Laura's Visit!

Laura called me the week of the 4th of July and said, "I want to come to Portland! Do you have plans for next week?" I told her that I didn't have plans, so she came up with her five youngest for a few days to visit. It was a quick, whirlwind trip, but we had so much fun.

Our family arrived home from Hermiston Sunday night, then Monday I quickly cleaned my house, grocery shopped, and did laundry. I got everything done just in time for Laura to arrive after dinnertime. We took the kids to a park to play while Laura and I chatted and caught up.

The next day Laura wanted to head to the coast, so we drove to our favorite Camp 18- that's right, the place with cinnamon rolls "as big as yo' face" (as Ben puts it).

Cousins at Camp 18

Cute Nayeli and Eleanor

Teddy and his three mother hens. They were all eager to be in charge of him :)

We then drove into Cannon Beach. I had read that the high was going to be 67 degrees, so we packed jackets instead of our swimsuits, but it turned out to be a gorgeous day and the kids all got into the water in their clothes. Laura let all her kids get wet even though she didn't have a change of clothes for them. It was so good for me to see how relaxed she is as a mother- I definitely need to work on that. Maybe when I have seven kids that's how I'll be ;). Anyway, it was really fun to be on the beach together and watch the kids play.

We then walked around the shops in Cannon Beach and Laura treated everyone to ice cream. As nap time approached, I headed home so my kids could nap in the car and Laura and her family drove to Seaside. They had a great time there. The Oregon coast is beautiful. That night we had dinner and just chatted. It was so fun to have a sister visiting! And the kids had a great time playing together.

The next morning we let the kids sleep in, and Bridie ended up going in to curl up next to Nayeli in bed. It was just the sweetest thing.

We took the kids to our favorite riverside park- George Rogers Park, which has the beach along the Willamette river. The kids played in the water and sand while Laura and I lounged in the shade. By lunch time Laura was on her way to Emily's, having stayed at my house for only a day and a half. It was so fun though to have more time with my family and I was glad they could visit, even if it was short lived. Thanks Laura for coming! You are welcome anytime.