Association truck and tractor pull. Not only did Jake not break anything on his truck (can I get a Whoo! Whoo!), he also won himself a lovely 3rd place ribbon for his pull today. AND, perhaps most importantly, he won a bet made with his buddy Jeff which means Jeff has to paint the traction bars on his truck BRIGHT PINK for the next pull. Those crazy boys! Congrats, Jake! You and your pretty truck are making a name for yourselves! Check out this video of Jake giving it all he's got.
We also want to say thanks to a few folks. First to Angie for giving us a bed and shower this weekend - both were appreciated. And secondly to Katie, Lindsay, Shaun, Dan and Kathy for taking turns watching Ashley while we were away. Shaun, your phone call regarding how to set up the pack-n-play was priceless. "Hey, man. Is there a special trick to this thing?" Seriously, Shaun. That's classic and provided me with a good laugh! Thanks to everyone! We love you all!

Thursday & Friday in pictures

What a great few days it's been!

My new princess castle
Peek-a-boo!
I LOVE it!

Climbing machine
Sweet and juicy!
The sweetest thing on 2 legs
Looks like I've been hitting the bottle a little hard....
I learned this by looking at.....
....this picture of Daddy and cousin Justin

Bumming around at the beach

After a pretty hectic 2 weeks we decided a Memorial Day picnic at the beach was due. So we packed up the sandwiches and chips and headed to Pacific City with Kathy, Dan, Katie, Angie, Chris, Hannah and Christopher. The weather was pretty amazing for Oregon in May. Aside from a little wind the water was relatively calm and the skies blue. What more could you ask for? Ashely even got her first feel of bare feet in the sand. It could have gone better, that's for sure....

Running wild Loving the beach So happy Chris & Angie stop to smile for the camera More running around Um, Mommy? What's this gritty stuff on my hand? Bare toes in the sand? Uhh.....
...it's not my thing Happy beach family
Brr! Daddy do you even realize how chilly this water is? That's much better Maybe if I fake being asleep Daddy won't put me down Getting love from Aunt Katie Beach bum Big wood! Packing up and getting ready to head home - bye bye!

Party like a rockstar!

Sunday afternoon family and friends gathered to help Jake celebrate his last year in his 20's. Not to be outdone by burgers and birthday cake, a bunch of us loaded up and took a quick trip to the local truck race and mud bogs. Nothing like spending an evening with a bunch of drunk locals. And if you happen to hear a story about me talking trash to some crazy girl in a tight white shirt and a big can of beer hitting on my husband, it isn't true. I simply explained in a calm and friendly voice that the guy she was attempting to throw herself at is married, and that if anyone as going to be 'driving his truck', it'd be me. Plain and simple.

I suppose this picture could get us into trouble....
But not as bad as this one could....
From boozer to pick-pocketer (she loves to get Jake's phone and wallet - smartie pants!)
Hold me tight Uncle Martin - I'm a wiggly one!
Jake and all his loot
Stop and pose for a quick family pic
Get every last one, Jake
Mm! Gimme some of those!
Dorky Isaiah and fantastic Robyn
Mm! Cake and ice cream
Hewooh? Anybody gonna let the midget in?
Beating Jeff off the line (Jake's truck is the one on the left)

Shriners...Helping Kids Defy the Odds

On Saturday I had the great pleasure and complete honor as I watched Dad be initiated into the Al Kadar Shrine. Shriners are known for many things from those funny hats they wear (called a fez) , itty bitty cars they ride around in parades, all-star high school football games, circus', rodeos and perhaps the most important thing of all, Shriners Hospital For Children. It took over 10 years to finally convince Dad to become a Mason and then another 7 or 8 to get him into Shriners. But regardless of the time it took, he's finally there. Congratulations, Dad. Ashley and I had a great time! Jake, Ashley and I are all so very proud of you and look forward to the good things you will do as a Shriner.

I couldn't take it any longer! I had to run up and be in Grandpa's picture We're so proud of you, Grandpa! Whoa! Where'd I go? A picture without me in it? I just don't think so! I had to run up and be in this one, too Chase me, Grandpa!

Happy Memorial Day

Today of all days lets all take a second and say a prayer for those who have served and continue to serve to protect our freedoms. Let us also remember the families and friends of those that are serving as they are making sacrifices too. We'd like to send special thoughts and prayers to our friend Staff Sgt. Sam Brandt (gosh I hope that's the correct title) as he makes the trip of a lifetime today and travels to Iraq. May God keep you safe, Sam, as you serve our country. Jeniffer (Sam's wife), we'll also be saying prayers for you as well.
Thank you also to my Poppie who served in the Army just before the Korean War. And Lisa Tribbet, if you're reading this, who also served in the Army. And I'll just apologize now for any family and friends that I am forgetting...

Looking sharp, Sam!
Jake and Sam at Halloween
Lucky (Gene) Newell - Korea, February 1947. 18 years old. The back of the photo reads "The day that I went on the 15 mile hike". He may be my Poppie, but DANG if he's not good looking!! I once called him a hunk, and I'd do it again.
Poppie and I at Easter
Poppie and Ashley back in March celebrating his 80th birthday

Head em up -- move em out!

One of the reasons I haven't been able to do much updating on the blog lately is because Kathy and Danny spent the last week packing up their home of 20 years. It took 6 consecutive days of 10 to 12 hours of packing and sorting, but it is official: THEY ARE MOVED!
20 years, 1 house, 2 sheds, 1 barn, 4 kids, lots of dogs and endless horses equals more boxes than you can even count (and not one spot of dust!). Take a look for yourselves....

Day #1 - let the fun begin! I snapped this shot just after the waterworks stopped -- so many memories to sort through Break time = cake time! (notice how happy Katie looks in the background....) Mm! Mm! Mm! One last ride on the swing Higher Katie!
And now it's Kathy's turn Dee and Jewels trying to figure out what all the fuss is about Helping Grandpa Dan mow the lawn at the new house And just because people have been asking, here's a picture of my 11 week baby belly...