Beth always wanted to be married outdoors, in the mountains and on August 22nd she got her wish when her and Wade were married in the mountains outside Jackson, Wyoming. We were unable to attend but Wade's parents, as well as sister and brother-in-law, were able to attend and share their moment. Of course, little Sunny Day was there to make the moment that much more special for everyone. The earth girl that Beth is decided she wanted to be barefoot and insisted everyone else follow suit. It is wonderful to see her look so happy and we all hope this is only the beginning of a wonderful life for the Boudreaus.

End of August and time for our Second Annual Loon Lake Outing. We met with Bonnie, Mariah, their families and our dear friends Kim and Don. We thought we had a great time last year but this year was even better. As you can see from the photos we all had lots fun. West was nice enough to spend most of his week-end hauling people around in his boat either fishing or playing on the tube We celebrated Wayde and Kim's birthdays and there was lots of swimming, some volleyball and, of course, good food. We were already planning next year's trip before we broke camp on Sunday. If summer had to end, we finished it in style!

Newport had some excitement in August when a commercial fishing vessel became stranded on the beach. The Newport Police Volunteers were asked to help with traffic control in the Nye Beach area (which is one of our busiest spots during the tourist season). It was the first time we had been called on to help with something other than parades and festivals and it was pretty exciting for all of us. We were there from August 11th until it was successfully pulled off the beach on August 13th. Luckily, the story had a happy ending and everyone was safe, including boat.

We had Cassidy for a week the end of June. Her family came from Portland to pick her up and Bonnie's family came from Eugene so we were all able to spend July 4th together. Unfortunately, the fog rolled in the night of the 4th (as it is known to do at the Oregon Coast) so we couldn't see the big fireworks show the City of Newport puts on every year but we had a great time anyway.

Scott and Wayde stayed with us after everyone went home so we had the next week with the boys. Since Scott will be a senior this year and we knew it might be the last time he visits, it was especially nice. We went fishing, crabbing, geocaching, exploring our two local lighthouses, and found time for the boys' favorite thing -- shooting with Grandpa. What a great week!!!

Cassidy signed up to attend a day camp at the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport for one week in June so we were lucky to have her with us for that week. She wanted to go fishing and we ended up going every night! Grandpa was tired but pleased to see her so interested. I, of course, was happy because it meant a stop at the ice cream store afterwards. We had a wonderful time and look forward to doing it next year.

In June we had a visit from Beth and Sunny. It had been a year since we had seen them last and, of course, could not believe how much Sunny had grown. We had a great time and loved watching her play in the ocean. As many of you who live far away from your children and grandchildren know, it is wonderful to see them but oh so hard to say good-bye.

Wayde had a chance to go with two of our friends, Brian and Frank, on a sturgeon fishing trip on the Columbia River in June. They had a great time and caught a lot of fish but only one keeper caught by Frank. The size restriction on the sturgeon you can keep make it hard to catch one that fits. They had a great time, as always, and Frank was kind enough to give us a big fillet. Never having eaten sturgeon we weren't sure what it was going to be like but all I can say is . . . YUMMMMM! I am really hoping Wayde can catch one for us next year.

If you are not interested in fishing or children, you might want to pass this one up. Every year our Longview Hills Fishing Club helps a local church in Waldport (about 10 miles south of Newport) with a Kid's Free Fishing Day Fish-a-Long. It is one of the most exhausting and rewarding days our Club puts in each year and we all love it! Look at the smiles on the kids' faces and you will understand why. I am always amazed when we talk to other people who are retired and they talk about being bored. With opportunities like these, you should never have a chance to say that.

After visiting with the Millers in Reno, we finished our May trip with a quick stop in Elko to visit with Wayde's mom, Nina and then had a wonderful drive through Northern Elko County. To those of you who have not been there it may not look like much, but to us it will always be home and very special to us. Lots and lots of memories.

In May, Wayde had a Glock match in Reno, Nevada so we combined it and made it an anniversary trip (our 45th was on May 9th) and, most importantly, we saw our very dear friend, Jeannette Miller. To add the cherry on top on the sundae, our friend Gary Smith drove down from Oregon to shoot with Wayde. We all joined the Brian Miller clan at a campout in Washoe Valley and got to see Caroline and her family the next day. It was a wonderful trip.

In case you wonder what there is to do in Newport, our fishing club had a tour of the local oyster farm in April. This is our third year and we learn something new every year. Best part is the end of the tour and the free samples! They really know how to cook 'em. If you are ever in the area you need to make sure this stop is on your list of things to do.