Paul's Hike to Herman Creek

This weekend, Paul took Gaius and Hoban on a backpacking overnight in the Gorge on the Herman Creek Trail. They went with his good friend Josh, and his dog, Hildi. This was Hoban's first backpack, and as you can see, he was very excited and ready to go, in his brand new red backpack. That's Hildi at the back if this first picture, with Gaius in the middle.

After about 6 miles, they stopped for lunch near a creek. Hoban insisted on sleeping IN Paul's lap while they rested.

Here's a picture of one of the waterfalls they passed along the way.

After 12.5 miles of hiking, they made it to the spot where they camped. Due to too much snow, they weren't able to make it up to Herman Creek. Here's a picture of the boys at dinnertime!

After a hard day of hiking, Gaius wanted nothing more than to nap with his papa.

They finished the loop today with 8.5 miles back to the car. Topping off a great backpacking weekend was a stop at Charburger, a great treat at the end of a hard hike. Finally, they returned home, happy and ready for a big nap.

It's Official!

I spent my last day in my classroom at McKinney Elementary on Thursday, June 12th. We celebrated the end of the school year, and I was very sad to say goodbye to the kids. However, this day marks the official end to my student teaching. Which means, barring a few weeks for the mailing of paperwork, I am officially a teacher! I should have my license in hand by the middle of July! WooHoo!!

I have three classes to take this summer, and then I will also have completed all the coursework to have my Master's in Education. Yay!! I am not going through graduation this time, it is a long boring ceremony and I love my family too much to suffer them through it. =) I am hoping to spend a few nights back out in Pacific City, to barbeque, decompress, and celebrate the end of this long journey! I can't wait!

Now, if only I could secure a job for fall...

Introducing... Hoban!

I wanted to also introduce you to my little Hoban! Hoban was born on March 27, 2007. We brought him home on Saturday, May 19th. He was the cutest little rolly polly black puppy! Unlike his big brother, he's more adorable than handsome, he's goofy, is an incessant kisser, and climbs in your lap when he's bored, tired, or just wants some love. He runs crooked, sleeps by my side, is a ceaseless ball player-- indoors or out, and loves his mama like nobody's business.

Introducing.. Gaius!

I Wanted to take a moment to introduce our first baby boy, Gaius. He was born November 14th, 2005, and came home New Years Day 2006. He is handsome, regal, loves to go hiking with his papa, sleeps under the covers when it's cold, hates bathes, but loves to swim. If I can tell you one thing about Gaius, it is that no one will ever love a dog as much as Paul loves him.