A bit before Easter, Timothy and I went out to lunch at Cousin's Restaurant in The Dalles. I remember that visit very well because Timothy accidentally spilled his water all over the table and before I could mop it up with napkins, it spilled off the table and into my lap....making it look like I peed my pants, haha. That was fun.
Anyway, Cousin's was holding a coloring contest, and Timothy definitely wanted to get in on that. He got a free meal coupon just for participating, which was super cool for me; but the grand prize for his age group was a tricycle.
A month goes by and I had all but forgotten about the coloring contest....until I received an e-mail stating that Timothy won for his age group! He was beyond excited when I told him! I was actually surprised he even remembered the coloring contest. A few days after that, we went and picked up his prize.
The staff were all in love with Timothy and his cuteness and they made sure to let him know how happy they were for him, haha. It was sweet. Of course Timothy played it cool while there, not getting overly excited in front of the ladies. However, the whole way home he gabbed on and on about his tricycle and how excited he was to ride it.
Yay! We're super excited for you, Timothy! You worked hard on that coloring and totally deserve that prize! How awesome of Cousin's to have a fun contest like that. Maybe next time I'll win! ;)
With love,
Mama Hauck
You know Spring has officially arrived when Dalles Mountain Road is in full bloom! Every Spring I like to take this drive and see what new photos I can get. This year was especially nice because the kiddos' Grandma and Grandpa were with us and they got to enjoy the drive and taking photos as well. This was also the first time I'd done the drive later in the day, between 6:30 and 7:00pm, so the setting sun offered gorgeous lighting towards the end of our drive and therefore different photos from ones I've taken in the past.
The flowers smelled wonderful and the scenery was beautiful. You just had to be there.
Hello, Spring!
I love the photos I got this year!
With love,
Mama Hauck
Dear Grandma and Grandpa,
Thank you for coming all the way from CA to spend Spring Break with us 2 weeks ago! We know it's a long drive. We were nervous because usually one of you or one of us winds up getting sick and that's annoying, no fun, and would spoil plans...but hey, no one got sick this go-around! Well, except for when Grandma ate some bad grapes and threw up on the side of the road (yes, we are going to remember that forever!), but at least that was the extent of it and she was better right after!
We were super excited that Grandma arrived just in time for Easter! She got to help us color our eggs, do an egg hunt, open Easter baskets, and cook a delicious Easter dinner.
Once Grandpa arrived, we jumped right into our first adventure; Goldendale Cub Scout Pack 551's field trip to Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife refuge. Thank you guys for being an extra set of helping hands and helping to keep everyone on tract. That was a super fun field trip, even if dissecting the owl pellets were a little gross!
We enjoyed our gun safety and shooting lesson with Grandpa and Papa.
And thanks for taking us out camping and hiking while Mama and Papa were away on their mini anniversary getaway!
We know we are a handful, but you just can't help but love us anyway, right!?
After Mama and Papa's return home, we went out and hiked Multnomah Falls! That was a lot of fun....even though Molly had to turn back with Grandma for a bathroom, so they never reached the top! Next time!
The Star Party, held at our house for Goldendale's Cub Scout Pack 551, was a crowd favorite. Thanks, Grandpa, for sharing your knowledge of the stars and space with everyone.
Ahhh yes, there was much fun and merriment over Spring Break with Grandma and Grandpa here! We hope you had as much fun as we did! We love you guys!
With love,
Anthony, Molly, and Timothy
(and Mama and Papa too!)
We've visited Multnomah Falls many times, but always in passing and never as a hiking destination. So what better time to actually hike to the top than Spring Break? Grandma and Grandpa from CA joined us as well!
Now, before going into this, I knew that it was a hike UP to the top of the falls. Up being the key word. I shouldn't have been surprised with all the switchbacks and steepness....yet there I was, cursing the passing switchbacks, all out of breath, gluteus maximus killing me, surprised at how tired I was. Wah wah!
At least it wasn't only me. People were resting at every switchback, cursing under their breaths. By the end, I felt like I needed a "I survived the hike up to Multnomah" t-shirt. Or at least a magnet.
The kids were total champs, just cruising right along. Poor Molly though, about half way she had to go pee so bad! With so many people around that day, I didn't want to embarrass her by making her squat....so Grandma turned back with her and brought her back down to the potty. So Molly and Grandma didn't make it to the top, but I think they were ok with that. :) Thanks, Grandma!
When the rest of us reached the top, it was sweet relief! We stayed a bit, soaking up the view and our triumph, before heading back down. Note to self: going down is much easier.
I survived Multnomah. Oh, and the family did too. Haha
With love,
Mama Hauck