Gearing up for a new adventure

This mama cannot believe that summer is coming to a close (did we skip a season this year?!) especially because that means the Little Miss is going to be embarking on a new adventure soon. Our girl is officially starting preschool this Fall and I am so not ready (though she is). All I can think about is how this starts the next 14 years of school and our girl continuing to grow up at an even faster pace...my oh my! Thankfully the Little Miss will only be in school 3 half days this year so that will make the transition easier...on ME! I really am excited for her to meet new friends and to enjoy the fun experiences but there are many days I wish I could just package up her innocence and keep her little forever.

I am going to miss my little girl who likes to say "Lellow" (instead of yellow), "Reduce Me!" (when she means to say "introduce" me before doing a dance performance in our living room), "Skunscreen" (sunscreen) and often skips the number 15 when counting.

Most of all, I am praying that regardless of growing up, she'll keep her childlike faith as long as possible. My heart got a good chuckle last night when the Little Miss asked me at dinner, "Mom, do I get food on Jesus"? I had to stop and really think to figure out why she was asking. After questioning her I realized it is because with Jesus in her heart, she is worried about coating him in the food she swallows! Adorable. Little Miss, my prayer for you this coming year and forever more is that you will keep your sweet innocence and childlike faith as long as possible (though that you also continue to grow in your knowledge of our Lord!).

Love, love, love our girl.

Women's Campout

The "Curtis" sisters and Yours Truly

Our church is blessed to have over 56 beautiful wooded acres and we made good use of the property this past weekend with a women's camp out. I was joined by my "old" friends Jennifer and Janelle (the "Curtis" sisters) as well as our "younger" friend Erin. We managed to set up our tent (thanks to Mr. Wagner braving all of the estrogen and dropping by to lend a hand). We really roughed it with our high-end air mattresses and had fun worshiping our Lord outdoors. Our next ladies adventure is still a few months away and will be a bit more upscale (spa time here we come) but I am hoping to do this camping outing again next summer. I may have to sign these ladies up again without their knowing but they'll forgive me eventually. Fun times!

Busy Bees

Getting ready for our boat ride sporting her new life jacket (this photo was the best shot I could get of the Little Miss but you get the point of her jacket, the boat and how beautiful the river was regardless of the "I've got the sun in my eyes" grimace)

The Little Miss and Yours Truly were busy bees this weekend. While Mr. Wagner studied, we kept busy with "girl time". We started off Saturday morning with a trip to our local farmer's market to pick up fresh organic veggies, blueberries and a homemade whole wheat pretzel. Next came a trip to the horse barn where the Little Miss rode and had a good time practicing how to steer Lucky on her own. We cooled off later that afternoon with a trip to our neighborhood pool. Sunday was spent with a day trip to Florence, on the beautiful Oregon coast. We never actually made it to the beach but enjoyed spending time visiting my aunt and uncle and were treated to a scenic boat ride on the Siuslaw River. The Little Miss was extra excited because she also got a fancy new pink and purple O'Neill life jacket (Thanks Uncle Dave!). I'm thinking she's ready to learn to water ski! Our girl's favorite part of the weekend had to have been meeting "Bandit" my aunt and uncle's new 10 week-old toy poodle. So, so cute. Yes, the Wagner girls had a very busy weekend.

Hope you got a lot of studying done dear Mr. Wagner because it was hard "work" for us to keep so busy...just let us know when you need us to do it again though because we'll be sure to comply!

Annual Family Camping Trip

We enjoyed our annual family camping trip with my brother and sister-in-law last weekend in beautiful central Oregon. The trip started out with a slight mishap as we searched high and low Friday afternoon for a camp spot near the Metolious River like we had planned. We were just a little too late in arriving and found that all the spots were taken. We quickly set forth with a Plan B and drove a few miles south on gravel roads to Round Lake. The lake had gorgeous mountain views but we hit our second mishap; most of the trees near the lake had been burned in a major forest fire a few years ago meaning that there would be no shade for camping. So, back down the gravel road we headed. Just before we were about to give up, Mr. Wagner spotted a perfect, secluded spot surrounded by trees that looked like it had been used by hunters for a deer camp. We finally set up camp and were able to enjoy the rest of the weekend mishap-free!

The Little Miss had great fun camping with her very favorite dog in the world (Sage) and enjoyed the attention of her aunt and uncle, including playing numerous rounds of 'Go Fish' and 'Old Maid'. We even had a refreshing afternoon swim in the lake. Oh, and an extra bonus that came from being in the middle of nowhere? The Little Miss officially mastered the squat.

We missed having Papa and Mimi with us again this year especially since they helped start our annual family camp tradition. We sure hope they can join us next year because the Little Miss is ready for her Papa to teach her how to fish!

Gathering Together Farms

This weekend we made the trek to our very favorite summer restaurant, Gathering Together Farms, for the second time this summer. Yes, it's on a farm and out in the middle of nowhere. Yes, the food is all organic and locally produced. Yes, we saved gas and the planet by riding our bikes for the 20 mile round trip. Yes, we are slightly granola. Yes, we are proud to be Oregonians!

Picture of our whole biking crew courtesy of Joani Curtis: from L-R, Booths, Wagners and Curtis FamiliesThanks to Daddy for pulling the Little Miss the whole way in her Chariot!

Another photo courtesy of Joani Curtis; The Little Miss enjoying the garden outside the restaurant. Truly there were many beautiful flowers (in addition to this fancy dandelion)

Back to Nature

Photo by Joani Curtis

The Little Miss and Yours Truly had a fun outing with friends last Friday while Mr. Wagner was hard at work. We went on a nature outing to "hike" and view waterfalls with our good friends Joani, Allison-2 years, Janelle, and Logan-3 years (I won't tell you how old Joani and Janelle are because they may not be very happy about that). For more on our fun trip, check out Joani's blog.

Happy Independence Day!

Happy Independence Day from the West Coast Wagners! This 4th of July, we're thankful for our freedom and all who have fought so hard for it. We are also thankful for holiday traditions and celebrated the day as we did last year by enjoying the annual "Pet Parade" in Bend. We missed having Papa with us but enjoyed sharing the experience with our good friends, the Bronson family. Fun times!