This last weekend, lil J and his best friend Hunter, along with my best friend Nycole and I, went on a well deserved road trip to Culver, Oregon to visit our friend Heather. We left Friday evening and were back home by Sunday afternoon, but it was the perfect length for us. 
We stayed with Heather in Culver but she took us down to Lake Billy Chinook on Saturday and we lounged in the sunshine all day long. IT WAS WONDERFUL!! I sat Jesse down in the waves on the beach and he was timid at first but then came to LOVE it...as you can see in the picture above. He actually cried his eyes out when I took him out to dry off. LOL!!
Nycole and I enjoyed ourselves thoroughly and came home very relaxed, yet thankful to be back. Hopefully we will be able to make it a summer tradition...although I can't see leaving my family at home when I am going to such a beautiful place that I know they would love...so perhaps next summer we will make it a full family road trip. Who knows. 
Jesse and I started off the 4th of July holiday with a night at the rodeo. We went with Dave & Kelly and some other friends as well. I would have to say it was a bit slow and uneventful this year, but maybe that is how rodeos become when you have gone to them almost every single year since you were 8. LOL!!! My parents watched the kids so that we could enjoy the night as a couple. It was so nice for us.
The morning of Independence day came quickly and we were up early to see the parade in Molalla. We sat in front of Bimart with our friends the Taylors, and my parents. Because we were at the end of the parade route, the girls didn't aquire very much candy in their bags, but I was thankful :) haha! 
After the parade, we went back to my parents house for a little grub and relaxation before heading over the the Wilson's BBQ. Once we arrived there, the kids were able to swim in the pool, goof around in the yard, and play on the playset. We enjoyed chatting with family and old friends. Wayne and Carol are always such perfect hosts. 
By this time we were beat. But we still had one more BBQ to attend at a friends house. We arrived there at about 7:30pm and stayed til around 11pm. The boys lit fireworks and blew up manequin heads while us ladies tended to the children and snacked on junk food.