The fastest summer I've had . . .

  Wowzers, I can't believe it's been this long since my last post. I don't even know where to begin, so I'll just jump in. Jordan ran in the Dirty Dash in late July. It was an obstacle course type race. He ran with a group from the Junction City Fire Department, and they had so much fun. They didn't keep track of their times and they didn't even have to run if they didn't want to. It was really just for fun. Halfway through there was a stand set up to chug beer and then all throughout the course was mud pits, rope walls, slip and slides, and other random obstacles to cross. He had a blast. I think it might be something I will try next year.

Before the race

After the race

He was cleaning dirt out of his ears for a week

  We got to go on an unexpected camping trip at the end of July. We went to Odell Lake with family and friends. It was so fun. The weather was pretty cold in the mornings and late afternoons into the evening, but blazing hot for about two hours during the day. The water was so cold, it wasn't very fun to swim or play in. But other people (not me) tubed and wake boarded. I did tube with Reigan, but I was wearing a wet suit and we didn't go fast so no one got wet. I think the best part about the whole trip was all the kids playing and having so much fun together, and meal time was fun too. Everyone cooked one night and then we all cooked together in the mornings. Very fun group to go with!

Reigan, Austyn, and Emma taking a ride in the boat

Cool cowboy!

Fishing with daddy. Big catch of the night was

a rock :)

I was trying to catch bats with a fishing pole. I had

a few hit my hook, but no luck.

  After the camping trip we didn't do much besides house stuff. We are NOT building until Jordan is done testing in November, but we are continuing to do the permit process, banking, road, and well. I have stepped in and am now doing a lot of the calling and running around. I don't mind, it makes me feel more involved and this way I learn so much more. I'm kind of enjoying the process even though we have hit a few snags (with many more in store for us I'm sure). We are right on track for where we want to be, so that's reassuring for us.

  Last weekend we went camping with the Eugene Fire Department in Charleston. It was by far my favorite camping trip of the season. It's so relaxing and it is so beautiful. It's the perfect family camping spot. While we were there we went to the Bandon Zoo since it's pretty close. That was so much fun. Way better than the Portland Zoo. The highlight for me of the trip was watching the almost 30 kids under 13 ish years old play and running around. Everyone got along and no one got hurt. It was amazing. Austyn did get sick on Saturday with a 101+ fever. She continued her fever until Sunday night, but still is a little off. I think she is now just trying to catch up on her sleep, but I hate it when she's sick. Not too bad for only being sick three times in her two years of life. Hope she keeps it up (knock on wood)!

In the ocean in our undies!!!!

Camel rides. Austyn didn't like it too much, 

but I think it was because she didn't feel good.

All the girls! They are a kick in the pants to hang out with!

  We are getting ready to celebrate her 2nd Birthday! Woo hoo!!! I can't believe she's two. Makes me so sad how fast she's growing up. I will dedicate my next post especially for her and her 2nd Birthday!

  Jordan has been studying his tail off. This is the most stressful thing I think I've seen him go through. I hate that I can't help him. The closer it gets the more stressed he is that he doesn't have enough time. I know he will do fine, but it's hard telling him that when he is stressed out. So Austyn and I just do our own little thing and give him his space. It will all work out in the end, I'm sure of it.

  And as for me, I haven't been working too much. Work has been slow, which doesn't break my heart! I can joyfully say I am over the sick stage and painfully say onto the the back pain again. Does it ever end?! I WILL NOT have back surgery again. So if I have to double or triple time my back exercises and stretches I will. When we first found out I was pregnant I wanted to have a boy so bad. But I can truthfully say I don't care as long as the baby and I are healthy at the end. And I think (key word) we've decided to not find out what we're having. Since things aren't quite as exciting the second time around, we thought we'd keep the excitement going and wait until the end (Jordan's idea). I'm 16 weeks along right now. I am beginning to show and my clothes are getting pretty tight. It's so different this time. I can't believe how fast it's going, and sometimes I forget altogether that I should be eating and drinking and resting more than I do. I'm glad I'm not  huge during the hot months like last time, but this time I will need more clothes during the winter. It will go so fast so I'm trying to enjoy every moment with Austyn as I can.

  Next post, Austyn's Birthday Party!!!!!!