Oregon, Sweet Oregon

We had a wonderful, busy trip back home. It was great to see our family and friends and get our NW fix; we always forget how amazing all those trees are!

Once again we left in the wee morning hours and the kids slept most of the way up, which makes it so much easier (and faster). We stopped in Ashland for breakfast, which had a much better selection of eateries than Medford did (last summer B was served a plate of pancakes with chocolate chips, whip cream and syrup -- which made the rest of the drive...um...interesting). We stopped over in Corvallis and stayed with Shelly and Ralph (and Tay, Grant, Annie and Sarah) at their beautiful new home. The kids absolutely loved it there: all those stairs and all that attention! Shelly made the tastiest vegetarian lasagna with black beans...mmm good!

Unfortunately, the Fourth was too cold for the pool party that was originally planned (not to mention T was tres, tres ill all day), but so many loved ones were there to celebrate with that we can't really complain much.

After that the week just flew by! Some highlights included the biggest playdate in history (thanks again Lindsay and Bret for throwing it; and thanks to Tami, Sam, Amanda, Kallen, Nicole A, Addison, Katie, Hayden, Savvy, Steph, Demir, Nicole L, Madison, Kristy, Copper, Alydia, Isak and Kody for coming out to play); a wakeboard date for J with an old friend (thanks Adam and Mia for taking the guys out on the boat); piano playing and running around the farm at Gramma & Grampa's; lots of toys and yogurt at Papa & Nana's; lunch with some of J's old Laika buddies (thanks to Mike, Alex and Roland for meeting us and showing us your awesome studio); and of course some fabulous food and tax free shopping in our favorite town. Oh, Powell's how we love you!

On our last day Miss B was the star of a fashion show on NW 23rd celebrating the grand reopening of the street (okay, maybe not the star, but certainly our star and a very bright one at that). She walked with Auntie Jessica for Duck Duck Goose, the adorable children's (and now women's too) boutique that T used to work at and where Auntie Jessica works now. It was so much fun, and she did so well! She also was completely in love with her dress (thanks again Tavia!!).

On the way back south we stopped in Eugene and spent whatever money we had left at the UO Bookstore. We were also fed by our friend Jessica and B & C continue to be clothed courtesy of Abby and Tucker. After a few hours of sleep at the home of the Forsyth's of Sussex, we hit the road again, this time with our niece Julia in tow. We made excellent time and were home to watch the big game (still sad that the Netherlands lost).

So until next time Oregon! We love you much. xoxo