Just consider us your personal tour guides..

...to a coveted destination? Well possibly, if you consider Oregon one of the places you must visit! ;)

Continued from the last post mainly in pictures. We have been some busy travelers. A recap of our first few months.... We visited Whoodoo Hoo resort, Silver Falls, the Capitol, Lincoln City beach, Driftwood Covered Bridge, Meadows resort, Mt Bachelor, Meadows resort, Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival, have taken several trips to Portland - outdoor show, rv show, a trip to AR, San Francisco, and Mt St. Helens.

As always, winter brings snowboarding season which is a HUGE, very important, must happen every weekend, kind of deal in our "house". We both love it! I decided I would snowboard this year as long as I felt up to it. I have to admit the first time we went the conditions were not the best..so I only boarded once. I didn't think I would be nervous however, I was. I was in the midst of a migraine cycle and I just didn't feel comfortable. NOT in my ability, (oh no) the ability of others! ;) You really just have no idea when someone is going to come at you out of control. You have to be on constant guard to move out of the way or those silly kids (adults) will slam into you. It was a good thing I was cautious b/c I was greeted by a fantastic migraine while at the resort.

So yes, I snowboarded 6 months pregnant. We hiked in Silver Falls state park. We hiked the 8 mile loop and took in the breathtaking waterfalls. It was beautiful, amazing, etc!
We spent a weekend exploring downtown Salem and the capitol.We found out Nugget is a boy
We drove over to the coast and played with the dogs on the beach in Lincoln City. I knew the beaches would be rocky and gorgeous however, I was amazed at all the colors. We saw starfish, muscles, rocks, and more!
visited Driftwood Covered Bridge
We spent a Sunday at the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival and it did not disappoint. The flowers were beautiful and apparently due to all the rain, it was not even up to its normal standards. We tromped around in the mud, played in the fields, looked at old farm equipment, and listened to music. As you can see..the babies enjoyed the day as well! We have been to Portland several times involving: shopping, an rv show, trips to Ikea (Daniel's fav), a visit with Rebecca while she was in town, horse races, a huge sportsman show, and to see KyLee before she left for bootcamp.I made a trip to AR for LP's wedding back in April. I really wanted Daniel to go but with the cost of a flight, it just didn't make sense to only go for a weekend. I was able to go for an extended period of time and it was so nice. Michael and Lauren, were married the first weekend in April. They are a great couple and I am so glad I was able to travel to their wedding. Lauren was a very beautiful bride, and everything about her wedding was gorgeous. I also enjoyed getting to spend time with Shannon, Cassie, and Rebecca. It had been a year since..but that is part of living on the road. Cassie was expecting as well and now has a 2 month old baby girl. It was exciting to see her with a baby bump! Congratulations!!!I knew with this trip this would be the last time I would be at my parents' house before baby arrives. I enjoyed being in my room, laying on the couch, playing with the doggies, spending time with mama looking at baby stuff, and helping my dad around the land. I kept thinking the next time I am "home" I will have a baby! My parents kept reminding me and I thought it was so cute! I remember feeling the same way before Daniel and I got married..this is the last time I will be at here as a single lady! I was so excited then and I am so excited now!!!! :)

While in town I was able to meet up with several friends. I was able to see Andrea and Marshall, Kerryanne, Alta, Jennifer, and many many family friends. I loved catching up with everyone and we miss all of you already! Its so hard when we make it to AR (even more now being in OR) as I always want to see so many. I have to make myself relax or I spend the entire time in town rushing to see everyone! Point here is it always warms my heart to get to spend time with people I hold so close and re-energizes me to come back and know that people heart us and us and our gypsy lifestyle! Living on the road and not meeting anyone is a little harder in some locations than others (ie Oregon). Not to stereotype however, some of the west coast folks are missing out on the southern charm! :) Y'all agree? I say this with with warmness in my heart..but it is true! I also got to see this little guy as well..

