Our mini Vacation

Just a quick 4th of July post.  We are visiting Jen and Ryan and doing some of our favorite Oregon activities.  On the 4th, we ran in the Monmouth Mini Marathon.  It is a 2.6 mile race down the main street in Monmouth and Independence Oregon.  The big boys went running to the front with Mike, while Wyatt ran with Jen, Ryan and Kaylee, and then Ainsley and I ran/walked and Nic and Addisyn, and Grandma and Braden followed.  The boys took 1st, 2nd and 7th in their age group, though Wyatt was put in with the walkers even though he ran the whole thing.

Pure heart on the part of my little men.  Mike beat Brandt by about a minute, so I think his years are numbered.  Brandt just seems to keep getting faster.
After the race, we spent a pleasant afternoon BBQueing and watching fireworks from Jen's backyard.  It was a great day.
Today we headed out to Pacific City, which is now our favorite beach to visit.  We explored some tide pools and the kids climbed a monster sand hill.  They played in the water and build sand castles.  It was a really fun family time.  We ran into the outlet malls before heading inland, and I am excited to say, I have started school clothes shopping.

Tomorrow we are planning on exploring the McMinnville flight museum.  Wyatt will have the time of his life since he is going to be a pilot.  We are excited to share it with him.  Saturday we are going to head to Portland and visit OMSI.  We may also hit Ikea before heading back to Spokane and 100 + degrees.  Summer seems to have burst upon us all of a sudden.