Strom Family Reunion in Moses Lake,WA and Seahawk Football Game

We headed to Moses Lake, WA in late August for the Strom Family Reunion.  The Stroms are Mark's Moms side of the family.  All members live in different areas of Washington, except for us the lone Oregonians.  We stayed in Moses Lake and hung out at the home of Scott and Stephanie. They were super hospitable.  It was a great time had by all.

After our trip, we headed back home for a few days.  We then headed to Seattle for the Cougar Football Game.  It seems to be the beginning of a long season.  As for us, it would be our last trip of the summer.

The Strom Family

Barry, Anne and Avery

Anne and Barbara

Mark Hanging Out By The Fire

Kevin and Avery

Avery's 6th Birthday Fiesta

Our girl is 6!!!  How can that be?  We celebrated Avery's special day on her actual birthday. However, the weather was terrible.  We faced record heat in Oregon, well over 100 degrees. Thus, her birthday was spent partially indoors and out.  We held most games outdoors while dinner, dessert and presents were indoors with air conditioning. We are very thankful that no children or adults melted.

Sack Race

Pinata

Sombrero Cake

The Gang

Elsa, Avery and Greta

Hallie and Avery

Vacation to Southern California

Southern California is always a great time.  We spent our vacation with the Tramutola Family and enjoyed the many splendors of the area.   Of course, the best memories occur with the family swimming, going to the beach or possibly engaging in a competitive game of badminton.  However, during this vacation, Mark and I had the opportunity to have a little alone time.  We spent one of those days on Catalina Island. We took the boat from Dana Point early in the morning and headed back in the evening.  We engaged in all the tourist activities such as the island bus tour, casino tour and even a game of miniature golf.  It was pretty fun. On another outing, we went to Hollywood to see the Craig Ferguson Show.  Unfortunately, I didn't realize that it would take more than two hours to get to Hollywood from Orange County in the early afternoon.  I might be dating myself but I remember when it was just an hour.  Needless to say, we missed the show and decided to tour the hills instead. 

Badminton Players and Cousins: Nicky, Ariana, Mikey and Avery

Avery and Mikey in the Pool

Catalina Island

Maureen and Mark in the Hollywood Hills

Disneyland and California Adventure

Disneyland is quite possibly the happiest place on earth for our daughter.  This year has been the turning point from little kid rides to big kid rides.  She has been on all the roller coasters including Space Mountain (her favorite), Matterhorn, and Splash Mountain.  This visit was even better than previous because her good friend Laira and her mom Jennifer went with us.  

Avery and Laira

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Maureen and Avery Waiting in Line... Again

A Day At Califia Beach

Avery loves the beaches in Southern California.  She has gone many times with us, her Grandma, Aunt Monica and her cousins.  This year we got her a boogie board.  She can definitely catch the white wash with the best of them. 

Aunt Monica and Avery