Gaga for Waterfalls!!!

Norah and I took Grandma, or Gaga according to Norah, to our favorite waterfall trail along the McKenzie River.  Norah walked all the way from Sahalie Falls to Koosah Falls, which is well over a mile!  She then took up residence in the backpack and napped for the rest of the hike.  Meanwhile Greg had his inaugural mountain bike ride along the entirety of the McKenzie River Trail... uphill.

Here are some highlights!

Norah found a new hiking buddy!

Three's company

Gaga and her girl

The crew on the move!

Norah leads the way!

Wild and Scenic indeed!

Koosah Falls

Just downstream from Sahalie

Gaga braves the bridge

Norah enjoys a well earned nap

A Day at the Beach

After a fabulous weekend of celebrating the end of an era, we get to enjoy Grandma's, or should I say, Gaga's, company for the next couple of weeks!  Mom drove out here from Minnesota with a van full of goodies.  So after driving half way across the country we went the extra hour to take her to the proud Pacific.  It was a beautiful day, and not without purpose... we met with the caterer and outlined the menu for the up and coming celebration.  It's sure to please!

Here are some highlights from our beach walk at Carl Washburn... my personal favorite beach spot!

Approaching the surf... without a hint of hesitation!

Simply a perfect day.

Getting her feet wet!

The Pacific was significantly colder than it was a few weeks ago!

Norah's got me on a short leash!  Here we go!

Into the deepest part

Bitty beachcomber

Norah the Explorer

Making a splash!

Mama's little adventurista

Three Generations... and Bishop.

One for the mantle...

Nursing Pinning Ceremony

"I wouldn't be here if it weren't for the support of my amazing family and this incredible class.  Mom and Dad, you never let me forget my ability to push the limits of my potential.  Greg, you are my rock.  Your patience and positivity are beyond words.  Norah, you are my inspiration and my light.  

Thank you all for this moment!"

Pinned by my mother, the nurse that started it all.

What a moment!

My little inspiration

Tom and Iley, the kings of the nursing lab

Congratulating Josh for an amazing speech

The Johnston Clan together again

More Fun with Grandpa!

Striking a pose.

Norah loves straws and has recently learned how to properly use one!

Lunching at McMinamin's on the North bank of the Willamette

Norah makes a splash at Alton Baker Park

Sweet girl

Grandpa and his girl!

Salt Creek Falls

     In honor of my graduation we are having lots of visitors.  Grandpa Roy came all the way from Cincinnati to see it with his own eyes!  We have been loving having him around.  He and Norah are getting along like two peas in a pod.  She has grown up a lot since he last saw her, and loves showing her Grandpa all her new tricks!

    We took a day hike to Salt Creek Falls, the second highest falls in the state.  Norah was in the backpack for this hike and she did great, as usual.  

Salt Creek Falls

Grandpa Roy checks out the vitsa

Vista Bonita

Greg takes Norah off trail, just another act in our three ring circus!

Taking it in

Family shot.  Check.

Dad hangs out among the Douglas Firs and Rhodies

Ingenuity at its best

Diamond Creek Falls

Norah snoozed out at the base of Diamond Creek Falls

The original cast!

Getting up close and personal

Diamond Creek Falls from above

Ain't nothin gonna wake up this girl!

Happy lil Hiker

Enjoying some tempeh twiggys and mash at the Brewer's Union in Oakridge, OR.

All Done!

Ten years after I graduated high school I graduate from nursing school!

It's been a fun ride and is one of the greatest accomplishments of my little life.

Wish me luck on my boards this July!

Lane Nursing Class of 2010

Thank you to everyone who helped me make this possible!