Oregon Randoms

Had a great time in Oregon!! Saw my sister and her family, had a birthday party for my grandma, and went to The Coast.  :)

This is my cousin Brooke. SUCH a doll! <3

It's a long ride to the Coast 

but Brooke and I made good use of our time!! ;)

All I have time for right now! More to come soon. :)

An Evening Out At The Pier

A wonderful evening with friends. Talking, laughing. It was my favorite evening while we were there. :)

On the car ride there, Tiffany and I take self shots of ourselves. The twins in the back managed to crash each one.

We got there and walked down the side walk to find the totem pole. Tiff messed around the camera. And ended up snapping some epic self shots of her and Cole. :p

Jonathan, Caleb and I tossed around the football some. Thankfully Tiff didn't catch a shot of ME awkwardly throwing the ball. 

WE FOUND THE TOTEM POLE!! 

Jonathan reenacted an Indian ceremony then the twins interviewed the "Chief". We were all laughing. Such great fun.

A couple of days before, we had been there and Jonathan found a Killdeer nest and so I made a point to check in on it again. 

The mama bird saw me as a threat and began acting like her wing was broke, hopping away from the nest. It was so amazing. 

And then we walked along and I snapped a few scenery shots. 

As we left Jonathan asked me to snap a quick shot of him on the whale. Here 'tis!!

That's all for this evening. I'll be sure to post pictures from all my other adventures soon! :D

(The view from the Hayes' front yard)

A thousand birds sing their own special song, 

surrounding me with wonderful music. 

As I sit on a fallen tree and drink in the perfect day, 

the sun peeks at me through the trees. 

It's warm and comforting. 

The air is fresh and filled with that woodsy scent,

the tall green trees give off.

The tall grasses around me sway

 in the gentle breezes that blow through,

everything is at peace.

(A picture from last summer's trip)

A noise behind me catches my attention,

I turn to find a small brown bird watching me.

His eyes are bright and he tilt his head to the side

watching me curiously.

I smile at him and he flutters away. 

(Random picture from Google, House Wren. I believe this is what I saw)

I close my eyes and listen to the sounds all around me.

A new sound joins the chorus around me,

I open my eyes to see where the buzzing noise is coming from.

I spot a chubby bumblebee.

He buzzes around, 

searching for a flower on a small blackberry bush beside my feet.

He moves off, not satisfied with these particular blossoms.

(Another image stolen from Google.)

Jingo reminds me of his presence and I pet his head. His eyes look golden in the sunlight and I smile, glad for his silent company.

(The best Red Heeler pup ever.)

I close my eyes once more,

taking in the symphony all around me.

Each bird, each bee, even the trees,

 all making a joyful song to glorify their Creator. 

It makes me feel so small. 

My silly worries fade away because I realize.

The God who made all of this beauty.

The Lord who conducts this symphony, conducts my life.

I must just surrender and rest in Him.

He's got it all in control. 

I can trust Jesus, He takes care of me.