Sunday, August 30, 2009

WELCOME to CARTAGENA!!

Well, we are here: Cartagena, Colombia, South America.... right on the Caribbean Sea.  We will be here through November for Ray to play a short season with the Cartagena Cangrejeros (the Crabs).  We are happy to be here, primarily because its a short and sweet season, but also because I have the opportunity to speak Spanish and get reacquainted with a culture that I have loved for so long...

We've been here for about a week now and today is the first day I haven't been laid out- SICK!  Not because of anything here, but the beginning of this pregnancy has had me sick all day, unable to eat or drink anything!  Thank goodness, we were able to get some friendly medications that today have finally allowed me an appetite and to hold down food.  Miracle drug!!

Below is the American coach, James and his wife, Sandra.  James first came to Colombia with Fellowship of Christian Athletes, so his heart is for the people and primarily providing opportunities for the young men.  His wife is native Colombian, but she is a God-send.  She's a dentist here, but also 2 1/2 months preggers, so we share that in common!! 


The beach is right outside our building.  



The water is like a bath- probably the warmest I've ever felt.  Ray and I went swimming tonight and the water was warmer than the air!!  Despite the vendors that harass you constantly, this is paradise!  


The old, colonial city...


Ray with American teammate, Eugene...


Saturday, August 29, 2009

Our farewell to the U.S.A...

Ray and I took one last camping trip up the Clackamas River the day before we flew out for Cartagena.  Our site was right on the river- so relaxing and beautiful.  In the morning we woke up to a swift water rescue class holding it's lessons right in front of our camp, making for some great entertainment!



Our little tadpole...

SO, the cat's out of the bag- We're gonna be parents!!  And yes, we are very excited.  Some tribute photos to this new life growing inside of me...


Ray's very proud :)


Not even a bump yet....




Ray's aunt Laurie just moved down to Oregon from Alaska.  She took us and Katie out to an INCREDIBLE dinner... and we told her she was going to be a great aunt!  Lots of tears...


More summer fun...

Gorgeous sunset on the drive home from Idaho with Ray's folks...


Me and my lovely Salem friends...


Spending a day floating down the Willamette River with my Eugene gals!!

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

More Summer Misc...

Now that we're in Colombia, I feel determined to finish blogging our summer adventures.   So here is a little wrap-up, a jumble of photos and good memories...


Crabbing with Dad...


Oh, the sunsets...





Ray's teammate from Japan, Ryan, and his girlfriend Kristin came over to join us for the lavender festival.  Such good people...



Up on Hurricane Ridge....



Kinda the right man for hanging lavender...



Harvest...



Ray limited on silver salmon.....



A little beach picnic with Mama....

Friday, August 21, 2009

Friday, August 7, 2009

Norris, Bowen, Reichner, Schafer, Woolley, Donovan Fandango!

Well, Jadyne pulled it off- a full weekend of "camp-out" fun with the whole family!

Good food, great conversations and reminiscing, awesome camping location.

THANK YOU JADYNE!!

*Sushi Friday night...

*Dad and Roz showed up Saturday night to say hello...

*Chelsea, Trina and Grandma Gert...

*It was Fisher's birthday.  Lots 'o trucks!

*Jadyne making scones with Wren and Fisher...

*Jake and Chelsea let Ashton stay up to watch the camp fire...

*Mom and Jadyne.  I love this picture...

*Big and little ukulele...