natalie’s blog

[Sorry for the delay in getting up more pictures from our trip to Oregon...] 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 [...]

Today, we made our way to a favorite hiking/climbing spot in Central Oregon – Smith Rock. 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 [...]

Dad and I greeted the morning with a couple-miles run along the Deschutes River Trail. The air was brisk, and the terrain slightly more hilly than our regular route back home. Andy fixed a delectable brunch that was the perfect complement to our leisurely day. All of us girls headed to the quaint town of [...]

Today, Nicole and Andy planned a suprise destination for me. All the others were in on the little secret, but I was left guessing until we arrived at Steelhead Falls…a cliffjumper’s paradise! Andy, Nicole, Noelle, and Joey pose at the entrance to the “water park.” It was a half-mile trek back through the canyon to [...]

Since I don’t do any scrapbooking, I’ve decided to try to do a better job of posting pictures and highlights here from special family events. This is from the first day of our trip to Oregon to visit Andy and Nicole. Noelle, Naomi, and Joey flew out a week early, then Mom, Dad, and I [...]

This poor blog has been sadly neglected for quite some time now. I have a number of good-sounding excuses, but I’ve been hesitant to share the real reason. You see, this whole business of writing and publishing and marketing a book has taken quite a toll on me. In fact, I’m told that I appear [...]

We hosted our annual Ladies Neighborhood Christmas Tea last Sunday. It was such a delightful time of visiting with our neighbors! Naomi is supposed to be working  on a full-fledged post with pictures, but until then, I just thought I would post this picture of the serving table. It was still missing a couple of [...]

…sisters [and brother].

In the midst of lots of heavy and serious things to be pondering and discussing these days, I thought some lighthearted pictures would be a nice reprieve. Joey just finished his last season of Upward soccer. Here are some of his action shots from the games: Going in for the goal… Joey and Ryan vie [...]

For my final four days in Oregon, Nicole, Andy and I decided to tour the Oregon coast. Aside from a bit of rain, the weather was beautiful and the trip was wonderful. Here are some highlights: Arrival at the coast! The lush green backdrop against the ocean water was gorgeous! Nicole and Andy take a [...]

Today we did something I never thought I’d do: mountain biking. And I’m officially hooked! It was a thrilling experience! We woke up to a beautiful morning, loaded our gear and made the short drive to Tumalo Falls. Nicole and Andy have some really nice mountain bikes and borrowed another one from a friend to [...]

Friday night, we decided to enjoy the beautiful weather by taking a sunset hike at Smith Rock. We met up with my friend Kelsey, whom I haven’t seen for five years, and had a great time catching up in between gasps for breath while climbing up the trail. Nicole and Andy pose for a picture [...]

Pilot Butte State Park is right outside Nicole and Andy’s back door and provides the perfect motivation and setting for an early-morning excursion. Self-portrait…

Yes, it’s true. Naomi passed the test and can now drive legally with her learner’s permit. She is very excited…but this is how the rest of us feel about it…

This year of AIC was one of the most amazing ever! Despite my initial objections, God clearly directed us to go with a Western theme and it turned out to be a blast! I even have my own cowgirl hat now… The group that made up our staff team this year: Mark, Cori, Joel, myself, [...]

This is another tough one…I’ll post some hints if no one can guess it! Hint #1: It’s in downtown Baltimore.

I’m betting that no one will get this one!