Shortly after my trip, it was time to decide where we wanted to head next. It just made logical sense to stay in Oregon until the baby arrives. We decided Daniel needed a vacation and San Francisco was our destination! We drove down the 101 and headed through the Redwood Forest! It was amazing and highly recommended!!! Our plan for San Francisco was to hit up all the big attractions as well as, simply relax. We experienced the Golden Gate bridge, Alcatraz, China Town, Japan Town, Fisherman's Warf and Sea Lions, Cable Cars, Painted Ladies, Lombard Street, AT&T Park, USS Pampantio, Golden Gate Park, Lands End, Coit Tower, and Napa Valley on the way back.



We were lucky enough to meet Rebecca for dinner on our last night for some yummy seafood. It was great to see you!!!

Since the arrival of the baby is getting close and our time here (might be) less than a month we made a point to visit Mt. Saint Helens and do a little hiking. The mountain is amazing and the history is very interesting. We learned a lot! We were both surprised that due to all the snow this year only 1/4 of the mountain was open for driving. Yes that is right folks..you can still ski and snowboard on the mountains around us!


I know what you really came for! We finally had nice weather and I was able to get a few shots at 34 weeks! I am glad I took advantage because it has been back to rain since then! I am now 36 weeks and hopefully the weather will cooperate again before the little guy arrives! Daniel has been super busy with work and is still on track to graduate early! He is so ready for a break! I could not be a prouder wife! He is spending his free time starting to train for a race sometime this winter as well as, practicing with Hershey. We have a big dock diving competition coming up next weekend in Albany, OR. Baby girl is ready and says she is going to win again! Go TEAM PK!!! Happy Father's Day Daniel..I know we are off to the dog park or to hike at the falls this afternoon! You are a great dog dad and I know will be a fantastic daddy! LOVES! :)

And finally a Happy Father's Day to my daddy! You are the best dad a girl could ask for..funny, serious, teacher, role model, loves the outdoors, knows life lessons are important, offers advice but always willing to just listen, and an amazing friend! I love you!! We hope everyone is doing great and staying cool! If you are looking for a cool place right now..Oregon is it! Today's high is 70 and as you have read it has a lot to offer! :) Now, I think I have updated you with current and past happenings. We plan to stay busy busy until we leave..and that doesn't even include the arrival of little guy! Let us know what is going on with you!
Hugs-
Melissa and Daniel

Its a....

We had the BIG ultrasound today and found out we are having a BOY! I told Daniel on our way to the hospital I have been getting more excited over the past few days. I thought I might bust if we had to wait any longer!

Everything looks great and he is an active one!! During the ultrasound, the tech kept trying to get him to flip over and he would just arch his back up as if he was throwing a big fit. She also noticed he kept opening his mouth like he was yelling for her to stop. Throughout the ultrasound he was making a fist shaking motion then would shove his hand in his mouth! She said "Oh it looks like this one will have an attitude!" Uh oh! The tech also said multiple times he is a pretty baby. Every time she would take a measurement or picture she would say "Wow this baby has a pretty profile, pretty heart, lips, kidneys, brain, feet, head etc. Pretty baby." Needless to say it was a fun experience.

We also got a good laugh because apparently he was being a boy. You know hands in that area as well as , scratching his bottom. Folks, I think we have a feisty one on our hands!

Everyone has been so excited and we are again overwhelmed by all the thoughtful messages. All we can say is thank you! We are just so happy to be having a healthy baby! Apparently most people thought we were having a boy. All today I have been thinking if he is anything like Daniel..goodness! He is the master of injuries!

Lots of love and hugs to each of you!!!

The post you have been waiting on....

Ok get ready...we have been keeping the roads warm!

