Happy 9th Birthday Ella

 Happy Birthday to our beautiful Ella Elizabeth Derrick.

Ella is kind and makes a friend out of everyone.

 Ella loves soccer and is the best goalie.

 Ella's dimples make her smile contagious.

Ella is very smart and creative.  She can make an art project out of
anything! We are so grateful that Ella is apart of

our family.  She has a pure heart and brings joy wherever she goes.
We love you Ella!

Happy 11th Birthday Kate

Kathryn Lauren Derrick turned 11 years old.

We are so grateful for the kind and thoughtful girl that

Kate is.  Kate loves to dance, dance, and dance.

Kate is also a beautiful pianist and artist. 

 Kate loves kids and babies.  She is always playing with

her younger sisters, cousins and friends

at family parties, sisters soccer games and wherever

we go. She is so sensitive to the needs of others.

Kate is always so willing to help around

the house and makes life easier because she is around.

She has a sweetness about her and is

always sure to come and give me 

a hug goodnight and to tell

me that she loves me.

I love you Kate.  Thanks for

being YOU!!!

Multnomah Falls, Oregon

Our final stop before heading back home was to

Multnomah Falls.  This was our second time

visiting this beautiful waterfall. It was a lot more crowded

than last time....but just as beautiful!

 I am so grateful for family vacations.

I love spending time with my favorites.

Portland, Oregon

This was our second time to Oregon as

a family.  The girls really wanted to

go to VOODOO Doughnuts. 

 Love their faces!!

Washington Coast

We loved visiting the Oregon Coast last year,

so this year we wanted to visit the Washington Coast.

We were amazed at how different they are. 

 The Washington Coast is thick with trees. You have to hike

down to the ocean. It is so beautiful!

Forks, Washington

 Forks, Washington for the Twilight Fans in our family.

 Bella's truck from the movies.

 Team Jacob, Team Edward & Team James 

Ferry from Victoria to Port Angeles

 We had so much fun in this magical city.

Our hotel is on the far left. Last look at we board the

ferry to head back to the United States.

Beautiful girls....so many fun memories made.

 Love the cool breeze on the ferry.

Castle

Fun to see a Canadian Castle. 

 Princess Kathryn

Princess Ella

Family Bike Ride - Canada Countryside

 One of our favorite memories that we made 

in Canada was our family bike ride. 

 We rode from our hotel over and under bridges

on the Lochness Trail.

 We enjoyed views of the San Juan Islands.

We had lunch at Mattocks Farm.

 We enjoyed the best salted carmel ice cream.....the best!

We rode bikes the whole day. After lunch we

rode back to Victoria.  It was so much fun!!

Carriage Ride

 There are a lot of beautiful carriages in Victoria.

 The kids were shocked when James said we could

ride in one.  They were SO excited.  It felt

like a dream in a magical place. 

 It just so happened that out horse was featured and filmed

in the Disney movie "Decedents."  It made it extra fun.  

Magical day in Victoria!

Fishermans Wharf

Fishermans Wharf

We had fun watching the seals & sea otters.

 Sea life & Shopping

  All of the buildings float on the water and 

are connected to the docks.

 Seafood & ice cream cones for the walk back.

Beacon Hill Park

 Beacon Hill Park is beautiful and quaint.

It was so peaceful walking around and 

enjoying the perfect 70 degree weather.

There were lots of cool trees like this one.

If you look closely you can see wild peacocks up in the trees. 

They have a really cool petting zoo in the park.

The goats were really calm which made it fun to pet them. 

 The guinea pigs were so cute. We almost

brought 6 home...one for each of us. 

Fun memories made...from the washroom to

the playground.  Love being with this family of mine.