Sweet!!

My sister came for a weekend in November. She was here for Esteban's 18th birthday. His birthday was pretty sweet!!

Chabeli gave him a gigantic Reese's.  That is my favorite candybar. Is it wrong to covet your son's birthday present?

Laurann brought a box of football and soccer cookies. They were delicious and almost too pretty to eat. Almost.

 He wanted an ice cream cake. This is his usual request.

Oh, how I love my little boy. He happens to not be so little these days. We gave him a luggage set for his birthday. A sign of things to come. It breaks my heart a little bit.

That weekend the boys had the opportunity to ride in the Veteran's Day parade. There are eight different high schools in our town. Instead of each school having their own homecoming parade they all participate in one big parade. Each marching band, football team, and homecoming royalty had their spot in line at the parade.

My favorite of course, was this royal couple. I loved all the texts I received from friends along the parade route commenting on seeing him. Este later told us how difficult it was to smile for 40 minutes straight. None of us felt sorry for him.

Ethan rode on the float with the varsity football team. They were proud to be playoff bound. Even though he as on the other side of the float, I still managed to get a smile and a photo.

The highlight of the parade for Vanessa was candy. We were told parade participants were not allowed to throw candy from the floats. We thought that meant there would not be any candy at the parade. Well, many participants simply walked the parade route handing our candy and treats. Vanessa "borrowed" my camera bag and was happy as could be. She loves to feed he sweet tooth.

Laurann and I visited downtown and the local popcorn shop.

Aaron took her on a tour of his office and all the products they manufacture. He let her take a few things with her.

Luckily we also paid a visit to our favorite store Sam Moon and she was able to pack everything in her bag going home. Sisters are the best. It is always a treat to have her here.

Making Memories

My sister Monica moved to Portland just a few months before we moved to Texas. We have been wanting to visit them ever since they moved. The boys schedules were crazy this summer and it wasn't working out so when Aaron suggested that the girls and I fly up there, I jumped at the chance. My sister Laurann also flew in from Utah to join us.

This was my girl's first time ever riding on an airplane that they remember. They were both very excited while we waited inside the airport.

The excitement only grew once we were on the plane and in the air.

Monica was a great hostess. We spent our days visiting local attractions. We went to Multnomah Falls.

We visited the Columbia River Gorge.

The forests of Oregon are breathtaking.

One day we spent the morning in downtown Oregon. The highlight of the trip was City Target.

It is just a regular Target store except for the fact that it is several stories high. This might prove to be a problem pushing around a grocery cart but they have it taken care of with the grocery cart escalator.

We saw a bridge rise and lower for an incoming boat on the river.

We had to walk several blocks but the kids were troopers and  made the journey with only a few complaints.

They found a few little critters to play with along the way.

We also visited the Tillamook County Creamery where we overlooked the cheese factory,

tasted the various cheese samples,

and enjoyed some really great ice cream.

We even stopped for a photo. I love little Amaia!

A trip to Oregon would not be complete without visiting the coast.

The water was cold but that did not stop the kids from having fun.

Such a beautiful place!!

While we were there the Real Salt Lake soccer team was playing the Portland Timbers. We went to the game decked out in RSL gear.

The train after the game was just a little bit crowded.

We also visited the Adidas world headquaters.

One morning we woke up early and went to Fat Milo's for breakfast. I offered to buy my nephew Milo a Fat Milo's t-shirt but he didn't really seem to want it.

The sun was obviously shining in their eyes.

I can see why  they call the place Fat Milo's. These pancakes are huge!!

We enjoyed looking our over the farms and orchards in the area.

On Sunday afternoon we visited the Portland Temple. The temple is stunningly beautiful!

Holly found our sight seeing trips to be exhausting. Whom ever happened to be sitting next to her was used as a pillow.

She wasn't the only one catching a nap in the car.

Out of all the places we visited in Oregon, my sister's house was my favorite place. Her husband is a gourmet chef so each and every meal was amazing. He brings pizza to a new level. I do love me some good pizza!

It was a treat to have some berry pie. The berries were fresh from the berry patch.

We enjoyed Family Home Evening together.

I loved my morning jog. The views were spectacular! As a Texas girl, I didn't like running up the hills but, it comes with the territory.

The kids all enjoyed playing random games with each other. I love watching and listening to them play together. I have no idea what they are doing in this photo. It's probably better not to ask.

The kids put on a singing cousin talent show. For me, this was the absolute highlight of the trip!!

I loved being with my sisters and strengthening that bond. I think every one of us walked away a better person. It is just easier to talk to a sister because they get it. We talked a lot about our childhood. We talked about our past and our present. We talked about our future. I do love and miss these two girls so much!! I wish we all lived closer. The reality is that we don't live closer, so we make the most of our time when we are together.

I loved the fact that my girls had the opportunity to bond with their cousins. These moments are priceless.

Lastly, this trip gave me the chance to spend quality time with these two little cuties. I loved sharing this adventure with them. I look forward to many more adventures with these two. This is just the beginnning....

I believe it is so important to make memories together. In the end, that is what this life is about. Helping each other down the path and enjoying the journey as we go.