Many times as young children, we were swooped up on cloudy summer days by our sun-loving mama to head to Kah-nee-ta in search of the sun gods of warm springs (and the warm pool). And so my parents asked if they could help us re-live the fun with all of their granddaughters this summer.
The girls loved swimming in the spacious water, complete with the bear sculptures I remember from my youth and the equally strict lifeguards reminding everyone to keep off of them.
After swimming, we enjoyed a wonderful dinner at the lodge restaurant. And then we decided Lucy had plenty of energy and could use a walk before bedtime. Grandma and Mary led the way, up a rocky, steep hill to the top of the bluff. It was a gorgeous climb. The only problem? We were all in flip flops (or worse, flip-flop heels!), so the trek down was quite a challenge. But, we made it thanks to sure footing and some hand-holding. And those of us in the least stable footwear had to pose for a snapshot as evidence of our survival!
That night, Grandma read stories to the girls on the hotel room's balcony and shared the tradition of finding the first star of the night. And in the morning, the crew awoke bright-eyed and ready to head back to the pool for more splashing and swimming.
How lucky we are to have such generous grandparents. Not only did they allow us to re-live the nostalgia of our childhood, but we were able to form new memories in this special place with our own children.
Okay, no teasing. The old Soccer-mom cliche rings true. Next thing you know, I'll be driving that minivan. God help us.
But, she's growing anyhow, as you can see from her first day of school pictures.
And, speaking of growing up, Papa Buck celebrated his birthday last week. Mary made him painted ponies for the celebration, in honor of the horses he loved so much on our trip to Central Oregon. Mary did nearly all of the work by herself!
We think Papa appreciated the effort more than the circus peanuts and extra-sticky-sweet-chocolate frosting! (Next year, we'll be sure to make something with oatmeal and figs and raisins, Papa!)
Fall is in the air. The air is crisp at night and dusk arrives at the early hour of 8pm. But the surest sign? Our gorgeous hydrangeas have taken on that papery, ashy quality. 
On today's summertime agenda: nectarine & cream cobbler. Isn't my sous chef magnificent?
Many times as young children, we were swooped up on cloudy summer days by our sun-loving mama to head to Kah-nee-ta in search of the sun gods of warm springs (and the warm pool). And so my parents asked if they could help us re-live the fun with all of their granddaughters this summer.
Despite being threatened earlier in the week that she would be hauled off to the sausage factory ("to eat sausage, mama?" asks Lucy innocently), Greta has managed to make it to nine years old!