Weekend Trip to the Coast

A couple weeks ago we were able to get away to the Oregon Coast at Seaside for a couple of days. Our good friends John, Kate, and Molly Pattison joined us on this trip and it was fantastic! A long overdue vacation for us all.

Matt and I own a time-share (I know...one of those silly impulsive buys that you tend to regret later), but the more we travel and take advantage of it, the more we are so greatful. Without it, we most likely would not have taken this trip or even thought about doing mini-vacations like this. Thus, it is proving to be quite useful (finally!).

Although the weather said it was going to be windy, rainy, and cold, we were fortunate to have the best weather for the two and half days that we were there. There was some rain, wind, and it was chilly, but we enough sun breaks to keep our spirits up. We were even able to go for a long bike ride at Fort Stevens in Astoria.

Speaking of Astoria, I was able to see other friends of ours - the Bondurants who live near Astoria. They came down to visit along with thier 3 boys (their lastest only being 2 months - Melody looking good for just having a baby!) Sorry, no pictures of them.

All in all, it was good weather, great company, and overall a relaxing weekend. Here are some pictures.

The view outside of our balcony
Kate and John before our bike ride

Group shot (Molly is in the bike trailer)

Dad's and Babies (or baby and toddler I should say)

The family - wait...that's not my daughter!

Little Molly - Cutie

Molly (Able to sit up!) and Jordan (Ready to get running on the beach!)

Daddy and Jordan running (more jogging) on the beach

Mommy and Jordan RUNNING

Momma Kate and Molly

Thanks Grandma Dot for the shovel and bucket (I think it was more of a gift for Papa and John)

Cheese! Momma and Jordan about to head down to the heated pool!

Kate and John watching the sunset

Oregon Coast

Last stroll before we head back home to Portland

Crew

Both my Dad and I rowed on the Oregon State Crew team, but we have never rowed together. Thus, for my Dad's birthday this last December, I called the new Women's coach at OSU and asked if we could get on a boat together and she said YES!

Last weekend, both my folks and I went to Corvallis for a night to row and to enjoy the cute town. It was incredible to get back on the boat. I was nervous if I would be ale to remember the stroke, but it was like riding a bike - it all came back to me. Some of the calls were different, but we managed to get by.

When we first got the boat, it was snowing, and as soon as we pushed off the dock it was beautiful and sunny the whole way. On the row, we did many similar excersizes that I did when I was on the team, for instance we did a few starts, power 10's, and other fun stuff that pushed my dad.

Here are a few photos.

My Dad and I taking the boat down to the river. Yes, you're eyes are not fooling you, it is snowing!

Us doing a power 10 excersize

Air Jordan

Mark it in all your books - On March 11, 2008 Jordan Galluzzo Gabel made her first basketball shot! She has yet to make a shot with her tongue sticking out, but give it time. Watch the instant replay...

Molly and Jordan

Those of you who don't know, a good friend of ours, Kate Pattison, watches Jordan once a week while Matt and I are at work. She has recently gone back to work after having her baby, Molly (about 5 months) and so I get to watch her once a week. So our two daughters have come to be good pals and today was my first day watching Molly. Of course their schedules were opposite - as soon as Molly woke up from her nap, Jordan went down for hers. Anywho, to make a short story long, here is a cute photo of the transition between the two naps.

A Quick Trip to the Park

For a few short days after we got back from Mexico, it was sunny and warm. So we though we'd take Jordan to the park for the first time!

Unfortuntely, that was the day the weather turned back into winter and we all froze...but had a great time on the swing and slide! Actually, now that I think of it, Jordan was more interested in collecting pine cones on the ground. Who knew?

More Mexicali Photos!

Here are some more photos of the trip.

Tequila shots with my mom!

Pelicans were everywhere - freakin' scary when they open thier beaks

Right before we went sea kayaking in Mazatlan

Our Ship - the Golden Princess

Drinks with my folks before dinner - our last night on the ship

Formal night. Thats right...back in my prom dress after having a baby!!!

Hiking in Puerto Vallarta

A video of the end of our hike - walking back through a village in PV

We're home! That was the first time we've wanted to come home from a trip - since we had someone so special waiting at home for us.

Cruise on the Mexican Riviera!!!

If you didn't already know, Matt and I went to Mexico last week on a cruise with my parents (and no, we didn't stay in the same cabin). My parents said to us last October, "Hey, if you get yourself to LA, we'll pay for a cabin for you two on a cruise to Mexico". It didn't take long for us to accept their offer! We had a fantasic time. I've never been to Mexico, and Matt had never been on a cruise, so it was a great experince for both of us. And what about Jordan, you ask? Stayed home with Grandma and Grandpa Gabel - thank you, thank you, thank you for taking the week off to watch her!!! It was a well needed break from work and a time to get away with my oh so sexy husband!

Here are some photos of our week trip. Enjoy. More photos to come later.

The four of us before dinner - I am wearing the dress my bridesmaids wore at my wedding =)

Me in our cabin by our window

My mom holding onto my dad so he wouldn't fall in =)

Matt and my dad - our excursion was hiking in PV.

Matt and I in our cabin (casual night).

Formal night - me in the middle of the ship

So fricken sexy!!! Matt wearing his late Grandpa Nelsons coat.

Out by the pool catching some sun - it was the first day (if you were wondering where our Mexican tan was)

In LA just after depature. Heading for Puerto Vallarta!