Sammy Visits

August 28 - September 1

Over Labor Day in September, Ben's brother Sammy came for a short visit. We were so glad he came because he got a chance to meet Teddy and enjoy Portland, all before his semester started at BYU. He was only here a few days but we packed in the fun. As always.

We started the fun with a little throw up. Seriously, we picked Sammy up from the airport on Thursday night and as we drove home Nayeli vomited all over herself and her car seat. It was really bad. We pulled off the freeway into a parking lot which, coincidentally, had a Babies "R" Us. I told Ben we should just go buy a new car seat. I was only half kidding, but he didn't go for it. Instead, we shoved it in a black garbage bag, threw it in the trunk, stripped Nayeli down to her diaper and continued on the drive home with her sitting in a seat belt next to me (desperate times called for desperate measures).

Sammy snapped this picture right after Nayeli threw up. And no, those faces are not staged.

Luckily her bout of vomiting didn't continue the rest of the weekend and we were able to continue with our plans as scheduled. Friday Ben and Sam got up early and went water skiing with a friend on the Willamette River near our house. The Petersen boys live to ski- on water or snow, so it was a great outing for them both. In fact, they were gone until lunchtime after which we went water skiing again with a nice couple from the ward. This time I accompanied them and got to watch. We then had Sammy make us his famous omelets for dinner. And then Ben and Sam collapsed into bed that night. Such is life of a Petersen boy.

Grandma Jane sent this adorable frog shirt for Nayeli

On the river

Teddy with Tio Sam

Friday we had plans to drive to the coast. We stopped at a logging museum/restaurant on the way called Camp 18. It's in a beautiful lodge and reminds me so much of Montana. Anyway, they are famous for their cinnamon rolls as big as your face. It was our first time there and we will definitely be going back. Everything was delicious.

This picture perfectly captures the face Ben makes when I am ridiculous. I love it.

Nayeli enjoying the carved statues outside.

The museum is essentially a bunch of old logging equipment outside. They also have a lot of old train cars.

Old logging machinery

We then continued on our drive to Cannon Beach. Of course we had to stop at the Ecola State Park lookout. By far one of the prettiest places on the coast.

The whole morning it had rained so I told Ben I wasn't even going to bring my swimsuit to the beach. Honestly, I have never been to the coast on a day it was pretty enough to swim. Anyway, I wore jeans and a t-shirt with a jacket, but as the day wore on the rain clouds cleared and the sun began to shine. By the time we got to Indian Beach it was a gorgeous day, basically southern Califonia beach weather. I felt so silly, dressed like a nun on a beach where everyone was wearing swimsuits. Luckily Ben had an extra pair of shorts so I was able to at least shed my jeans and give my legs some sun.

See what I mean? The most beautiful weather we've ever had on the coast.

Sammy laid down on the sand as we arrived and took a full blown nap. Isn't unreal how men can sleep anywhere, isn't it?

Teddy enjoying his first visit to the beach.

We played on the beach for hours and had so much fun. We then drove down to Arcadia beach because we had heard it was a beautiful spot. We hit it just at sunset. It was breathtaking.

 

A lady on the beach had caught a crab to show to her kids. Sam decided he could do the same. He walked right up to some crabs and picked one up. It was huge!

Sam the brave!

Showing Nayeli up close

Can you tell from this picture who was more afraid of the crab? I'll admit I was pretty relieved when it was placed safely back in the water.

The Oregon coast may not be warm, but it sure is beautiful.

We drove home with sun-kissed skin and two sleepy kids. What a fun day it was.

On Sunday we talked and relaxed in the morning, made a fun breakfast, then went to church in the afternoon. We then drove into Portland to show Sam the city and visit the Rose Gardens.

Rose Garden Selfie

Monday (Labor Day) was our last day with Sam. We got up early to hike to Punchbowl Falls, the same hike we did on Labor Day last year. All year Ben has been talking about going back up with Sam so they could jump into the waterfall together, so it was a priority on our "To Do" list.

Teddy ready to hike

I think their faces are a pretty accurate reflection of their excitement about our trip.

Family hiking is the best.

Nayeli certainly thinks so

The two handsome men of my life.

Perfectly captured smothering. He didn't know what hit him.

My treasures

#adventurehat. Don't leave home without yours.

After the photo shoot Sam and Ben dove into the freezing cold water. They swam over and underneath the waterfall.

See their heads?

Tough men

They then went and jumped off the lower falls. Ben got this picture of Sam diving in. Of course, he was shaking like mad by this point so it's a little blurry, but doesn't it capture the glory?

The hike home. Sam was nice enough to carry an exhausted Teddy.

We drove from the falls to the Bonneville Dam to show Sam the giant Sturgeon. We ate a packed lunch on the lawn there, then headed straight to the airport. It was a whirlwind trip, but so much fun. Sammy, thanks for coming to visit. You are welcome back any time.