Sunday, October 26, 2008

nature's goodness

After struggling to hold onto our two little ones through two hours of Stake Conference we packed a picnic and took off to the falls to breathe in some of natures goodness. I love the way the outdoors can lift my mood and increase my appreciation for the senses of sight, sound, taste, touch and smell. I love that through nature I can teach my children of God and the love that he has for us. Enjoying such a beautiful day with my family was a much needed respite from the stresses of life.

I don't know if there are two kids that could possibly love their dad any more then these two. They absolutely adore him, and he them. Quite frankly sometimes it makes me a little jealous. They were both on their tippy-toes to see the gigantic fish that were swimming in the pools at the bottom of the waterfall. When I asked Finley what she was doing in this picture she said she was "fishing."

When we got back to the car Finley was sad. I asked her why she was crying and she said, "I want the Grandpa Ginny, I want the Grandpa. I want to find him in the bushes." I think it's safe to say this little girl misses her grandparents!

The Columbia River
At the observation center we were caught off guard by some of the most powerful winds. All of the cars were rocking almost lifting with each gust. Chad's glasses were blown off and he didn't even realize it until we were inside the tower. I was blown into a parked car while I ran back to safety after taking this shot.

12 comments:

Stacie said...

I love your top picture! It is a really good family picture. The falls are just beautiful.

abby o said...

YES! And you finally got a FANTASTIC family photo!

ali said...

how's that first one for a family photo? I think it's a keeper. call me. I have some card ideas.

Roney Family said...

Those pictures are awesome, you guys are a good looking family!

Tracy said...

You're really lucky to have gotten that first shot! It is so hard to get a decent family photo with kids this age!

Angi said...

Chad, I as right when I told yo to marry Amy 100 years ago. You two do make beautiful children.

Ashley Shepherd said...

You finally got the picture! I love it. I wish you were here to take our family photo. I am going to have John's cousin take it. But I think you would be the Best!!

Mandy said...

Much better family portrait! I love multnomah falls its so amazing! Great shot of the Gorge too!

Steph said...

Love the pictures. What a beautiful place to live! A little jealous here! Your family picture turned out darling!

brooklyn said...

K. so i'm not the only one amazed by your family picture! i hope that was planned and intended for christmas cards because no one should be able to spontaniously look that good!!!

Burke family said...

Oh man- all of your pictures make me miss our little home in Beaverton. That was a great neighborhood and this is such a beautiful time of year there. So about my quiet book... Chris travels every other week here, so let's just say I have a lot of time to work on projects. My mom had a quiet book for us when we were younger and I found her old pattern, made a few changes, and loved the result. I've seen a similar one on theideadoor.com though if your interested. Jordan loves it! We actually made it through the whole two hours of stake conference without even thinking about going out in the hall - pretty amazing, huh?

Joseph and Virginia Cannon said...

What great pictures of this hansome family and Multnoma Falls. You really live in a beautiful part of the world. We love you and miss you. Hugs and Kisses from Grandpa and Grandpa Ginny