In August, we made the drive over to Oklahoma, to jump Hershey in the Claremore 2010 Dog Expo. My parents came up to cheer on their grand-dog and watch her win! Hershey placed 1^st and 2^nd in the Dock Dogs Big Air Junior Division with an ultimate best jump of 14,5”. She moved up this competition from the Novice to the Junior Division based on her distance. We are proud parents! We also met Melisse and her dog Yaska (both are amazing) a Malamute, the breed that won overall at the CynoSport World Championship last year. Team Yaska went all the way to win 1st place at the Dock Dogs Nationals. I know we will be seeing more of them at dock diving events in the future. We had a great weekend, are so glad we were able to see my parents, and get another win!! A summer of dock practice at the lake paid off!

The next week we dropped off our babies with R and R and headed to the airport to begin our vacation in Cabo! Jill and Jason were there to greet us at the resort when we arrived. We had an amazing week with a lot of relaxing on the beach, by the pool, making new friends, and catching up . The guys went deep sea fishing and caught 2 huge Marlins. They had a great time and still talk about it.

The resort, friends, and the fishing trip

Jill and Jay

The resort had an amazing view however, up close the landscape was outstanding. We all rented jet skis and went over to Lovers Beach, the Arch to see the sea lions, Lands End, and to view the Pacific Ocean side.

Jet ski's, Sea Lion up close, Lands End

Daniel and I also went zip lining at Wild Canyon and had a blast! It was quite intense with a lot of hiking and was totally different than any other zip lining I had done. I would totally do it again, but this place was the real deal!
We had an amazing trip and already want to go back. Jill and Jason thank you so much for asking us to take a trip with you...we loved every second of it!!! We are so lucky to have friends like you!

After a relaxing week we headed back on Saturday to pick up our babies from R and R’s. We stayed the rest of the weekend to hang out because we had not seen them in a while.

The babies "look" so sweet...

Before we left we decided to make our vacation a combo Anniversary and Daniel's birthday trip..but I couldn't let his birthday go by without a little celebration. A few days after we got home it was time to celebrate. Dinner was low key with chicken and dumpling followed by a fabulous cheesecake. It was the perfect end to an amazing trip! Happy Birthday D I love you!

We made another trip out the lake for one last fun weekend however,it was so cold and rainy we didn't even get in the water! So, we enjoyed it by visiting with the neighbors, catching up on some reading, and watching movies.

The next weekend packed up for Dallas to dog sit for R and R. We were also able to see my parents, Ben, Ann, and Connor as well as my grandparents. It was a busy visit but we had a blast!

Daniel and I were finally able to make it to the Texas Sate Fair! We have been talking about going for 5 years and have been out of state the last few. I do have to say its much bigger than any other state fair I have attended. We had a great time, but were exhausted within a few short hours. We went on a Baylor game weekend and it was packed! I still don't know how all the parents with little kids do it and last all day. I think that might be too much for me! HA! I am so glad we went and we want to try and make it back next year..just not on a game weekend!

Big Tex, Ferris Wheel, and the strip

Early October we headed to Austin for Aaron and Gretchen’s baby shower. Both of us were excited to be close enough that we were able to drive down for the weekend. We were pleasantly surprised as we got to see many friends that went to school with Daniel and most we had not seen since we started traveling. We used to see them all time when we lived in Austin. We are so happy for Gretchen and Aaron. They had little Leo a few weeks ago and from what Aaron tells Daniel having a newborn in the house is easy! While in town, were also able to see Daniel's family as well as Ben, Ann, and Connor. Daniel's mom had everyone over for a barbecue and we got in some good family time. Michelle also had little Jacob a few weeks ago and from the pictures he is a cutie! We stopped by Ben and Ann's house to hug on Connor and make a video for my parents. We enjoyed our trip and are happy we decided to head to Austin for the weekend.

The next weekend we headed back to Dallas for a memorial service for my grandfather. He had been sick for a while and as sad as loosing a family member is, we all know he had a good full life. The memorial service was very nice, my mother did a great job giving the eulogy, as well as my brother saying words. The house was packed for a reception at my grandmothers and that is exactly what she needed. We all know she has a great group of friends to surround her with love and support.

