CAMPING along the Santiam River

In mid-July we spent a couple of days camping with some friends from church. It was a neat experience, especially for Addi and Gwynnie since this was the first time camping for us as a family of four. We went to a site along the north fork, about 20 minutes outside of south salem with four other families, called Taylor Park. It was a great experience for our girls as they enjoyed playing with other kids, sleeping in the tent, wading in the river, and laughing at mom and dad as our air mattress leaked and ended up with little comfort throughout the night. Regardless of Dad's efforts to blow it back up at 2:00 am. We were roughing it! The girls did a great job falling asleep on their own as the adults stayed up and chatted around the fire. Given the success of this camping experience we are really looking forward to taking more camping trips this year .. we just need to find someone to cook for us.

2009 Run For The Iris

This years Run for the Iris events were very successful. On Saturday, the 5K and the brand new KIDZ 3000 took place and the Half Marathon and 10K took place on Sunday. The weather was terrific, although maybe a little warm later in the day. The 5K has been an ongoing annual event in Keizer, however, this was only the second year for the Half and 10K. I was very encouraged by the increase in participants and the energy that the volunteers provided. We added some modifications to Sundays events given that the festival moved locations and this change was an overall positive given the dynamics of the start and finish be located in the same location. My personal favorite of the entire weekend was the addition of the KIDZ 3000. Although we only had 30 runners the plan for the upcoming year and years to follow is very exciting. We are working out the details to make the KIDZ 3000 a benefit run for Cystic Fibrosis (CF). I feel that this will become a very popular and significant event in the Willamette Valley.

For Sale

After 7 years we have decided to test the market and put our house for sale. We ask for your prayers that God will lead this decision. Since Chelsey and I have made the decision to remain in this area instead of moving to Colorado we don't have to sell our home .. so, much of the anxiety of having a house on the market is not there. However, to see the sign in the front is a little weird. Our wishes include a modest home on an acre or more .. enough to have small animals, orchard, A Field of Dreams, you know, the necessities. We will keep you posted on the outcome. I've included some pictures of updates and changes we have made to our place.