Wyldlife Camp Returners

Reeve and Eli returned from Wyldlife with some amazing stories and a truly life-changing, wonderful experience.  Thanks to getting to tag along with Silver Falls’ Young Life group, it was a great experience in a picturesque setting.  It was quite chillier than normal for July, but the kids seemed to manage – even the surprise jump in the pool middle of the night experience.  Lots of fun stories with some great Young Life leaders.

Silver Falls

With Reeve and Eli still away at Wyldlife Camp, we went on a bit of a hike to Silver Falls.  With Tracy still recovering, we didn’t go quite as far as we might have.  Another spectacular day enjoying one of the best State Parks ever.

In the Closet

Grandma and Grandpa managed some ingenious sleeping arrangements.  First, the girls get the entire closet – which allows a queen sized blow-up mattress to fit.  Seems like a good fit, and the girls are comfortable.  Coming soon: the boys take over the garage (pending Silver Spring Arrivals)

Sloat Sighting

With Dale and Bonnie Sloat also in Friendsview, along with my parents, it was a great chance to get to see and meet them.  They came over for a delightful Sunday evening dinner.  Rania and their granddaughter also had a chance to play a little bit.  It was a fun chance to catch up after many years.

Arrival

The girls made it!  It was fun (and a flash-filled picture, for sure!) to welcome them to Portland, Oregon.  There was a missing backpack (in the Phoenix Airport) from Rania, but otherwise, the girls seemed to make it.

*Update:  We were able to get the backpack sent back to us by contacting Phoenix lost and found.  (We have not been as lucky with Reeve's lost Kindle on Alaska Airlines). 

Soccer Golf

McNary Estates, which was home for grandpa and grandma for a few years now opens the course to soccer golf.  It was some fun shots and a good time on an evening.  After beautiful hikes around Silver Falls, we then went for the soccer golf. 

We made sure we had the collared shirts, and in a dramatic finish, Doug managed a bit of a come-from-behind victory for first place.  Though the driving was definitely not the best, some luck and some better putting ended up with the close victory.  That evening, we stopped for some Mexican food at a restaurant in Keizer. 

Silver Falls

It is hard to truly think of a more spectacular state park than Silver Falls State Park in Oregon.  There may be some beautiful beach ones, both on the Oregon Coast or maybe somewhere in Maine.  But for the sheer, stunning beauty of so many waterfalls, complete with beautiful Douglas Fir trees reaching to the sky and going on a day with beautiful blue skies, it is amazing how much I took it for granted when I was growing up.  A spectacular setting, for sure!

DC Cookout

Doug flew out to DC to briefly see his brother, spending just about 24 hours there (or less), collecting Reeve and Eli (who were too young to fly unaccompanied - at least on a frequent flier ticket with a non-SouthWest Airlines carrier.  How fun to see Nathan & Kristi and hear all sorts of tales from Nairobi and Africa.

A Celebration

Of course, always nice to have a celebration, include some gluten-free cake and the great times with family.  Plus, looking mighty good!