Backpacking!

We set off on our 4 day backpacking trip out of Sisters and heading off from the Park Meadow Trailhead.  We were a big discouraged when we left the trailhead to encounter a group of 4 guys who had just finished a loop around Broken Top.  They spoke of the horrible mosquitoes in Park Meadow as well as the discouraging hiking through the Pole Creek burn area. 

We arrived at the afternoon, so our first day was getting across two streams and to the edge of the burn area.  It was a bit wild camping and hiking through a burn area - it felt a lot like being in an ash tray. 

But it was great being outside and Rania adjusted to her pack on our backpacking trip.

The streams coming off the glaciers were bitingly cold - and the river crossings were quite the adventure.  Carrying Rania and packs across the last river crossing made for some crazy cold toes!

Christmas in July

It was Christmas in July for the Woodwards.  With much of the family there, the traditional Christmas dinner was a huge hit!  We had a great time with a typically delicious meal:  ham, swedish tea rings, twice baked potatoes, fresh fruit salad (the Malaysian touch to Christmas dinners!) and the oreo cookie dessert.  It was amazing!

Afterwards, there were even some presents to celebrate our Christmas in July.  Fun!

Family Time

The memorial service was an amazing opportunity to see some old friends and catch up - mainly with the parents of many of my friends from high school.  After the memorial service, we had an event for family in Keizer.  It was a lot of fun to get together and talk about some of the fun memories and spend more time together, as well as get pictures of our families.  

Beryl Woodward 1905 - 2014

Beryl Moore Woodward's memorial service was an amazing celebration of 108 years of life.  Michele and Kevin sang a duet, as she had requested and all 5 of her grandkids had the chance to share a few words.  Steve Wood officiated and dad highlighted her obituary. 


There was a time of open worship and what a chance to share and celebrate her life.  We put together a 15 minute slideshow with pictures throughout her life.  Wow! What changes she experienced in her lifetime.

Grandma's Gravesite Service

Grandma's graveside service was held for family only before the memorial service.  It was a beautiful day and good time together to celebrate grandma's amazing life.  Steve Wood said some words and, as Grandma had already planned much of the service and preparations, we had a chance to see the grave site.

Afterwards, we got to see some of the older graves where previous generations of Woodwards were buried.  Mom & Dad are wondering the best place for their burial site. 

Silver Falls

After church at Newberg Friends on the Sunday of the holiday weekend, we had a delightful picnic at Silver Falls State Park, one of the most amazing places on earth.  Having lived close to it for a number of years, it is a special place.  Though it was crowded on such a popular weekend, you cannot escape the breathtaking beauty of the many waterfalls.  Getting to walk behind a waterfall is certainly something that is fun.

Uncle Kevin was renamed Uncle Bob by some silly girls and our kids had so much fun getting to know all of Doug's cousins and family.

Gabi was also testing out hiking with a cast to see if backpacking might be an option.  We decided that might not be the best idea.  

The view from behind the waterfall.  Wow!  Such beauty makes one remember the spectacular Pacific Northwest.

Oregon Arrival

On the 4th of July, Doug & the kids made the flight to Oregon.  It was so great, the next day, to reunite with cousins - Michele and Mike, whom we had not seen in 8 1/2 years.  Tasha and Mark also arrived, and what a great chance to be together to begin our celebration and commemoration of Grandma's 108 years of life.

There was an epic croquet match, where Doug was invincible and Reeve managed to rattle Uncle Kevin into some risky moves that backfired. 

Fireworks!

We had a fun time going to the Maumee, Perrysberg fireworks, which are launched off the bridge over the Maumee River.  We got closer than we had in previous years and had good seats for the big event, which kicked off about 10 pm, once it was dark.

Before we went, there was another lavish dinner - and Carrie's dessert had to be one for the ages!

Grandma Barrie was a hero as he provided popcorn and goodies for the kids - which were big hits! 

Not sure we've had very many decent pictures of Gabi with her cast, but you can see the arm injury.  Thankfully it is the left arm, which doesn't impact her eating, drawing or writing quite as much.  

Below are the best attempts at taking pictures of the fireworks.

Birthday Girl

The summer birthday tradition continued with Tracy's birthday.  We had a great time going out to dinner as adults at an Italian Restaurant (and sadly, watching the final moments of the USA coming up short against Belgium in the World Cup Quarterfinals. . . sigh) where there is a nice gluten free menu. 

Then back to grandma's house for cake and presents. 

A fun picture taken by the kids as they were enjoying playing together.