Clayton and Wyatt come to visit

Clayton and Wyatt came to visit for a few days, so we took them to see sights of Portland. One of the highlights was the Beacon Rock hike.

It is not too long of a hike, about 1.8 miles round trip, but it is pretty much straight up! It leads to an incredible view of the Columbia River Gorge.

It was such a beautiful day (as are pretty much all Portland summer days, of course). The view was spectacular!

The stairs going up and down are always fun to take pictures on!

We went to the Bonneville fish hatchery next to the Columbia River. It wasn't the high season for it, but it was fun to see the different ponds of fish as they were growing.

 

Breckin comes to visit - and we went from mountains to the ocean!

Grandma Vicki has a tradition of bringing grandchildren to visit us, and this year was Breckin's turn, so we filled our days with activities.

One day we went to Mount Hood's adventure park.

We did the alpine slides, climbed rock walls, tried a Jacob's ladder (unsuccessfully), went summer tubing, and lots of other fun activities.

One of the coolest things that we did was "ride the rails" near the Oregon coast. After a pretty windy drive (with carsick people!), we arrived and got set up on our rail car bikes.

We got to wear super bright colored vests.

Jared partnered with Claire, Dani partnered with Torin, Breckin and Liam were a team, and Jacob went with Grandma.

It was genuinely a lot of fun riding through the woods on railroad tracks.

We would stop at any crossing so the guide could stand by the road as a crossing guard. It was kind of funny. Then, once we got to our destination, we picked up our bikes, turned around, and went back.

We crossed a bridge on the way there and back. It really was a cool activity!!!

Afterwards, we went to the beach at Rockaway.

The kids braved the cold, cold water (and goaded Jared in eventually).

Not content with rail riding as exercise, Jared and Dani took a jog on the beach.

Dani had all sorts of hot mom vibes going on that day!

We built sand castles, played Kubb, flew a kite, and had an amazing day on the Oregon Coast.

What a great way to show off the beautiful country we live in (even though everywhere we went was met with "Wyoming is better!")

On the way home, we took a stop by the Tillamook factory to get some ice cream!

It is special that we have a family that loves to get together and that Vicki helps to continue and build relationships among the cousins.

 

Summer Camps and activities

Claire got to go to Girls Camp. The camp is beautiful - the stake has consistently 

The girls of the Stafford Ward

Jared went on the hike with the girls to the Pool of the Winds. It was a beautiful day and a great hike.

It was fun being up with the girls. On our way down, Jared was at the end of the line of girls. A woman passed by, and after passing, she called out to Jared and asked about the group of girls and if they are a church group. Jared responded yes, that they are from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She said she could tell - that there was a light coming from them. What a wonderful example these young women!

Jacob got to go to young mens camp at Camp Meriwether alongside the coast. This is one of the best places in all of Oregon during the summer. Jacob and the boys had an amazing time in this incredible camp.

Summertime brings us to all the Oregon parks. We love going to the "Pirate Park"

The McIlmoils hosted a stake activity at their home, and we went over to help them prepare. Which involved driving a tractor a little bit. The most funny thing about the entire process was watching little Atticus changing a tire on a four wheeler.

The activity was a hit! The western themed stake activity was a lot of fun!