Crown Pointe & Multnomah Falls, Oregon

Vista House at Crown Point
Such phenomenal views


Our beautiful Oregon, the place we call home.
Multnomah Falls, Oregon

Kaden & Mimi

Kaden said, "I just saw a huge huge waterfall...the biggest in my life!"

Versii loved the red vines.
Since Josh's Mom was here in town we decided to do some sight seeing, after church on Sunday. We drove out along the Columbia Gorge to Crown Pointe and Multnomah Falls...two places you should check out if you're ever in Oregon. The views are breathtaking and the mist at the falls is refreshing. Gorgeous, sunny day here in Portland too - Perfect time to take in the sights.

Coffee Rush - The First Concert, But Not the Last

Left to Right: LP on bass, Chuck on drums, & Joshua with guitar and vocals.

Josh's Mom, Jen, Joshua, & I (with my new hair color & cut - thanks Jen)

While attendance at the show was lacking...with only 12 friends and family members & 6 random coffee drinkers showing up, Joshua and the guys put on a great show. You all missed out! But you're in luck, because Coffee Rush liked the performance so much, that they have asked Joshua to play at all 8 of their Portland area locations. And the owner will be promoting all the shows. So, you know what that means...all you friends of ours have another chance to show your support.

Thanks to everyone who came out...

...Thanks Mom & Dad (even though Dad had to wear earplugs) and I'm sure Coffee Rush was happy that you bought 3 gelatos (Dad's such an ice cream lover.)...Thanks to Josh's Mom for flying in from Texas to take in the show...Thanks to LP's wife and Chuck's friends & family and Thanks to the woman who sold us Josh's Mom's airline ticket and for bringing a friend.

Check out the video clip of their performance at the bottom of our blog.

Chuck E' Cheeses, Where A Kid Can Be A Kid

Josh's Mom ("Mimi" as the grandkids call her) flew into town, from Texas, for the weekend.

We had fun at Chuck E' Cheese...Versii loved all the little kiddie rides.

Kaden had lots of fun running around and playing games with Daddy and Mimi.

I think Versii's favorite part was pulling the tickets out of the games.

Tickets, Tickets, Tickets....Give me more.

Chuck E' Cheeses, Where even an adult can be a kid.

Joshua & his Mom.

Beverly Beach, Oregon - Darren & Kate's Wedding 6.7.2008

This weekend we drove up to Beverly Beach (by Newport) for my brother Darren's wedding. We helped with the decorations and decided to go with a beach theme and decorated with lots of seashells and blue. It was so much fun. The kids loved the fact that they all got to pick out shells to take home.

Josh & Versii on the beach waiting for the wedding to start. Quite a breezy day.

Darren and Kate sharing their vows with one another.

The first kiss.

Just married.

Me and my cousin's wife Anna.

...Presenting Mr. and Mrs. Thatcher.

He was nice...

...She, not so much.

Cake anyone?

Our beautiful Oregon Coast. The forecast for the entire week was rain, but we had dry skies for the ceremony. We could have done without the wind though.

Kaden had fun playing in the sand. He found out that his pail was "too heavy" after filling it up with sand.

Versii also had fun in the sand. Once he figured out he could pick up sand with that shovel, he just wouldn't stop.

Josh took the boys down to the ocean water and Kaden had fun playing "Chicken with the waves." He played with his cousins earlier in the day and was taken out by a wave coming from the side and got completely soaked. But he had so much fun.

Our little Versii was not so happy to have been taken off the beach to clean up.

After the wedding reception wrapped up, we headed out to the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse.

...And then, to finish out the night, we watched fireworks from the balcony of our hotel room. Kate and Darren happened to plan their wedding on "Graduation Saturday" as the locals called it. Quite the celebration going on in town. I don't remember having a fireworks show to celebrate my graduation.

...And for Joshua, the icing on the cake was driving Uncle Karl's BMW, The James Bond Car. The fastest and most expensive car he'll ever drive.

"Josh's Got A Gig"

Joshua's got a gig lined up for June 14th. It's at Coffee Rush in Beaverton at 7 pm. The address and info are at his site. http://myspace.com/joshuaowensmusic (Just in case you need a reminder.) This is the poster I spent last night and this morning working on. I know it's not great...compared to all the Gig Posters Josh & I were looking at online, but it's a start. It leaves us lots of room for improvements. Anyway, Josh met a guy, Paul, who will be playing bass and Chuck, who will be playing the bongo drums. Let me tell you, it's just what his songs need. I heard Josh and Chuck play at McAnulty's last thursday and without ever practicing together, it sounds really cool. So, if you're going to be in town and can get to the Beaverton area on June 14th, then you'll be in for some good music and good company...as I will be there too. I'm really excited for Joshua, since this is his real passion. And hopefully soon we'll update the songs on his site to include the bass & drum tracks.