End of Summer Trip

I decided to take a last minute trip up to Oregon to visit my friend Heidi and her family. The last time we were there was in July of 2008--you can read about it here.

Samuel had to stay and work, so my mom drove up with me and the kids. We actually had a smooth drive up with very few stops. I think I had to stop and pee more times than Sammy did. The older kids did really well thanks to the DVD players in the car--and Helene had her moments, but was pretty content overall.

We lounged by the pool and read while the kids played...

Helene had her first taste of prunes...mostly due to a severe case of constipation. Poor little girl--it was so sad...although she LOVED the prunes!

We hung out with Louie the dog...

and a few chickens...Played with wire whisks at a kitchen store...

Helene found a new toy...

So much fun!

We had lunch at the pharmacy, complete with an
old-fashioned soda fountain counter...

and then browsed though an antique store to walk off the milkshakes...
Helene got some tummy-time in...

and even did a few baby push-ups!
She'll seriously be crawling any day now! YIKES!

We went to Wildlife Images and got close to these animals...

Seriously close, as the only thing separating us
from the grizzly bear was an electric fence...

a bald eagle...again, just the electric fence separating us
from these 5 black bears...
Sammy needed a break from all the walking
and took a rest with Grandma

We decided to sit for picture

Then we had lunch again. I had the best chicken sandwich with avocado and blue cheese--and some fried zucchini on the side. Good thing Heidi and I went on a few walks at night to counter all the food we ate on this trip!

On Monday night for FHE, we had a family band and played instruments and sang.
It was so much fun for all!

It turned into a marching band around the house...

We had such a good time, as always. So relaxing and fun. The kids loved having Scott and Kjersten to play with 24/7 and I loved they were totally worn out from playing at the end of the day. We spent the evenings painting our toes, watching Flight of the Conchords (so hilarious), Mamma Mia, and Pride and Prejudice--and eating either brownies, cookies, or ice cream, depending on the night. Yep, a total girls night for an entire week. So great!!

I missed a few photo ops of the beautiful scenery, the kids playing Wii, the kids playing outside (besides the pool)--I'll have to be more diligent next time.

The trip home was a bit crazier with more potty stops than I can count--plus Helene was crankier due to a severe diaper rash from the constipation problem. I've definitely learned that she can't handle bananas very well...maybe I'll try again in a few months.

And we just HAD to stop in here for an authentic San Francisco hot fudge sundae treat...in Lathrop of all places. Random, but delicious.


It was a great end to a looooong summer of Sammy being in casts, and I'm glad we had a chance to hang out with such good friends and play for a bit. Thanks so much to my mom for braving the long drive and going with us--we loved having you!! And thanks for babysitting the kids for Heidi and I so we could get in a few of those desperately needed walks after dinner.

The best part was coming home and finding a spotless house. Samuel steam cleaned the carpets, scrubbed the stove (which needed some serious help) and the rest of the kitchen including the fridge and pantry, AND cleaned the bathrooms. YAY for Sam! I need to leave town for a week more often apparently!

School starts next Thursday! Wow--summer really is over.