Shout Out to the Chickens

We just love our chickens. And we LOVE their eggs.

Look at how wonderfully those babies (woops - I mean, they are not fertilized....they are never going to become baby chickens!!) poach in the pan!

Chickens rock.

Together as Four, Again

When we were all back together, we got right into the work and fun we normally do. Above, Aleha and Miri helped Daddy transplant a special grafted apple tree that Aleaha requested for her birthday. It wasn't the best time of year to make such a change, but we think we are babying the tree with enough water to see it through.

We got back just in time to take in the HP Family Picnic this year. Obligatory foursome selfie!

We waited in line for about 40 minutes for 5 minutes on this bungee-jumping contraption.

And partway through their time, Miri's harness came undone. Took another minute to get the staff's attention for assistance.

For the first time, we were able to stay and enjoy the fireworks show. WOW, it was really something. Miri fell asleep about 5 minutes into it (ahem, see earlier posts - must be a growth spurt!). So we carried her to the car that night.

We got in a nice little trail ride one day.

Once again, Shorty proved he is The Best Thing Ever.

And we took in the Benton County Fair too! Above, a vendor made Spud Spirals. You gotta know we didn't pass those up! 

Daddy and Miri were in a bumper car together...

And Aleaha was all on her own.  She didn't have the most marvelous time, because she couldn't get moving easily.

We always love the carousel!

And the Dragon Train was a hit too.

But just being all together for our usual routine was the best. Here, Miri helps make Brown Sugar Bacon, one of our newest breakfast discoveries.

Miri's 2-on-1 Time (and Aleaha in EO)

Miri seemed to revert to a baby state (or perhaps a harbinger of teenage times to come), falling asleep many times a day. She was just tuckered out from all the activity with GrammaBon. She snuggled in a new-found place by the wood stove....

And in the recliner,,,,

And even in the bathtub!

Meanwhile, Aleaha was very busy! She was cooking,

watching wildlife in the yard,

and helping clean up loads and loads of garbage off the sides of the road. For this, she earned a nice sum of money, which she later used to buy a watch. Great time!

Kid Swap (and Multnomah Falls Visits)

It soon came the day to go pick up Miri and drop off Aleaha for her personal week with GrammaBon and Grampa. Along the way, we made a stop at Multnomah Falls (which we constantly strain to see as we drive by, but have never gotten to truly visit). Aleaha was THRILLED!

It was hard to get a good shot, but of you are familiar with the falls, you recognize the 2 parts in the background, with the footpath bridge too.

We didn't have a lot of time to dily-daly, but we did take a quick peek into the gift shop. Of course, when she spied the rocks, she didn't want to leave. Ever.

We eventually arrived in the mountains to meet Miri, who'd been having a wonderful time. She already looked different, just after one week.

It's hard to tell in the picture, but they were happy to be sleeping in the same bed again.

On the way back to the Valley, Miri entertained herself very well. 

And took private naps as needed.

And finally it was HER time to stop at Multnomah Falls!

What a lovely (if fast) trip!

Miri in EO

While Aleaha was home on her own with Mommy & Daddy, Miri was on an adventure with GrammaBon and Grampa in the mountains. She missed her family very much, but she had a grand time! (Pictures courtesy of GrammaBon, naturally)

Part of the time, cousin Hank was up there too. And guess what mischief they got into?! They found a set of baby bunnies. They caught two of them, gave one a bath, and then eventually had to set them free.

Another time, she helped GrammaBon with a Byrd School/Pioneer Museum project. Miri dutifully (and enthusiastically) wore her prairie dress and bonnet for this teaching opportunity. They showed kids how to grind coffee and wheat and make a few other things. (Aleaha was pretty envious that she missed that particular event, as it's right up her alley too.)

There was lots of dishwashing to be done. She knows that chores take more time when you don't have a dishwasher.

She and Hank made a marvelous mess upstairs one day, as they built a special fort with blankets.

It was a great and memorable week for them both.

Aleaha's 2-on-1 time

While Miri was spending her week in EO, Aleaha was home with Mommy & Daddy. We took in the Philomath Frolic, which she hadn't been able to do in a couple of years.  

And probably even more fun for her, she got to spend a week at an Art Camp! On the final day, Mommy & Daddy got a chance to see all the fun things she had created. It was a special time. 

Catching Up!

It has been a long time since I have posted. I didn't realize just how long until it dawned on me that if I don't post right now, I will completely miss any postings in the month of August. What the heck? How did the time get away like that?

Well, July was spent mainly ferrying the kids for their visits in EO with GrammaBon and Grampa. And then August was all about swimming lessons and getting ready for school. Oh, and a lot of chores in there too, of course. Summer is a very busy time -- we certainly enjoy the good weather and a chance to play in the longer light hours, but we also have to ensure our projects are done while the gettin' is good.

I've had some technical difficulty with photos on my phone, and I can't find all of them to post. But I'll get started. Cuz it's the last day of August and I'm half a summer behind!