What a wonderful world

Our family is blessed to have the opportunity whenever we want, well most of the time anyway to go to Oregon and stay in Uncle Wayne and Aunt Judy's cabin.  We don't go often enough, but every vacation spent there is fabulous. There is no radio, no tv,  and sometimes you can get a signal on your phone for a few seconds. The nearest smallest little grocery store where they have one of everything which "everything" to them is not much :))) is about 45 miles away.... it's just splendid silence all around and there are no city lights to block the hundreds of stars!  It's breathtaking! The cabin sits on about 300 acres (I think) :) and a huge pond sits to the side of the cabin. This last trip in November of 2009, the pond and the little creatures inside it became quite popular with the adults, not just the kids anymore. The kids since the first time we ever visited would spend days catching salamanders, fill their buckets up with water and take care and play with them... They are cute little things. It's a sad last day when we all have to say goodbye and the kids release them back to their home, the pond. 
WELL, this year was a little different. While the kids were trying to rescue the salamanders, we (the adults:) were shooting at them. We had a 12 gauge shotgun, a 22 caliber and a couple of glocks!!!! Richie, Ray and Ryan were yelling "Pull"  as salamanders are being thrown in the air and Ray just nailing them... Way to go Ray!!!!!!! :)     

Misty, Danette and I both became pretty excited about the whole gun thing too,  finger on the trigger ready to go, zoning in on the pond just waiting for a glimpse of one to come to surface and then BAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If u are reading this and thinking,,, omg how cruel.. well just remember the last time u stepped on a spider, or caught a fish and took it home and knifed it to death, or u swatted that annoying little fly, or slapped the mosquito on your shoulder,, i could go on for a while:))))))))))))) Whew, i'm sorry that was the midwest talking:))     

Danette shootin on tin cans..

Let me warn u! First shot and this is what happened.............

:))))) I can't help my talent!   

 Here is a video of me shooting the 12 gauge which about knocked me off my feet!!!!!  facebook.com/video/video.php?v=

Overall, our days there are so relaxing, alot of bonding time and before we leave, we usually are making plans to already come back. Looks like May of 2010, hopefull we will be going back!!

                            

Dutch Bros, Coffee.. Its the best!!!

Shore Acres. Breathtaking!

Girls getting ready to hit the trails!!! There is always a fun story to tell after we are done:)

little salamanders in a temporary home...:)

alot of coloring happens while at the cabin

Noah got an early Christmas gift while there! and here he is in action!!

and who does'nt love a bonfire and roasted marshmallows????? :)

Ryan while taking care of sick me on Sunday and put together this video of this trip. It's a beautiful reminder of our time there and the love in our family!!!