16 Amazing Years

I was going to blog about Harry Potter (as you can tell by my background, it's one of my loves) but a good friend of my just blogged about it.  I don't even compare to her great wit and wisdom, so I'm moving on to the next day which was our 16th  wedding anniversary.  Just know that going to the midnight showing with other crazed Harry Potter fans was beyond fun!  I also LOVED the movie so it was a great night/early morning overall.

Not getting much sleep, I tried to be upbeat and pleasant for our anniversary.  We decided to take the fam (romantic, I know) to Corvallis, Oregon.  We used some of Mark's Hilton points and stayed at a nice hotel with a pool.  Yes, we had a separate room from the kids.  Upon arrival, we swam and swam then we had dinner at Cloud 9.  Back at the hotel, we set the kids up with a movie so Mark and I could have some alone time.  :-)

On Saturday, we drove to Newport.  It was a beautiful drive!  We had some misty rain which set off all the beautiful green.

In Newport, we went to an aquarium.  Here is Carley in the shark tube.  By the way, my sleepy brain forgot our nicer camera so all these pictures are courtesy of my phone.

The Piranha tank.

Check out this huge snake behind Carley.

 For lunch we went to Mo's so Mark and I could enjoy some sea food while the kids enjoyed their toy sharks that came on their straws.

We then headed to Lincoln beach.  The weather forecast threatened rain but we were able to enjoy sun.

Unfortunately and fortunately, Mark had to get back so he could teach Gospel Doctrine on Sunday (he is an amazing teacher and everyone is upset when he isn't there), so we traveled home Saturday late afternoon.  It was a great quick trip.  This is one thing I am thankful for, a man who spoils his family with adventurous, spontaneous trips.  I love you Mark and I'm looking forward to many more years of adventures together.