Cape Kiwanda

I spent a few days with the Bower/Ozaine/Jenks family right before the 4th of July. They stayed at the Tosti's beach house for a week.
Here we are setting off on our kayaking adventure...and an adventure it was! But, we had a lot of fun and even more excercise than expected. We kayaked for about 3hours.
Kristine and I: Relaxing on a nice sunny day. We really enjoyed these chairs during the week. :D
All the locals set off there fireworks the night before the 4th. We enjoyed hot drinks (tea/coffee/hot chocolate) and smores while watching and setting off our own fireworks.
Left to Right: Grant, Mr. Jenks, Me and Mrs. Jenks


Best Friends!

Ape Cave Adventures

Left to Right: Kristine, Melinda, Shaunna and Theresa

Me and some friends from church decided to get together and make the trek through the Ape Caves once again. For those that don't know what the Ape Caves are you can visit the website below for more detailed information. However, for those that are not interested in a history lesson, it is a 1 1/2 mile hike through a lava tube. Lanterns and flash lights are a necessity if you don't want to injure your body in anyway or if you don't like not being able to see your hand when it is directly in front of your face. Our only casualty on this hike was the Jenks' lantern . It was tragic, considering we were only 5 minutes away from the end of the tube. http://vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/Volcanoes/MSH/ApeCave/


As you walk through (it takes about 2-3 hours. Depending on how fast you go) you find that there are a variety of different obstacles to over come. Here in this picture you can see Eric Jenks climbing the steepest part of the hike. He makes it look easy only because he is 6'5'' I can vouch for those that are 5'7'' and smaller and let you know it is not so easy.


Here we have David Overlin giving you an example of another obstacle for those that are taller (which happen to be all the guys that went with us) There are many areas where ducking is a must. However, there are just as many areas, if not more, where the upright position is maintained. This is preferable to many yet the constant change in scenery is what makes the hike more
adventuresome. In the beginning of our hike we stopped and sang hymns at the point where the cave was the most spacious, making for good acoustics. Even though I am not gifted in the area of singing, it was definitely the highlight of the trip.

FRIENDS ARE A BLESSING

A tribute to two wonderful friends! I have known Shaunna and Kristine for 16+ years and each year has been such a blessing from the Lord!
We have shared in so many joys and been there for each other in our trials and throughout it all the Lord blessed us with what I believe will be a life long friendship! They are the sisters I never had but always wanted. :D

Another year gone by and I have made it to the big 25! The past year has had its fill of trials and tribulations and through all of that so many blessings and joys! The Lord is truly amazing in how He works everything out for the good! Though we know not how are future is going to turn out I have found great comfort in the not knowing and trusting in Gods sovereignty. He is in control and what a comfort it is to know that I am not! This picture was
taken a few days after my birthday. My best friend, Kristine, planned a dinner party at Olive Garden with some of our girlfriends from church! It was a wonderful evening! Left to Right: Jenny, Rose, Me, Theresa, Kristine, Shaunna and Amy