Weekend Fun

We headed up to Newport for a couple days to hang out with the family. It was absolutely beautiful weather for the Oregon Coast!

Then we headed to Alsea, Oregon to go to Casey & Leah's wedding. Casey is Luke's homeboy from high school.

Back in Ashland on Sunday we celebrated my 27th birthday by going out to Pasta Piatti. I had some yummy shrimp pesto linguine and for desert, Tiramisu of course! Is it just me, or does 27 sound...so, grown up? I realize I AM grown up, but somewhere inside I always feel about 16 :).

Washington Trip

Noah and I just got back from a 4 day trip to Washington (state) to see my family. My cousin Nicole who I spent the summers with as a kid, came up from Utah as well as my cousin Tone and his wife Jennie. My grandma and great grandma live up there along with lots of aunts and uncles. We flew up on Thursday and my mom flew up on Friday. We had a great time just hanging out and catching up with everyone. They all got to meet Noah for the first time and I got to meet Nicole's kids and Tone's wife and kids. The trip felt way too short but I am thankful that I got to see everyone and have time together! It's too bad we don't all live closer, but I am hearing rumors of a Newell family reunion starting next year! Even though I brought a camera, I did not take a single picture so I'll post as soon as someone emails me some :) .

Happy Birthday / Anniversary!!

Happy Birthday to you mom!!! And happy 36th anniversary! You guys are awesome and we love you very much! It's cute to see that after all these years you are still so in love, what a great example you have set and what a testimony of the Lord's faithfulness. Have a beautfiul day!

Mean Muggin

This is classic.

Hillclimb 08'

View from our house

Running up the last stretch to the top

He made it!

Yesterday Luke ran the countries 3rd most vertical gain mountain race (5700 vertical feet). The picture I took above is the view from our house looking at Mount Ashland (the red arrow). The race started downtown in the park and went all the way to the very tippy top of Mt. A. This was his second time doing this yearly race here in Ashland. Besides getting some really intense leg cramps he came in 41st place out of 250!! Great job honey!!!

Friday

Noah and his daddy

Having Lunch at the Park

At the Fountain

Zechariah & Noah in Luke's charge

Luke is gone!

My honey is gone for 8 days teaching at a camp in New York! When the trip was first scheduled we considered Noah and I going along, but then my mom's husband Walt, being from New York himself, said it would be really hot and humid in July. That was the deciding factor for me :) .
So Noah and I have been spending our time over at my mom's house for a few nights and then tomorrow my sis-in-law Erin and nieces Olivia and Mallory are coming to stay for three nights. As much fun as its been and going to be, I sure do miss you Luke! Being apart causes me to appreciate you and all that you do!

4th of July Weekend

We had a fun and eventful 4th this year as we headed up to Newport (Luke's hometown) and stayed with his parents for about 5 days. Luke officiated a wedding for our friends Eddie and Katey on Saturday. It was a beautiful wedding on the beach with a fun reception to follow. On the 4th Luke was busy with all kinds of wedding stuff while I hung out with his family and we had a bonfire and roasted hot dogs and made smores. They went off to watch fireworks on the bayfront while Noah and I went to bed.... maybe we'll watch them next year! We had a great time with the fam and always look forward to hanging out with them. I didn't take many pictures so here are just a few.

Noah in his box

Dont worry mom, we only let him play in it for like 10 minutes :) .

Noah and his guitar

Noah is learning how to play the guit-box!!!! :)

The Park

Today after church (and a nap) we walked down to Lithia Park where Noah went on the swing for the first time, which was so cute. He seemed to like it and would laugh as we would put our faces right in front of him. He is also sitting up really well by himself as of the last week or so (my word they grow fast!) Such a nice day today... we're so happy summer is here!

Hapy Fathers Day!!

Happy fathers day to all you fathers out there! Especially to you Luke on your first fathers day. You are an awesome daddy, one who Noah will look up to all his days (as is so well illustrated in this picture). We love you!!!!

Noah says "da da"

Noah has been saying "ma ma" since he was like three months old, even though he doesn't really know what it means yet. So I've been working with Noah on saying "da da" before fathers day and lo and behold, at 7:25 this morning from his bassinet he belts out "da da!" Luckily the monitor was on and Luke was downstairs so he heard it! Such a cute boy!

Our 7 year anniversary!

There are so many reasons why I love you Luke. You continually give of yourself without mention and you work hard to take care of Noah and I. You have a heart for God and a love for people. You love me without reservation! You bring constant joy to my life. You are my best friend and there is no one else in the world I'd rather be with. I love spending every moment with you! I'm so thankful that God brought us together.... you are my soul mate, brought together to bring Him glory as he fashions us to be more like Himself. I love being on this journey called life, right by your side! I'm excited to be with you every step of the way; through the hard times when our faith is tested and through the good times when blessings abound. I love you!!!! Happy 7th Anniversary!!!!

Extreme Makeover Backyard Edition

Before

After

So, Luke has been working on our backyard for the last couple months to make it a place where we can have friends and family over for summer bbq's and just to hang out. He has put a lot of effort into this and I think he did a great job! We are excited to have some people over now! Good job honey, it looks awesome!