Oregon Trip 4 of 9: THE TRAM and Hotel

When Hans took me and Arlee to the airport last October I saw the tram from the freeway and really wanted to go on it the next time we were able to.

Well we went on it. It was AWESOME- not. It was pretty much a maybe 4 minute ride that was $4 per person for the adults and the kiddos were free. Once you were in the car it would take you from one hospital to the next. Can you say lame, well other than the view I mean seriously! You can see all of Portland from up there. I know that $4 isn't much, but the pamphlet that we got while eating breakfast at the hotel was very misleading. Go up there for the view- or drive! And save yourself the $4 per person. But other than that, not much really to do. 

 The Monsons. Can you see the storm coming in? YIKES!

I love getting pictures of the girls together. I actually don't really have much of a choice if I didn't. If I try and take one of Lydia, Arlee jumps in. If I try and take one of Arlee she runs away. I am hoping this phase of Arlee running away will end soon, I just love her little face and I would like to capture it more.

Oregon Trip 3 of 9: Portland Temple

About a week before we went on our trip we called and asked Abbie and Matt if they would like to go to the temple and we would just switch off watching the girls. Matt and Abbie were going to do a session while we went and found Hans some pants since he forgot to pack any for the temple. They missed the session by 5 minutes and were going to do sealings, but there weren't any spot open until later. They decided to do initiatories instead since we were waiting for our turn. 

While they were in temple Lydia was doing this

 And Arlee was doing this. I couldn't wait for our turn. I needed some peace and that is exactly what I got. Abbie made the appointment for us (the one that was later) and we were able to do them. This was my first time doing sealings and it was just what I needed. It was a great experience and I can't wait to get another chance to go back.

 While we were waiting for Abbie and Matt to come out we got a few pictures of the temple.

 I think this is another favorite of mine. Hans and I aren't sure which one of us took it, but it is beautiful.

 Abbie and Matt

 Being their goofy selves. *This is what I remember of their wedding day. Totally cheesy, but completely in love.

 I told Abbie to do the foot pop by the way. Haha

 Hey look! I am wearing the dress that I bought at the mall.

We tried to get another picture of us with the whole temple, but then the wind really started blowing and it was freezing cold. Lydia was getting hungry too.

Thank you Abbie and Matt for watching our children while we went to the temple. It was a great time.

Oregon Trip 2 of 9: Washington Park

The next day (Wednesday) Abbie and Matt flew in. After we picked them up we went back to the hotel and  Matt slept after working his seven days on. While he was sleeping we went to the park. Hans talked about this park when we would talk about our plans for Portland.  Well we finally went there and it was pretty cool. It is called Washington Park oddly enough. There were trails everywhere. You could see all sorts of trees too. I loved it. 

 Arlee, Abbie and Lydia

 While we on the trail Arlee had to go to the bathroom. I tried getting her to go in the bush and she wasn't having it. I have taught her well, but in this instance I told her it was okay.  Nope she wouldn't do it. So we left, got some lunch and went to the bathroom. Then we went back to the park and went back on the trails. (story to come in another post about bush bathrooms)

 Abbie, Lydia and Arlee

 I thought this was pretty cool. A bird with a red eye. Vampire bird?

 We loved looking at this tree. It is called a monkey puzzle. It reminded me of a pineapple. The way that they trunk was. Amazing and completely off the wall. Maybe it belongs in a Dr. Seuss book.

 Looking up into the tree tops

 Lydia just started holding her bottle. This is one of the ways she does it. She hugs it and makes a lot of noise while she eats. Mostly when she is pretty darn hungry.

Oregon Trip 1 of 9: Clackamas, OR

This is where our vacation pretty much started. Well at least for me. We went shopping. I found a dress that I don't have a picture of in this one, but it will be mentioned with a picture in a post following. 

 Arlee loves these picture things that you can step on and it will make ripples in the picture.

 They had a little play area at the mall and Arlee was in heaven after being in the car for a few hours.

 Lydia miss.

Hey I am in a picture, what do you know. 

EASTER PICTURES!!!

Easter was great for us. It was our first Easter in Washington and it went pretty well. The Saturday before the girls and I went to the Primary Easter Activity. I was in charge of the cookie decorating station. It worked out pretty well until Lydia woke up and wanted to be held. Arlee took her time decorating her cookie. I didn't mind since I was still trying to figure out how everything was going to work once she was finished.

Hans was working that day and wasn't available to help me. Luckily, I have some friends in the ward that offered to help me with Arlee. While Arlee was at a different station Lydia had a blow out and people needed help with cookies still. Thankfully the rush was pretty much over when I discovered Lydia's blow out. As I was changing her diaper and clothes they announced it was time for egg hunting. So I hurried and got Lydia cleaned up and in the backpack all bundled up so we could go out with Arlee. 

Arlee went out already with some friends and started hunting. She was so excited and thrilled to be out and about. I tried getting a couple of pictures, but Lydia wasn't having it. The wind was hitting her right in the face no matter what I did. Then the Easter Bunny came. Arlee wasn't having it! It scared her so bad. So no picture of the Easter Bunny with Arlee. The Easter Bunny started walking around to each of the kids and it was fine as long as it was about 20 feet from Arlee. She scared enough that she wouldn't even put her back to it far away so I could get him in the picture. Oh well, maybe sometime she will grow out of it. 

We went inside and started cleaning up. While we were cleaning up the Easter Bunny came inside and caught Arlee off guard and she started screaming! Man, this was way more than I anticipated. Arlee has never liked Santa, but I thought maybe she would be okay with the Easter Bunny since she hasn't seen them before, NOPE! It is okay though. I did feel bad for her. I am pretty sure I was the same way- so I can't say much. 

Ward Easter Egg Hunt and Activity

Pictures of The Girls on Easter Sunday

This picture reminds me a lot of an expression that Hans makes.  

 Arlee making kissing sounds while Lydia was a little fussy

 Holding her hand so she can be happy.

 I just love her hair.

AHHHHH....

We hope you all had a wonderful EASTER.

Love,
The Hoge Family

Oh how blessed I am!

It was conference weekend this last weekend. As I was listening to the talks I couldn't help but think, 'I am so blessed.' I feel His love all the time and I see His creations everywhere I look. All I need to do is open my eyes more. I have to admit; some days it is harder to see things clearly and I get a little discouraged in the fog of life.

I can't remember who it was speaking, but all of the sudden, it hit me. It was exactly what I needed to hear. He was speaking right to me and I totally felt the spirit and His love for me. Conference was just what I needed and I am so glad to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

I know I would not be the person I am today with out the examples of those around me and the gospel in my life. I especially wanted to thank my mom. She has been such an example to me of strength and leadership. Not to mention her faith in the gospel.

The gospel helps me see the big picture. Most of the time I get caught up in my earthly life I forget to see the big picture. So this weekend was a great reminder of how I can be better and how I can be a better latter-day saint. Not to mention a better mother for my children and a wife.

I feel blessed to have the priesthood in my home and a husband that is very supportive in his role. My family has been sealed in the temple for time and all eternity. I have two beautiful girls. My family is my world. Our friends are supportive and encourage us to be the best people we can be. Here in Yakima I have felt at home-most of the time. I am sure our ward has a lot to do with that and I am so grateful to them. Especially, the ones that treat us like we are family. I am so blessed to have all these things in my life. Having my prayers answered and knowing that I can turn to anyone for help. Especially, my Heavenly Father.

I look forward to the next conference in October. I am going to continue to clear this foggy view of mine. By focusing on what really matters makes all the difference.