Flashback Friday

To celebrate the last Friday of summer, the kids and I trekked to the Enchanted Forest with a caravan of pals. It was akin to time travel. Not much had changed there in 30 years-- aside from fashion trends, that is. 

September of 1976, with Amy and Mom. 

August of 2013, my three babies. 

Western town 35 years ago. 

Western town today. (Exactly the same.)  

Tribe of Cousins

Grandma and Papa Buck treated our tribe of cousins to a special adventure on the Warm Springs Reservation. A trail ride on sturdy mustangs and hours of endless fun in a warm pool left the tribe tuckered out, just in time to climb into the Bison Teepee to enjoy a Papa bedtime story and a chance to glimpse the first stars of the night with Gra's evening sky chart.  Incredible memories were made, to be sure.

Veraison

The summer is screeching to a halt faster than we'd like to acknowledge. While it's been full and wonderful against that ol' yardstick of summertime adventure, the days have been less (okay, truthfully none) of the umbrella-drink-in-the-hand-toes-in-the-sand variety and more of the carsick-bags-and-schlepping-gear-and-overtired-toddler mayhem. So imagine how lovely it was to drop the children off with my parents and spend an entire day in the Columbia River Gorge winetasting with dear friends.

An incredible gift. At one of the wineries, the pourer talked about the ripening process of the grapes, known as veraison. Colors begin appearing in the grape clusters, a sign of the impending season of picking and crushing. It's a time of great anticipation for vintners as they begin the anxious waiting period before harvest. The day in the Gorge felt a bit like our own veraison-- a day to be calm and reflective as we prepare for the fall bounty of volleyball practices, soccer matches, and back-to-school nights.

And speaking of gifts, we just returned from two fun-filled days with the grandparents and sweet cousins in Kah-nee-ta. Snapshots of horseback trail rides and teepee tales coming soon...

California Dreamin'

A road-trip to California made us remember those good ol' days. We had a wonderful time with dear friends and family, capturing a few clicks to re-live the adventure (but missing snapshots of many special parts of the trip). We got to see our two special godsons (and sadly, didn't get photos with either one!), had the chance to meet two new little additions since our last trip to the sunshine state, and got to catch up with lots of friends. A full and exciting trip by all accounts.

We wished we could have stayed for another few days to see more pals, but alas, it was time to return home full of California dreams (though not much actual California sleep, yawn).  

Emily, Lucy, and Mary loved "surfing" on Clear Lake. 

Time for a swim, Mary! 

SUP-ing fun.

Lazy afternoons in the hammock. 

More popsicle went down Ryan's chest than into his mouth. Time to go jump in the lake! 

Fishing from the dock. 

A Webster Hall reunion for these UCD boys. 

A little fun with the luggage cart (quite possible the most fun part of a hotel stay with three children sleeping in one room). 

A hot, tired trio on the Caterpillar in Davis park. 

Time in the hammock at Meadowlark Field. 

Ryan (finally!) was introduced to Meadowlark. 

Cowgirl up, Mary! 

Lucy doing some fancy-smancy hand maneuvers on Pepper. 

Grooming sweet Pepper after riding. 

The Loeb-Mullen kiddos (minus one), together again! They didn't miss a beat getting reacquainted. 

Post pool popsicles. 

Hog Heaven

Pigs were a'swimming in their salted caramel ganache pen. 

Lucy turned 7 in hog heaven, quite literally. Our delighted girl was surrounded by incredible friends, origami pigs created with the partygoers, and a cake of hogs swimming in the most delicious muddy ganache.  Her celebration was elevated to an even higher level because the grandparents and our precious Aunt Suzy were here for the festivities. A day to remember-- and a year ahead of pigtails and pig tales of the start of a super seven!

Our lucky Lucy, with Irish eyes that were smiling all day long. 

In a circle of pals, Lucy wished her 7-year-old wish. 

Even the youngest party goers enjoyed toasty s'mores. Pretty sure none of their older siblings would have been permitted to have a s'more at the ripe ol' age of one... the benefits of being the baby of the family!  

Lucy fashioned an origami party hat for herself. She was truly "Queen for a Day," basking in the love of her family and friends.  

Origami pigs created by the party guests and big sister Mary. 

Summer's Arrival

Summer is officially here. Which means our days are free for treats like these fabulous cones from the legendary Salt & Straw ice cream house. 

Good thing the garden bounty can help with healthy eats to balance those summertime treats!  

The Placebo Effect

Tonight Mary was complaining about pain in her ankle.

"It really hurts," she said as she massaged it.

"I'm sorry it hurts, darling. Anything I can do for you to help it feel better?" I asked.

"Yes. You can give me some candy." Mary replied.

"Candy?? Is that the new remedy for sore ankles?" I inquired.

"No, but the candy will be a good distraction from my pain. I'll be so busy enjoying the sweet taste that I won't be able to focus on how much my ankle hurts." Mary said with a twinkle in her eye.