Quicky Road Trip to Rockaway

The sun was shining and the wind wasn't blowing, so it seemed like a great day to point Gramma Judy's Subaru in a northerly direction, preferably stopping for a while at the Tillamook Cheese Factory for ice cream for Gramps and a slow stroll through their giftshop for Gramma.  After our ice cream and shopping gluttony, we wandered up through Garibaldi and into the classic beach village of Rockaway.

When we were here the last time, it was a nice day, the sky was blue, and half the shops were closed.  This time, it was a nice day, the sky was indeed blue, and, of course, half the shops were closed.  We did, however, find a few of the crafty, artsy, stores open, enough to give Gramma a medium shopping experience and,  I got to point my camera at a few of the colorful (boy, I'm glad I don't have to paint 'em) store fronts.

Rockaway has one venue that's always open and that's their miles-long, flat-for-walking, beach.  A nice day was had by all, including Lily the socially neurotic beach dog.

What a Big Brother looks like!

Together with five other Oregon photographers, I am posting the fourth month of a lifestyle blogging project entitled, "What a _______________ looks like," an idea inspired by a group of photographers out of Montana.  On the third Monday of each month I will fill in the blank with my own word or concept, and link to the next photographer's blog until the circle is complete.  I hope you will take the time to enjoy each of our monthly projects.  Thank you!


                                   What a Big Brother looks like!

This month I had planned on returning to familiar territory and use images from the coastal environment, that is, until Gramma Judy and I were called to Portland to help Karin, Rick, and Marcus welcome their new, gloriously beautiful, twin daughters/sisters, Marisa and Melia into the world.  

As it turns out, we were called to the hospital a bit early and then we were all sent home for another four days.  Gramma and Grampa's tasking (well, to be honest, it was Gramma's tasking, I just tried to stay out of her way) was to hang out at home with Marcus and take him to visit his mom in the hospital periodically to see if his sisters had arrived.  

While waiting for the girls to make their appearance, Judy spent a lot of time talking with Marcus about his new sisters and what it would be like to be a Big Brother.  He was really interested talking about them and I thought he would be a perfect focus for this month's blog.

On September 12th, Rick called and told Marcus that his mom and sisters were waiting to see him.  Now we're talkin'!!  Marcus put on his best Big Brother shirt and off we went.

  

Please meet Marcus Ricardo Kelley Torregroza, Big Brother Extraordinaire!!

On the way to the hospital on Saturday the 8th

Ahhhh, here's my Mom!

We all went home for a few days and on Wednesday, the 12th, Daddy Rick called to tell Big Brother Marcus his mom and sisters were waiting to see him at the hospital.

This is my favorite image of the entire week and I think it's  because all the fathers in our family, Rick, Kevin, Brad, Todd, and Dave, are all big tough men who who have immensely loving and gentle hearts for their children.  

Homecoming!

Happy Birthday, Melia and Marisa, and how lucky you are to be part of such a loving family!


Now head over to Jessica Heigh of Lady J Photography