Summer Days

The Fox Hill Fourth of July Parade was back in action this year, and I don't think there was anyone happier than Caleb; well, maybe James....but together, there was definitely wasn't another pair who was happier about it. 

And there certainly wasn't another dog as festive:

After the cancellation last year, 

I was even more grateful for the community and festivity in our neighborhood. 

Caleb wanted to be the head of the pack and lead the parade out; but then he circled around to the end to do another loop to find any unclaimed candy. 

On your marks....!

Get Set.....!

GO!

Afterwards, we walked over to the cul-de-sac where several friends live and partied like 2021...(no fireworks this year due to an emergency order of extreme hot and dry weather....

we've had a lot of emergency orders as of late... 🤔)

But nonetheless, we had a blast (with only a small flame) , and the kids once again ended the day sweaty, sticky and slightly stained. 

Levi informed us that he forgot his shoes at home, so he ran around in socks the whole night.  
PS:We threw the sweaty, sticky, slightly stained socks away promptly when we got home. 😉 

Lucy made it 2/3 around the parade route.  

 

Earlier this month our governor announced that June 30 marked the "end of Covid restrictions."

Seriously, one day everyone was all masked up in the stores, and over night things were pretty normal again. It is simply glorious to go grocery shopping without a mask on and see the full faces of other humans. This past year has taught me not to take this for granted. 

 I also have learned not to take for granted the time spent with my family. 

This summer has been unlike any other summer in the past. It is marked by a sudden independence and maturity of my kids. 

 In summers past, my kids would be up at the crack of dawn, and I’d gear up for an all day excursion, packing lunches, gathering sand toys and mentally preparing myself for an exhausting day of playgrounds and activity. I was the CEO of summer, the facilitator of all fun. Their social interactions focused on me. 

However, this summer, I find myself alone in the house with Lucy a lot of days as my kids suddenly find their neighborhood playmates way more fun. Their days consist of running in and out, back and forth with various other children, grabbing the occasional bagel or banana on between. 

I remember being this way as a child, but it just didn’t occur to me that my kids would reach an age when they could and would do the same.  

I have moments.

 Actual peaceful, 

uninterrupted, SUMMER

 moments. 

Last day of school ice cream!

Speaking on Independence, Evelyn left for three days of camp with our church this morning.

Her emotions were all over the board about it; she was excited one moment and then in tears the next.

 Her two best friends are going with her, so  I know she will have a blast. This is a milestone for her/us as this will be the first time away from her family, making her own decisions,

and caring for herself. I am excited for her; I KNOW this will be a growing experience for her. 

School ended for us on June 15. 

The following week, my Aunt Robin and Mom came to visit for the week.

Hiking through waterfalls in the Gorge

 During the first three days of their visit, the boys and I attended a sports camp at our church. 

They were able to spend one on one time with Evelyn and I was able to get that time with the boys volunteering, which I missed so much during the weird Covid school year.  

 

The week was hot, one of the hottest on record. In fact the weekend broke records in the area for reaching temperatures of 117 degrees. 

We did some hiking in the gorge and spent the hottest days at the beach. 

Latourell Falls

Horsetail Falls hiking path

Exploring 

The BEAUTIFUL Willamette Valley

The Oregon Coast was perhaps the most pleasant I've ever experienced it. Usually windy and chilly, it was in the 80s with blue skies. 

We spent one day at Pacific city climbing the Cape Kiwanda dunes and one day at Proposal Rock. 

What made Proposal Rock so great was the natural barrier it created from the ocean waves, allowing the kids to play in less intense ocean water. 

Lucy liked it too. 

 Oregon is known for its lush vegetation. The pIants here do not thrive with 117 degree temperatures. Many people spent the entire hot spell simply keeping their plants alive. 

I did my best, and managed to sustain my flowers and delicate strawberry plants. 

But my grass and bushes are another story.  🤔 

This perfect little strawberry survived the heat and brought me a ridiculous amount of joy by the way it hung over the side of the planter box. 

This summer is shaping up to be just the best. 

 I am appreciating and loving every second of it. 

Swimming in the river with our friends the Austins