Recent adventures

Oliver and I have been on the road A LOT lately. Enjoying some free time before I start working and Oliver goes to daycare. Flexibility will be greatly limited then. First we drove to Corvallis, OR for Kelly and Stefan's baby shower. We saw lots of kids and old friends. I tried to explain to Oliver that dad and I used to live there before he was a part of lives. I'm pretty sure he doesn't believe that such a time existed, because he pointed to a house and said "well I lived here too, in that house over there". Sometimes its best not to argue with an almost 3 year old.

Then we went with Anthony to Seattle for a couple of days so he could attend a conference. Oliver and I played in the big city while dad sat through boring lectures. We had a blast. Oliver loved the hotel room, the tall buildings and watching all the people. And I got a little dose of culture, good food and diversity. A much needed trip for every one.

And I'm pretty sure that Oliver is the best traveler ever. I couldn't ask for better company in the car from an almost 3 year old. If only he could drive for me and play all the music I want to hear.

Audrey (Cindy and Jon's little girl) with Oliver and frog

Outside of Darren and Charlotte's house with them, Stefan, Kelly, Brian, Grady and Heather.

Oliver, the jelly fish, at the Seattle Aquarium

Our hotel room was on the 26th floor. Oliver couldn't get enough of watching traffic from the window.

Nathan and Oliver in the hot tub at the hotel.

Camping at Mt. Rainier

Last weekend we camped near Mt. Rainier with the Serwold family from Seattle. They have two kids, Nathan and Sophia. Oliver likes them a lot and they all have a great time together. We went for an amazing hike called the Naches Trail Loop off of HWY 410 on Chinook Pass. Anthony and I agree that is one of the most beautiful mountain passes we have driven through. Washington is truly an amazing part of the country and there is so much more to explore! Next time we camp together we're going to the Olympics.

Rainier in the clouds over Anthony's shoulder and grumpy Oliver in my arms. He was thrilled to be trail running I swear, but as soon as the cameras came out so did the sourpuss face.

See, here is the trail runner leaving every one in his dust. He must have some of Auntie Monica's DNA.

Sophia getting her hands dirty on the White River.

The wildflowers up there were amazing. These were my favorite because they seemed so life like. Does any one know what they are?

Owen and Oliver

Oliver has made a friend and his name is Owen. They both love trucks, dirt and trains; typical boys. Oliver asks about him all the time. And the bonus is that I like Owen's mom!

Hiking on Badger Mtn. outside of Richland

What's growing?

Our garden is loving the sunshine and hot weather. We're learning what grows well here and what does not. Oliver is also learning what is o.k. to pick and what is not. He gets very enthusiastic when it comes to watering the plants and too enthusiastic when it comes to harvesting. Gardening is a lesson in patience, not unlike parenting. Oliver is most excited about our pumpkin, which is getting large! It'll make a perfect jack-o-lantern this fall.Basil, peppers and herbs
It gets bigger every day! I thought we might enter this in the contest at the local nursery until I saw the granddaddy of all pumpkins on a run recently. I'll just let Oliver believe that ours is the biggest one ever!Grass really does grow in the desert - if you water it like a golf course.

One of my favorite things about summer - fresh tomatoes!