There are so many things about Oregon to love. One of them is the Farmer’s Markets. We walked from our house every weekend while we were home to the local Farmer’s Market. There was always live music and we bought some of the best Mexican food I’ve ever tasted in my entire life. Maddie and Amelia always had the cheese quesidillas! Before heading home we always bought fresh fruits/vegetables and flowers for Grandma Barbara.
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Another reason to love Oregon is because it is so kid-friendly. Even when Oregon holds its Brewer’s Fest down by the waterfront, not only are the kids allowed in but there is actually a place for kids to get free root beer, have their face painted and play games. I hung out in there for awhile with the girls while Maddie waited in line to get her arm painted! Of course when all was said and done, we had to took Max home! Just another adventure for the girls!! )
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We had a great time during the back half of our trip to Illinois with Aunt Sissy and Unca Bubba. My sister has a friend who lives in the country on a farm so we took the girls out there to experience life on the farm. Amelia saw sheep, kittens, chicks, hens, roosters… she had a great time and it reminded me of my 4-H days. We had so much fun around their house. We walked in the park, feeding the geese and even managed to run the bases as Maddie practiced playing baseball behind their house! The visits are too far apart as far as I’m concerned but I’m thankful that we get this time together! 
Aunt Sissy and Amelia at the Farm
Aunt Sissy and Meelie
Learning how to hold kittens....
Uncle Bubba and Meelie
Amelia and Maddie feed the geese and ducks
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Mary came up with the name Grandpa Billy and I kind of like it. What’s important is that Grandpa Billy is how Amelia knows my dad!!! During the first part of our trip to Illinois over the summer we stayed at my dad’s house out in the country. Amelia and Maddie both had lots of fun exploring his garden and catching bugs from the yard. Amelia managed to do a big bonk down the steps one day but she “bounced” right back and it didn’t seem to phase her one bit! She had lots of fun playing with Grandpa’s dogs and most of all the dog kennels! At one point she even locked herself inside one of the kennels so that she could experience a dog’s life! She was trying to convince the dog to smile for the camera – afterall, she LOVES cameras. Can you tell if the dog smiled??
Amelia and Maddie discover the fountain
Dad and Amelia discover the garden
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One of the great traditions of summer is the Share-a-Cake event. The entire family gets together to exchange gifts for birthdays that happened while we were all apart. We gathered for a big photo and all managed to look forward and smile EXCEPT for one little peanut!
Hmmm... who is not looking at the camera?
Swinging... Being!
Loving the Slide!
Uncle Doug and Meelie Enjoy the Flowe
Chowing down with Aunt Kim and Uncle Larry
Sharing her new tea present with Grandpa Earl
Strawberry Shortcake with Dad
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We camped for three nights up at East Lake and Amelia wanted to do everything we were doing. When we headed down to the lake to go fishing, she wanted to learn how to fish. When Maddie started playing with the froglets, Amelia wanted to jump right in the middle of them. She had a GREAT time up at East Lake!
Mom and Amelia practice fishing....
Aunt Susan and Amelia practice fishing...
Dad and Amelia practice fishing...
Maddie and Amelia play with froglets!
Marshmallows to Celebrate the Catch!
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Grandpa puts the fishin' pole together
Uncle Doug teaches Amelia Yahtzee!
Dad and Amelia hang in the RV waiting for cofee...
... and food!
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We headed to East Lake to go camping after the 4th of July weekend.
Amelia helps dad set up the tent
Time to rest after pitching the tent....
... and to just fall asleep after the hard work!
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Talk about Americana! For America’s birthday we all headed to the downtown 4th of July parade. We had front row seats where all the cousins sat together collecting the enormous amounts of candy thrown their way. After the parade, we headed over the Uncle Larry and Aunt Kim’s house where we had a BBQ. Amelia and Maddie played in the pool and played with their cousins until the fell down exhausted. Amelia even had her first dose of baseball – she had great eye contact! Happy Birthday America!
Amelia's Favorite Parade Entry!
Amelia and Aunt Susan Play Ball!
Amelia and Brayden Practice Blowing Bubbles!
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Oregon summers are the best and this year was exceptionally warm. The sunny days drew us outside and we walked all of the time. I love the area behind out house where we can walk, ride bikes, feed the ducks. Maddie practiced riding her American bike and Amelia practiced whatever Sam told her to practice. The best was hitting dad and saying “hee-ya” as if he were a horse. Giggles galore!
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