This year, we visited family and friends in Oregon and in California. We spent three weeks States-side and are so lucky to have folks who hosted us, flew to see us, or dropped everything to be with us for a bit. Not pictured here are Heather and Rodney and Mary Miller and Caitlin - - four close friends who spent evenings with us but with whom I never snapped a photo. Love to all of you and see you again soon!
We started our trip in Oregon with Lori's family and with Mom and Dad visiting. We went to the Portland Zoo.
Grandaddy almost has the wingspan of a condor!
The kids had a lemonade stand in Lori's front yard.
Parker showed us around Corvallis, his home for three more years!
And we ran into this guy, sweet Eli Miller!
Sweet Cousins!
A trip to Oregon would be incomplete without a visit to the Nike Store for new kicks!
Next day, we spent the day at the pool.
Nana and Grandaddy were off! See you in Chile in a few months!
The second week of our visit included a road trip from Sherwood, Oregon to San Francisco! We left early and watched the sun come up from Sherwood's back roads.
The things you see while on the road . . . .
We were sooooo happy that Aunt Lori could come with us!
I've travelled this stretch before, but I don't remember it being so gorgeous. Green and gold and purple. I loved the views heading South.
We finally made it to SF!
To Matt and Anna's house!
Sweet Matt and Anna set us up for the week. Anna dressed us all for the Pride Parade!
Nice boppers, Miss!
The ever lovely Katy Lewis and Jeff met us at the parade!
My queen!
These ladies were dying for a picture with Wyatt.
So, so humbled to be in San Francisco during Pride and just after the landmark SCOTUS decision to make marriage equality the law of the land. And so proud to be with my fair, loving, and open-minded family and friends! My village is so rich with folks ready to teach my children how to treat others the way you would want to be treated. In the end, it's all that matters.
After-dinner ice cream with Katy!
Urban hiking at Lands End.
Happened upon this labyrinth while hiking. Greta and Wyatt started going around and around until they finally reached the center.
Of course, this sweets shop recommendation came from Katy!
Lunch with Uncle Matt!
We walked to this park and Anna biked over to meet us.
Next day, to our favorite SF park - - Golden Gate Park.
Paul cannot pass up the opportunity to see any botanical garden.
We met up for a day with Michael and Melissa. Love and miss these friends so much!
Sweet Bodhi and Ciele
See you later, SF! We'll be back!
We took a slower route home along Highway 1. Gorgeous and so worth the extra time.
Not long after we started out, we pulled over to this fantastic lookout.
We spotted two whales playing there. Hard to see in this photo, but it was pretty cool and a first for all of us.
Wyatt's dream was to see a real peregrine falcon up close, and we did see one on our way out of the nesting area!
Not too far down the road, we stopped to watch these seals!
After a long day in the car, we spent the night at a hotel.
Next day - the Redwoods!
Look how big this tree is! Front view. . . .
. . . . back view. Need about three or four other people to connect us!
Aunt Lori and G.
Random herd of elk along the road.
Back to Oregon and it was time to go to the river with Uncle Bruce!
The Willamette is usually freezing cold. Due to a serious drought all along the west coast, the river was quite warm and there were reports of dead salmon floating along in it due to its high temps. It was during this trip that Paul and I decided it was time to go vegetarian again.
First time tubing!
Aunt Lolo and Lindsey take turns, too.
Grandma and Grandpa came for a visit, too! The brought lots of 4th of July goodies with them!
We went boating again so that Mary and Phil could enjoy the river, too. Paul fed his mom strawberries while she floated along. It's the life!
Paul and Mary took a wild ride! Thanks Uncle Bruce!
Spent the 4th with everyone and played cornhole in the back yard with Michelle and Parker.
Girls against boys!
Fireworks!!
Next day, out to Seaside and Cannon beaches!
Even the Michigan boy was cold!
Grandma weathered this cold beach very well!
Sweet crafts and making traps for snails. Grandmothers and Aunts are so much fun!
The grownups got to go to a vineyard and enjoy some Oregon wine!
Back at Lori's home and our last night in the States complete with a last "burning wood" for this time around.
Luci love!
What a perfect way to end a perfect visit. Love to all of you who came to spend this time with us and to make us know that we are truly loved.
"Each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor."
~Edgar Allan Poe
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