Family Vacation

We just returned from a two week adventure to Fort Wayne, IN and Long Beach/Longview/Woodland, WA visiting both of our families.  We had a great vacation and were so glad to have time to visit with our loved ones. 

James watching some of the NCAA Tourney

His Uncle Greg (and Godfather...you feeling guilty?)  being a bad influence...

Great Grandma Dowling

Steven James Fundingsland

Baptized March 21, 2010

St. John's Lutheran Church - Pastor Easterhaus

Pastor Presenting James to the Congergation...James not so happy!

The whole extended Dowling Family.  Great Grandma & pa Dowling, Grandma and Grandpa Dowling, Great Grandma&pa Quance, Greg and Sarah Dowling (Godparents), Anna Dowling and fiance Scott Van Westen. 

All the Grandparents and Great Grandparents

Aunt Sarah

Grandma Sue

Godparents, Greg and Sarah Dowling...my brother and his wife.

After spending about 4 days in Fort Wayne, we jumped on a plane to Washington.  James did amazing on the plane, no issues at all...slept like a baby!  :-)  We first spent a little time with Steven's dad, Steve.  He met his only grandchild for the first time and was completely smitten with James.  It was so wonderful to see them together! 

Three generations of Steven Fundingslands! 

We met up with Grandma Fundingsland, Aunt Diane and her daughter Shayna. 

Aunt Diane

Grandma Fundingsland

We then headed down to "The Beach"  aka...Long Beach, WA to visit Steven's mom, Terry and some other aunts and uncles.   We had a great time with Grandma Terry, enjoyed the beach, and went to a few museums. 

James in the backpack!  It is Insta-sleep! 

Long Beach is just up the road from Astoria, OR which sits at the mouth of the Columbia River.  These big frieght ships are amazingly huge!  Some little trivia you may be interested in...many films were shot in Astoria and along this section of the Columbia River....The Goonies, The Guardian, Free Willy, Kindergarden Cop, Short Circuit, Ninja Turtles, the scary church from "The Ring"...more , but Steven can't remember any more right now :-). 

"Bowpickers"

This is what it looks like.  A little boat in a parking lot, but don't let that fool you!  The fish and chips that come out of this little boat are so delicious!  It was packed too...we waited quite a long time to tast this amazing treat.  It was worth it! 

Steven's Cousin Christina.  They haven't seen each other in several years, and they had a nice time catching up.  Grandma Shirley put toghether a reunion with lots of family we haven't seen in a while, and many i had not yet met.  we had a great time! 

My great friend Marci and her 8 mo onld son, Mason.   We met Martci and her husband James at Fort Benning a few years ago and became quick friends.  They are stationed at Ft. Lewis in Seattle and James is currently deployed in Afghanistan.  We missed you, James!