{a trip west.}

After nearly 2.5 years of living here in the Midwest, we finally packed our bags at the end of January and headed on a much-needed trip WEST. We had talked about going, had even made tentative plans over the past 18 months about going, but THIS WINTER, we had decided, it was going to be FINAL. It finally worked out. We were gone for 12 days. It was far too long in many ways, but not nearly long enough in other ways. There was just not enough time to spend with all the wonderful people there are to spend time with. We chose our time carefully, and tried to pack it as full as we could, but just not full enough that the boys would be totally overwhelmed. They were anyways. But all in all, they did exceptional! That's my lil men.

We spent the first week in Washington. We had lots of fun, saw as many people as possible, played hard, talked alot, slept little, and ate too much.

Here's some pictures from the first half of our Washington time:





{2 certain little boys loved the airports and flying!}

{nap time on the "middle-sized momma bear airplane" as miles said. yes, goldilocks and the 3 bears is his favorite story right now. everything is measured by the size of a bear.}

{jasmine and miles. they had so much fun playing together!}

  

{auntie katy loved their coffee.}

{on layne's behalf, i must say... i foresee a future relationship here. he LOVED chloe!!}

{my newest "nephew". he is most adorable. sailor remington- how i miss you!}

{miles and his precious "micole" or also known as nicole.}

{so much fun riding with daddy in this big tractor!!}

{poor guy. i woke him up from his nap so he could ride the tractor... he was so tired, but he wanted to go so badly!}

{fun at kendall & mary's. miles adored their very sweet and lively children!}

So, after a week in Washington with precious time used up... We made our way to OREGON... Which was every bit as fun!! It was so good to see Dan & Katie, their home, but most importantly-Keegan!

{uncle dan & aunt katie have a SLIDE in their house- so fun!! he also got rug burn on his nose from this adventure...}

{driving the van.}

{no comment. but katie said- take a picture, you'll laugh later. so wise, my friend.}

After 3 days with them at their house, we all packed up and headed to Seaside, OR for the last few days of our adventure to the Pacific Northwest... Seaside is where Matt and I went on our honeymoon almost 6.5 years ago, so it's a special place for us. If you are at all familiar with the Oregon Coast, weather is completely unpredictable... but we got super lucky and had FABULOUS WEATHER! It was WONDERFUL! We even considered extending our tickets and staying a few more days... but, alas, reality was calling. The boys L-O-V-E-D the beach and it was by far the most relaxing time on the trip. I had no idea the boys would love the beach so much, but I foresee a beach trip in our VERY near future ;) They are truly their momma's sons, because they sure don't get that from their dad! He's Arizona/desert/dry all the way.

{dropped his whale crackers. i thought it was adorable how intent he was on getting them picked up.}

{love this picture. he just couldn't get enough.}

{we took a multiple-person bike ride... here's the kiddos. they thought it was great.... for awhile.}

{and all of us.}

{it was so nice, we sat outside and played rook. super fun times!}

{cannon beach in the evening... it was chilly, but so beautiful. love this picture of my precious little.}

{it was an amazingly beautiful night.}

{love, love, love him.}

{we love this family!!}

{not to keep saying love... but I LOVE THIS MAN!}

{and not to exclude this little precious- i wish i could have captured truly how much he LOVED the beach. he was so adorable!!! and so adventurous! i love his spirit!}

{and alas, the dreaded time came. time to pack the suitcases- and hope they weren't over 50 lbs.- and make the early morning trek to the portland airport.}

We had a fabulous, wonderful, exhausting, and all-around GREAT time! We miss our friends/family so very much but we just love that we have the freedom to visit like we do! And we feel so encouraged by our time spent with you and we know our friendships were only strengthened! WE LOVE YOU ALL!

We continue to feel at peace making our home here in Ohio, and that was a nice feeling to come home to. But not a day goes by that we do not think of you, and pray for you! And count the minutes till we can see you again!!