Camping Wallowa

We haven't scheduled a lot of camping trips this year.  A couple of weeks ago we did get to go out though.  We went to a place in Oregon called Wallowa State Park.  It is a bit of a drive from our home but well worth it.  Brent, Latisha, and kids, Brent's parents, and another family joined us.  It was so fun to get away.  We went during part of the week days and it was very relaxing.

 As we approached the area, I was struck by the beautiful mountains.

 They just got grander and more amazing as we got closer. I wish my camera was able to get better pictures to show how amazing they were.  They were compared to little Alps, and that is what I thought of when we got there.  Then I saw these little "Heidi" shops and a sign that referred to them as little Alps, so I guess I was thinking correctly.

 Then we got to the lake, perfect

We took our bikes and did a little riding.  

 There is a tram you can take to the top of one of the mountains

 This was a nice hike we took that Aidric was able to do and it was fine. August hiked up, but was a little tired on the way down.

 crossing the bridge on our hike

 we made it to the waterfall.  So beautiful!!!!

 I took a little video. I felt like my pictures just weren't getting the full picture

 The grandpa's hanging out with Brinley

 The kids went miniature golfing on a really nice course, some also rode horses and go cart riding.

 Isabella and I went for a walk around the town.

 I really loved this mountain.  Isn't God's creation so amazing!

 On another day we went to the town just down the road and got ice cream, coffee and did some shopping

 On the way back we pulled over to see Chief Joseph burial site

 We were finishing dinner, and these beautiful deer literally came up to our table.  It was so cool.

 Game night

We also had smores and a lovely fire.  The whole trip was wonderful and I highly recommend the area.  Getting away for a few days can be so relaxing.

Latisha and Brent opened the back of their vehicle when they got there and had a couple stowaways - a couple mice.  They were a little concerned about eating their food, but there was more then enough to go around.  That is the fun of going with others. They rented a cabin, which was very close to our camp site and were able to just ride their bikes to us.  Perfect.

I hope you all are able to get out and do some adventuring this summer. God bless and have a great day.
Alicia

Camping

I said in my last post that I would get some updates on here of our fun activities but that has taken me a bit to get to.  So, I sat down and started but it got too long.  I prefer to read short blog posts, so I decided to do a few short ones and maybe you will enjoy life with me.

Let's begin by going back to Labor day.  For several years now we have spent Labor day with the same group of friends.  This year they were able to reserve a group camping spot.  So several of us were able to camp together.  It was such a blessing as all of our children, grandchildren, and my parents were able to make it.  For some reason the weather was the hottest it has ever been when we have camped but we still made the most of it.  Sierra, Danika, Cassandra, and I decided to take the hike with several others to where hot water comes out of the mountain. It was an incredibly hot hike and Cassandra chugged her water and then mine.  The hike is about a mile up and a mile back.  There are no toilets on the trail.  So lesson learned for Cassandra, (he, he, he).  She was almost running down the hill.  One of my other girls had heat exhaustion and we had to get her to cool water and shade for a while till she was able to continue, that got a little scary.  Then for my part, I went up the hill to get a lovely picture of everyone, and on the way back tried to step over a log that was a bit bigger (or my legs are a bit smaller) than I had realized.  It seemed like such a long way to the ground as I fell in slow motion.  I had hoped that no one saw that so I jumped up and tried to continue down to everyone, but yes some had seen and I couldn't really hide it well as my hair and clothes were covered in weeds.  A true picture of gracefulness.  I was fine except for a little hurt pride.  I am afraid they might not invite us on the hike next year.  :)

We did have a great time.  Alex and Ivy had to leave Saturday, but we enjoyed every moment with them. They had to be home for church, the life of a pastor.  Sunday, we had a great out door service and potluck, and Monday we headed home along with hundreds of other campers.  The road home was slow and go but we were in no hurry so we enjoyed the scenery.

David got a hammock for his birthday, and several of us got to enjoy it

getting dinner ready

Link even made it

Our kids have married others in the camping group, so we had a full
family group picture with both set of in laws.

breakfast

August enjoyed his pancakes

Add caption

Loved time with Weston

The kids enjoyed the tepee

a fun bike ride

my mom looking over the lake

Weston and I going for a walk

The hot hike

The boys enjoyed time together

Happy Mother's Day

Mother's day is here, so I think I shall update on the fun things we have been able to do with our kids that make me a mother.  This crazy weather has been absolutely beautiful and then absolutely chilly.  Despite the weather we have been able to make a couple trips.  David and I got a trip to see Alexander, Ivy, and Weston and then we took the family camping.

David and I decided it was time to make a trip up to Alex and family.  It was just the two of us and we had a wonderful time.  Weston is growing, smiling, and interacting more.  We got a chance to go out to dinner by the river.  It was so lovely and peaceful, and the food was amazing.  Weston was adorable at the meal and as the table next to us was leaving they wanted to let us know how adorable Weston is.  Alex and Ivy have been turning a part of their living room into Alex and Ivy's office so that the current office can be a guest room.  That is so sweet.  Ivy's dad has been doing most of the work, what a blessing.  Sunday we got to go to church with them and enjoy the service and especially worship, as Alex is the leader.  We always enjoy getting to make the trip to see them and I am so thankful they are as close as they are.

our wonderful dinner

Look at this adorable family

Ivy and I taking a walk

sleepy boy

Last weekend we took our first camping trip of the year.  My parents, Brent, Latisha and August, and Brent's parents and brother went with us.   It was wonderful.  The weather was a bit chilly and even rained on us, but we were able to eat under the shelter and keep dry.  A nice part of having a bit chillier weather is no bugs.  We camped at a place called Three River's Crossing and it had a free interpretive center that explains how the covered wagons made it across the river.  It turned out to be a lovely relaxing time.

a covered wagon at the center

on the road again

And one more set of pictures from another lovely evening out with Brent, Latisha and August.  God is good and we are thankful for His blessings.  Have a great day and Happy Mother's Day to all you moms.
Alicia