8.09.2014

Bland Family Reunion

Bland Family reunion 2014! That was what brought my family to the coast in the first place. Almost all of these pictures are from July 4th..apparently the only day I really used my camera at the reunion. Love my Bland Family so much and really hoping I can make it out for the 2016 one. 
Started the day with a sandcastle contest...glad we had the Lims on our team to help out! My sister-in-law's family had driven down from Seattle to spend some time with us at the reunion. And they have some serious sand castle-making skills. 
The finished project! We may have one 1st place..no big deal. I mostly supervised however.
That night we had a bonfire on the beach complete with a nice firework show right in front of us.
Me, Crystal & Erica
Brittany & Jules
The Lim Family!
Aren't my parents just the cutest?!
Cousins Traci & Kim & Baby November
My awesome sister-in-law Hannah threw Brittany and I a joint baby shower while we were out there. Her and her mom made some awesome food and had some cute decorations going on. Thanks Hannah!! And thanks family that came!! Very Grateful!
Brittany is having a boy & I am having a girl hence the pink and blue
Julie & Crystal being good sports :)
The rest of the reunion was pretty much games bc the Bland family loves its games! This picture was taken probably around 1 am playing resistance. Good times
Jonathan's "lying faces" were cracking us up. Resistance is a mafia-like game. And Jonathan is either the best or worst liar out there. Still on the fence. But below was his face when answering any questions. Who is he?
2 cute cousins wearing bow ties. 

8.05.2014

Oregon Coast

Ah the Oregon Coast. Beautiful and chilly. I suppose it was a nice break from the oppressive heat and humidity of Okinawa though. I grew up coming out here every few years. My dad is from Portland area and we would venture out for family reunions. My grandparents moved to Indianapolis 5 or so years ago to have family help take care of my grandpa, so it had been 6 years since I've made it out there. I'm so grateful I was able to come out and see all my family. 
 So excited to be having a baby around the same time as my sister! She's due about 4 weeks before me. Our little kids are gonna be BFF obviously. Whether they like it or not.
 Jules, Tyler & Jo
 24ish weeks
 Eating at Mo's, bc that is what you do at the Oregon Coast. Also,I've never liked Clam Chowder, but I tried a little here...not too bad...
 Our beachside cottage for the week!
 Hiked through the insanely beautiful and green forest area. I would hike everyday for the rest of my life in that weather and beauty.
More pictures coming soon...

8.04.2014

Yosemite's Giant Sequoias

Our last day in Yosemite we visited the Mariposa Grove of giant Sequoias. It's crazy how majestic these tall, beautiful trees can be. Also a little interesting tidbit: the difference between Redwoods and Sequoias- Redwoods are the tallest tree, with more slender trunks; Sequoias have the widest trunks. Now you know :). Enjoy the pictures...and go to Yosemite!!! You are really missing out if you haven't visited.
 my family! (that was there)
Looking at these pictures I can't believe how much my bump has grown-these were taken the last day of June, I was 23 weeks. Now I'm 28. What a difference 5 weeks makes.
 Jonathan in awe. 
 Jonathan & my dad
 I believe this is the Grizzly Giant- 1800 years old, 209 ft tall, 96 ft circumference
Ended the day with the best sunset on the way home.