We began Saturday morning with a trip to The Crepe Place – one of Andy and Nicole’s favorite morning haunts!

It was very tasty!

We spent the rest of the day visiting the church offices where Nicole works, exploring The KILNS bookstore, stopping at a Saturday Market, hitting a few thrift stores, and driving to the top of Pilot Butte.

Mom and Dad took Nicole and Andy out for dinner, so Joey, Naomi, Noelle, and I ordered a couple of humongous pizzas. Before digging in, though, Joey, Naomi, and I decided to go back to Pilot Butte and see if we could run all the way to the top. Last year when I was visiting Nicole and Andy I attempted the challenge and made it all of about 100 yards. Pathetic, I know, but hey, I’m a Kansas girl! I was determined to do better this year! Joey amazingly summitted with hardly a sign of expended energy. Naomi and I made it about half a mile before we had to slow down to a walk. After catching our breaths, we finished running to the top. (Next year, Lord-willing, I will make the run all the way up!) And then we went back to the house and made up for lost calories…

The trail is short, but steep (as I’m sure our calves will affirm tomorrow!).

Joey had a little trouble making it to the top, so his big sisters pitched in to help him out.

Then Joey had to return the favor when Nicole had a difficult time climbing the final big boulders at the top.

Andy, Dad, and Joey enjoy the view from their perch far above the plain.

I decided to zoom in for a close-up shot of one of the small cottages arrayed across the valley.

Noelle makes herself comfortable and is only disappointed that she neglected to bring along her book.

Nicole and Andy find other ways to while away the time at the top…

I was excited to meet up with my friend, Kelsey, and her sweet 7-week old daughter. She and Mom opted to walk along the river path rather than attempt to summit the rock, though!

It was necessary to make a brief stop on the way home in order to replenish some of the calories we worked off on the hike. Elizabeth was quite disinterested and preferred instead to take a nap!

Upon arrival back at Nicole and Andy’s place, chef Andy went to work and soon had a meal of sizzling fajitas ready to be consumed. Yum!

All of us girls headed to the quaint town of Sisters. Of course, we had to get a picture of the sisters next to the sign. Too bad we were missing a sister!

We enjoyed walking around and in and out of the various shops until mid-afternoon when we stopped for a late lunch.

Here’s a shot of the Three Sisters [mountains] that I captured on the drive home.

Andy, Nicole, Noelle, and Joey pose at the entrance to the “water park.”

It was a half-mile trek back through the canyon to the final destination point.

The swirling falls, surrounded by crags that served as a perfect launch pad for the cliffjumpers.

We got warmed up on the easier jump. Andy led the way and most of the rest of us followed. (Sorry, you’ll have to turn your head sideways to watch this clip…)

We were all impressed when Dad made the jump! And look at the beautiful form, to boot!

Andy, Noelle, Joey, and I made our way over to the falls and had a blast climbing up and jumping off the edge several times.

Noelle prepares for her entry into the rapids below.

It took her a while to work up the nerve, but Naomi eventually made the plunge. We were all so proud of her!

Next, Joey and I set our sights on the big jump on the other side of the river.

It was a good bit higher than the other cliffs, but oh, what an adrenaline rush! I’d say God definitely has the corner on creating the best water parks, don’t you think? Too bad He didn’t put a few in Kansas, though…

The river flowing down the mountain from Tumalo Falls.

Andy, Dad, Naomi, and Joey looking down over the falls from above.

The family enjoys the exhilarating view from the top.

Some of the more adventurous in the group decide to hike our way up the river to experience the falls up close.

Naomi, Joey, and Noelle exhibit the victorious feeling of arriving at the foot of the falls – almost there!

The falls are truly magnificent!

After a treacherous climb up the mossy side of the mountain, we all took a turn in the icy shower.

Dad and I wave in triumph before rushing back out!

We spent the afternoon swimming in the river (i.e. being carried swiftly downstream by the current while desperately attempting to dodge the large boulders strewn all across the bed of the river). No pictures from this…the camera would definitely not have survived the ordeal.

Then, after a scrumptious grilled feast enjoyed alfresco at Andy and Nicole’s home, we headed toward the Old Mill District for a walk along the river.

We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect end to our adventure-filled day!

…the very first printed copy of Pajama School – stories from the life of a homeschool graduate! This is the proof copy. Lord-willing, the real thing will be ready for distribution by mid-April! You can even pre-order your very own copy in one of three ways:

1. Pre-order Pajama School at Amazon.com

2. Pre-order Pajama School through Sibro Publishing. In fact, as a special way of saying thanks to all of you for your encouragement and support as I’ve worked on this book, I’m offering a special on-line discount of 20% through the end of February. Just enter the coupon code: FRIEND when you checkout.

3. Download and print a copy of the Pajama School Order Form, and send it to me, along with a check or money order. If you live locally and want to pick up your book in person, you can leave off the cost of shipping. And…if you make a note to this effect on the form, I’ll even autograph your book(s) for no additional charge!

Several weeks ago, Joey came to me one morning and said that he had an idea for starting a building blog. For as long as I can remember Joey has been fascinated by buildings. He is always asking how tall they are, whether this building is taller than that building, when it was built, etc. Of course, we didn’t have the answers, so we encouraged him to research and find out for himself. Now he is taking that research to a new level. We are excited to announce the newest Wickham blog!

A World of Buildings – exploring fascinating facts and figures through the eyes of a boy.

I know Joey would love it if you would drop by his blog and leave him a comment to encourage him in his efforts!

As long as I’m in a “happy new” mood, I figured I’d also announce the new Pajama School Blog! I’d love to have you stop by and check it out!

And, last but not least, we have one other exciting announcement to make. But I’m currently sworn to secrecy about it, so you’ll have to wait a little bit longer…