Saturday

Saturday began with meeting up with the family coming into town for Natalie's baby blessing.

First to arrive were Blazzard Grandparents and Atkinson Great Grandparents.

They drove 12 hours... that is a long way. 

Trust me, I have driven that far before.

We decided to show the Atkinson Grandparents the beautiful Columbia River Gorge.

This is Lauterall Falls.

Minimal hike (more like a walk) and beautiful water fall.

Grandma Atkinson wasn't sure she was going to be able to make the walk down.

It had some steep parts...

She did really great and got to enjoy the beauty closer up.

 

Relaxing after the walk back up. 

The day was rather hot, 

so the shade and coolness of the waterfall was very nice.

Did I mention we live in a beautiful area?

That evening we met up with the Corn side of the family.

Dinner was had by Blazzards, Atkinsons, and Corns at

Tad's Chicken and Dumplings.

A yummy hometown joint on the Sandy River.

It was really busy and because of that was rather loud.

Natalie didn't like that very much, 

especially since evening times are hard for her anyways.

Justin and I took turns taking her outside so the other could enjoy their yummy dinner.

Dumplings and gravy are so good. 

I wonder why my mom didn't ever make them for me.... haha

We really did have a great time with all of the family,

best surprise of the day was my little sister and her new husband showing up.

We didn't know they were coming and were actually the only siblings to make it.

I felt very loved and realized that Natalie is one loved and lucky little girl.

She has a great heritage behind her.

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

Weekend

Justin's job requires a fair amount of travel during the week. Friday nights are truly a treasure for me now because it means the return of my husband and I get him for an evening and two full days. I thought it would be easier to have Justin gone once the baby came. Experience brings great insight, it is much harder. I admire single moms and all those women whose husbands travel for work constantly. It is hard, but I do appreciate and value my time with him so much more.

Our weekends are usually never anything fancy, but rather a day to recoup and get errands and laundry done. Sundays are always wonderful because of church and the opportunity to rest.

This weekend we did this:

 Her hat is still a little to big.... but oh so cute.

We went on a walk at a park primarily for those with dogs. We had a baby- the dogs liked that. The weather has been beautiful here the whole week so we really wanted to enjoy it. We are trying to go and do or see something every weekend. There is a lot to see around here and we are not really great at getting out, but we are working on it. Wholesome recreation is what we strive for. What do you do on the weekends?

Justin and Ruth Blazzard