My dad and KoKo got some fun play time outside with Connor. Daniel also has a new buddy, Connor was helping him write a paper for school.

November 3 was our 3rd Anniversary (you know when I was supposed to blog HA!) Well this year was leather and apparently..two great minds think alike! ;) I again ordered the cake topper and as every year something happens. This year they made our chocolate chocolate cake, vanilla. The lady came out and said "How does this look, dear?" My response laughing" Um..well I think its supposed to be chocolate." She nearly died and ran into the back and 15 minutes later came out with the perfect topper! I thought it was funny and came home to get ready for dinner. So long story short blah, blah, blah, we come home from dinner and the precious babies had eaten the entire thing!!!!!!!!!! They were so excited to see us! I bet all jacked up on sugar..silly dogs! We could not believe they did not make a mess and we almost did not notice the cake box on the floor. Needless to say we were not happy! We still love them but geesh! Happy Anniversary Daniel here is to 57 more.. we'll be a young 88 and 94 ;)Lets see what else...I flew to AR to visit with the family before Thanksgiving. While in town I was able to attend little Jaxton's first birthday party and visit with several dear friends. Andrea did amazing job on the decorations, food, everything! Thank you guys for inviting me! Jaxton and Ashlynn are so cute and enjoyed visiting with everyone at the party!

Trips to AR are always packed and there are so many people we want to see. I was able to get together with Andrea, Shannon, Jennifer as well as, many family friends. Love you ladies and hope we can make it back soon so we can do it again!

Ben and Ann came in early in the week while the rest of the family arrived on Wednesday. Poor Daniel worked, drove in, and then had school work to do that night. We had a great Thanksgiving with both my dad and mom's family. This was the first year to have both sides together and we enjoyed getting to see everyone at once.

While in town, we helped my parents put up a few Christmas decorations as ours are in storage.(Daniel was just certain we would be back to Austin before the holidays..silly D) My dad and Daniel also made a trip to the preserve to quail hunt. They had a great time and I am glad they were able to go before we left town. This year Christmas shopping has been a task as I started out on behind the 8 ball. I have been frantically trying to get all the shopping done and at this moment I am 99.9% finished. That makes me happy! The Christmas cards are coming as well...I am waiting for them to arrive so I can send them out. Wowza someone needs to get on the ball! HA!

We also recently nailed down our next rotation. We are traveling to Oregon! From what I can tell the town is in a valley so it doesn't get super cold or super hot! We shall see! One big plus..lots of snowboarding resorts within an hour drive! ;) Daniel starts his rotation on January 19 so we will be heading out early on the 15th. Its a 3 day drive and obviously we have no room for issues...Please keep your fingers crossed!

Finally I guess I need to add the reason I have been neglecting the blog, shopping, etc. I have been a little "under the weather." Right around Thanksgiving my migraines came back full force and have been present almost every other day. Guess what?!? We are having little nugget in July! Yesterday (12-21-10) we had our first doctors appointment, everything is going great, and baby is growing on track. I will say I was not prepared for the migraine increase nor the actual unknown by doctors as far as migraines go with expectant mothers. I am actually further along than we previously thought and currently almost 11 weeks! So as my mom said today "Wow you are almost a third of the way done!" I responded "Wow, um... well yea I guess I am!" I don't know what I expected yesterday, but I really wasn't expecting to see a little baby on the screen or hear a heartbeat. So yes we are adding a little nugget to our full-time lifestyle of traveling on the road craziness! I think we are going to have many many stories of raising a baby on the road but its an adventure we are ready to tackle. We could not be more excited to share this news! I also have to add, I was overwhelmed with joy by all the comments and nice words we have heard from everyone! Thank you so much!!
I hope this post finds all of our friends and family in good health, good spirits, and living life to the fullest. Please leave a comment to let us know how you are doing. We miss talking to everyone!!!

We hope each of you has a safe and Merry Christmas!
Many Many Hugs!!!

Daniel and Melissa