our fall break...

First stop...Bend, OR. Our dear friends, the Birnel's have lived there for a year now, and for a year and a day, we have wanted to visit. Brittany is the most amazing hostess. We were tired from the 11 hour drive, but when we walked in, I could already smell dinner. We had so much fun catching up. I haven't seen Ryan in years. They really are some of my favorite people. The kids got along smashingly! Ryan pulled out his photography lights, and we went nuts. I don't remember who took these 3 pictures, but aren't they the sweetest girls? Ryan is so talented...I was so happy to have a mini-tutoring session with him. :) Thanks Ryan!

Emily, Brittany and I. Gorgeous house, gorgeous kids. Just LOVED our visit.

Our next stop was Tacoma to see Laura and her family. I can't tell you how much I love going there. It is rejuvinating for me. I love their family, I love the area, I love it all. Charlotte and Emily. I know...she may be the most gorgeous baby ever.

On Friday, my cousin Matt and his family drove to Tacoma from Moses Lake. He is a dentist there. I am so proud of him. I don't know if there are even words to describe how much I love Matt. And Sarah is just as great. I am SO glad they made the drive. Now the Malones and the Gehrings plan to hang out...and I must say...I'm a speckle jealous.

The Matt Malone family. LOVE them.

The Schofield's...taken by the gorgeous and wonderful Sarah. :)

I can't get enough of this guy. I really can't. You meet him, you love him...it's as simple as that.

Aren't they great? I'm glad we are related and have forever to strengthen these relationships.

The Vashon ferry. Quickly becoming a tradition.

Molly and Elsie were the cutest. They were a bit overwhelmed at the beach with all the cousins and noise, but here...they had eachother, and that was all they needed. :)

Some of my absolute favorite people...in the WORLD! Their new house is so beautiful. Laura has the best decorating sense. She's able to take any given space and make it feel like a cottage. Cozy and happy and warm. She's hilarious too. We laugh A LOT when we are together. I think that's partly why I love visiting so much. I love Gunnar. He is so great for Laura and for our family. He is mellow...and if you know the Temple's, you know we're NOT. It's a good balance. Their girls are so beautiful. They are so happy and pleasant. Laura cooked for us. I know, that may not seem like a huge deal, but it is. It was GREAT too! I'm so proud of her. I love and miss you Laura. Thanks for having us. :)