Oregon Zoo

Wouldn't be a "Summer" without visiting the Oregon Zoo with friends.

The Black Bear made an appearance.


Bald Eagle.

A cool bridge walk way with our friends.

Sitting in an eagles nest.

Me and Les:

We then rode the train over to Washington Park and let the kids play for a while.

This is actually all the kids pictured. All are upside down, except Grace in the pink shorts.

A new Baby for the Gaunt Family Pretty Soon

Thankfully it will be in Stuart and Robin's family!!!

We went to "Baby Addison's" Baby shower this last weekend (they reserve the right to change the name after delivery).

Aunt Robin with Avery and Grace. Avery colored her the cutest card with pictures of them and the new baby.

Grace dutifully helped (or rather opened) presents with Aunt Robin.

Cousin Barbara and her daughter Isabel from Seattle.

The girls out in Aunt Sandra's yard. This yard is something else. Just beautiful.

Seriously??!?!? Could they all be any cuter? The twins Jordan and Gailen just finished up their freshmen year at University of San Diego. Smart, funny, beautiful.....what a combo!!

They work at Crew Cuts and bought the most precious outfits for Grace and Avery! How thoughtful. I had so much fun talking to them.

A tire swing!!! It was the best. Aunt Sandra said that John put it up twenty years ago. That man is a thorough worker!

Cousin Rachel

Sassy Grace:

Avery had the camera for a little while:

Baby due Sept 4th!!! Pictures and Post to follow!

Things We've Been Doing This Summer, Part 2

Growing things:

I've wanted a planter box for some time now. Bri built me one the other day. We might even get some dirt in it soon enough to plant some pumpkin seeds. The possibilities are endless.

My indestructible Hydrangea. Cassy has laid on and destroyed this more times than I can count.

Tomato plants.

The first red ones of the Summer. I feel like they have been really late to ripen this year, maybe because all of June was sucky.

Who knew I would love gardening and fabric when I grew up. I feel old. But fulfilled.

Things we are learning this Summer:

How to mow the lawn.

Thank heavens, because any of you who know me, know that I do NOT mow lawns, don't even know how to start a mower! Guess I won't have to learn now.

Mustang Sally

Just one of our random Summer purchases.....

1966 Mustang:

The kids were giddy with excitement!

Even the neighbor kids jumped in for some fun.

Brian has been smiling from ear to ear for two days. I have only half way been smiling, as it needs new brakes $$$$$. Oh well. We got a sweet deal on it, and I think the enjoyment with outweigh the cost!!

Now we just need a name.

I Cut Bangs

Thoughts?

I think I love them, today anyway.....

The 4th + Cousins = Fun

Things I love about the fourth of July:

Motor scooter rides
My parents house
Great Food
Cousins
What feels like the greatest view in the world
No fire on the hill in front of my parents
OUR FREEDOM

Max, Jake, Grace, Auri, Warren, and Avery....only missing 6 1/2 others.

Spence had fireworks left over from last year that we lit off before retiring to the back deck.

Jake was so sweet to cousin Auri, he held her for a long time.

Had to snap my favorite picture of the night.... I looked over to notice what the boys were doing during the spectacular firework show! Yes, playing Mario cart together. I quickly snapped a picture, then made them turn them off! Hilarious, or not.