The Outlaw Josie Martin

We have officially had Josie for one week now. I have to say that she is settling in pretty well. Only a few accidents in the house and everyday she is learning to bite the kids less and less. Hailey and Pete were so excited to get a puppy... They didn't realize that puppies don't come pre-trained. We have to keep reminding them that Josie is just a baby and it us up to us to teach her things like not to bite. She is learning more and more everyday and I have already trained her to sit! Not bad for a girl who is not even 9 weeks old yet! She is definitely a sassy girl and no pussycat!

Frog on a Leaf - Doot, Doo, Doo (My pathetic attempt at a song...)

So, I'm no song writter... I thought I got a pretty cool picture though.

Kids + Balloons = Happy Faces (until they pop...)

Pete & his Spiderman on a stick

Hailey and Tinkerbell

Adventures in Northern Oregon

We drove up to the Portland area yesterday, so that we could pick up our puppy in Oregon City at 9:30am this morning. We decided it would be the perfect opportunity to visit with Amy Ruth (my great friend from high school) and her beautiful family in Forest Grove. When we left, I typed Am's address into the GPS and we were off. It took us up I-5 until we were almost to Salem and then, our adventure began. What beautiful countryside - rolling fields, wheat fields, orchards, nurseries, crops, wineries! We saw things we didn't even know were there... I even had Jeff pull over, so that I could get out to investigate some mysterious, tall, thorny, climbing, viney crops that were growing... Hmm, maybe hops? Not sure, maybe I'll Google it... Yep, they were hops. Yeah, for Google and beer!!

Any ways, where was I, oh yes, our great adventure. Well, it eventually led us to the spot that I took the following video. Let me tell you, this whole thing made Pete a bit nervous...

When we finally crossed the river and made our way to Forest Grove, we were greeted by Amy Ruth, her husband Josh, their children - Addy Rae, Josiah, Jeremiah and Amy's mom Sheri. We had a great visit and they fed us a wonderful dinner (complete with fresh, warm blueberry pie for desert).

Before we picked up the puppy this morning, we took a little drive around Oregon City. I didn't know before, but Oregon City is where the Oregon Trail ends, so the city has some very interesting history.

Then, it was time to pick up little Josie. Oh boy, it didn't take us long to fall in love with this little ball of fur! We had a very good ride home. I, of course, was worried about her having accidents in the car... So, we made sure to stop for plenty of potty breaks!

Here are some pictures I took of our baby today.

This Month in Pictures - and a few words too

Ok, ok, I know once again, long time no blog... Things have just been so busy around the Martin house. I figured that instead of a lot of writing (blog, blog, blog), I would sum this month up in pictures. Here goes...

This month, we have sure had some beautiful sunsets!!

Ok, I'm sure this couple would be surprised that they are on my blog... I have no idea who they are, but I thought it would be a nice picture, so I took the shot. I wish it was my kids on the other side of the pond, but I'm sure one of them would end up falling in the muck (most likely Pete), so I had to settle for the unknown couple.

Well, Miss Hailey has a funny smile in this shot, but her bright eyes are sure shining!

So I do exist - imagine that! I had to had the camera to Jeff for this one. He is not particularly comfortable behind the lense, but with a little cropping, it turned out very well.

This was taken on the 4th of July in Ashland before the parade began.

Jeff's turn with our beautiful children!

Not sure what that face was about, but I thought it was a funny shot.

Hailey and Pete had to stand to enjoy the bagpipers!

Throughout the parade, Pete kept declining candy from the participants. He kept saying he wanted candy from the firefighters. In this shot, he is wondering why they didn't have any candy and I'm sure he's not happy with his previous decision...

Caballero's pretty caballo

Mr. Ryan enjoying grandpa & grandma's newly improved pool.

I thought this was a great picture of my dad.

Jeff, hoping that the fireworks would hurry up and commence!

They were worth the wait, even though the show was pretty short this year... Darn budget cuts!!!

Miss Ava @ Ryan McNeil's 6th B-Day party.

Jeff & Hailey at the Oregon Caves.

Hey look, it's Pete and me at the Oregon Caves too!

Miss Laila having a grumpy moment, but still cute.

Marc, Christy, Laila & Kenley came from Florida to visit us again this year. We were so excited to see all of them and to finally meet little Kenley! Can't wait until next time.

Christy and Kenley, so happy to finally be out of the car and ready to explore the caves.

Look, Kenley learned a new trick.

We also took the Vermonts to the Dunes for some sand, speed and fun!

Hailey enjoying Marc's camping hammock.

Marc didn't approve of our BBQ skewers as marshmallow roasters, so he had to find his own stick. Pretty sure he won't burn his fingers now!

What an amazing, gigantic, beautiful Dahlia we found in Winchester Bay!

Ok, I know it's an ugly old boat, but I thought it was pretty cool anyways.

Miss Kenley was so happy to just hang out. What a sweet baby!

Pete rode his bike soooo much while we were camping. It was wonderful to see him zipping around the parking lot like a pro!

Jeff (in shorts), Marc (bundled up like Kenny from South Park), Hailey and Pete ready to go for a ride in the rail.

I really wish this picture was more in focus, but I thought it was such a cute shot of one tired baby.

I guess that pretty much sums up our month. It was busy, but we had a lot of fun!