One never quite knows how a shot is going to turn out with so many little minds involved! This is part of what makes these pic's so memorable. What I crack up at when I look at this? Noah touching Gracie's tongue, and Gracie being more that willing to offer it up for inspection.

Here are a few shots of us enjoying the Oregon coast in February. It was absolutely what we needed... time together as a family with nothing to distract us.

We had the pleasure of traveling to the west side of the state mid- February. First we went up to Seattle to attend church with an old friend. Then we headed south to Centralia and visited family. finally, we went even further south to Florence OR to visit with my mom and see her new house.

We had a great trip... relaxing, refreshing, and fun!

We had great weather while we were in Florence, perfect because we could have fun at the beach!

This was after a bath in Grandma's "special" tub! We tried to turn the jets on but it wasn't full enough. Needless to say the girls preferred to not try again!

Last fall Isaac and I began plans for what has now come to fruition... CHICKENS! Not long ago we purchased our first "family pet," although I think chickens are better than a pet because they contribute something very practical to the family. We have enjoyed watching them grow (and die- if you don't know, I'll fill ya in later...=) They are now in quite a goofy stage. A friend at church named it well when she said they almost look like dinosaurs (the shape they take on.)

Anyway, it is a great family project! I am surprised at just how low-maintenance they have been so far, and we all have fun going out to check on them together.

This is Esther's Wyannedotte named rose. She is by far the most docile.

This is Maisie... she is a runt and still the smallest of the pack. I picked her because she was sooo cute. I have to remember that she would be just as cute grilled with a nice tex mex rub or honey glaze...

THIS is Beaker, poor thing looks ridiculous now, but that is why Ike chose him. or her. it was 79 cents because the gender was unknown. Currently he has real feathers on the top of his head now that are tall and look like a mohawk. They bounce when he pecks at things. If only we all could have that kind of "body" in our hair.

There are 7 chickens total. There used to be 8, but we had an incident with Gracie enjoying a chick way to much.

"mama, come see the chicken, he's flat!" -Gracie

What a joy she has been...