Sizzling Summer 2016

Our trek back to Oregon included a few days visit to Buehla Reservoir in SE Oregon.  Though the trout were sparse, we enjoyed the beauty of this area that we had not previously visited.  As the summer progressed we did  catch plenty of trout at one of our favorite fisheries...Thief Valley Reservoir.

This summer's events included MANY special birthdays!  Indeed, June birthdays are plentiful in this family.  Joanne visited Portland just in time for both daughter Melissa and grand daughter Elena's celebrations.

Is it not a surprise that the doll's dress was tastier than the cake :-)?

That same weekend the family had the opportunity to meet nephew John's delightful new bride, Cindy. We also surprised the couple with a family baby shower.   

     

Next, a trip to Washington in June included a celebration for Chris's birthday and an opportunity to spend some time in the Yakima area.

The very same day, we welcomed the announcement that Jon and Stephanie's  grand daughter Ketziah (our 2nd great grandchild)  had just been born.  Therefore, our route home included a visit at Kadelac Hospital in Richland, WA.

The next birthdays for Ken and great niece Amelia are celebrated the first week in July.  Now  how about these "new wheels" this 5 year old received?  (Ken wasn't quite as lucky...he received a Nutra Ninja for "healthy snacks" :-). 

The summer projects on the farm and with our rentals have been extensive .  We did take some time out to investigate a local historic mining district called "Camp Carson" in the Tanner Gulch area of Union County.  This was our first visit to this mountain area.  We were surprised to learn that there had been extensive dredging in this region.  We found LOTS of fools gold in the soil.

The July 28th  birthday for youngest grandson Dalin was celebrated twice...once at their Vista CA home AND then again with a family party here on the La Grande farm in early August.  Note two historical facts about the photo above....Dalin is sitting in the SAME high chair that was used by his Grandma  Joanne and Great Aunt Ginny, his mommy Mary, his two big sisters, and ALL his cousins!  Likewise...note the candles on his cake..."001".  These same candles were used on the cake celebrating the family century farm's 100th birthday in 2004!  Of course the order was reversed for Dalin's 1st big birthday.

Joanne's daughters were "sneaky" AGAIN!  I thought the party was just for Dalin but the girls planned the event to additionally surprise me in celebration of the big 70 landmark!  You'll note the absolutely gorgeous sign...a creation by and gift from my dear friend Nancy.  Anyway, all my daughters and all but one grandson were present.  Even special cousins and their families from Spokane surprised me with their presence!  There was lots of energy...many more children than adults at the gathering.

It was extra special to have my daughters all together for a weekend.  Michelle's family is currently moving to Healdsburg, CA, Mary's family is in Vista, CA, and Melissa's in Portland.  

 Here 5 year old Hayden and Elena (front row) are pictured with family in front of their very own apricot tree...it was planted in their honor 5 years ago, which was the year of their birth.

AND....this shows what Ken and Joanne have been doing lately...CANNING!  We won't starve next winter as there will be ample peaches, pears, apricots, and pickled beets.  Come on over and sample some please :-)!