BLUE BASIN

Walking through the Blue Basin, you feel like you are on a seafoam green Mars or in a Star Wars movie. I wouldn't have been surprised to see a few Jawas.

Along the trail, there are a few fossils to see. The one that impressed the boys the most was the sabertooth tiger. We had so much fun walking through this amazing wonderland.

THE PAINTED HILLS

are breathtaking! It's hard to even describe how deep the colors are and the awe you feel. You stand there amazed, talking about how they really look like painted hills and it was funny how surprised we sounded as we gawked at them. They are beyond beautiful and the colored hills pop out at you from the deserty wilderness that surrounds them.
One of the trails is a 1/4 mile boardwalk that puts you up close and personal. It was so fun to take a closer look.
On a side note, we had the craziest weather while we were there. Sun, rain sprinkles, pelting hail storm and more sun.
We were told the colors of the hills look different every time you come. We definitely will be coming here again.
The Painted Hills are a must see!

NAME CHANGE

The wee ones have requested to be called LL Sunglasses (left) and LL (right). Now you know.

GHOST TOWN

Waldron School sits off of Highway 207. We were very lucky to have arrived when we did; a man who was one of the last students at this school was there and gave us permission to go on the grounds and inside. While inside we might have seen a few ghosts from children past. East of Highway 207, is the town of Richmond that was abandoned in the early 1900's (we were told everyone was gone by 1930.)
Abandoned homes, a church and a school sit on the picturesque landscape.The town wasn't what we had in mind (we were picturing main street in a wild west movie), but it was really fun to see this small abandoned town.

RED VELVET CAKE

is his favorite.I love his silly faces. Happy birthday husband.

CLARNO PALISADES

was one of my favorite hikes of the weekend. The Clarno Palisades is off of Highway 218 and is gorgeous.
The boys had so much fun finding plant fossils and petrified logs and limbs along the hike. There are markers along the hike that tell interesting facts, talk of prehistoric events and point out features about the rock formations.

CAMPING IN EASTERN OREGON

Three days and two nights of camping, hiking, campfire, smore eating family fun.It was our first time in Eastern Oregon and we loved every moment of it.

IT'S A WONDERFUL DAY TO

celebrate Larry's birthday.Larry is the kindest, loving man I know. He is thoughtful, caring, funny, interesting and interested, encouraging, talented, motivated, a wonderful husband and a fabulous father.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LARRY!
WE LOVE YOU!!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

Our mother's are amazing women and we are so lucky that they are best of friends.
They are both so kind, thoughtful, loving, fun, wonderful mothers and awesome grandmothers.

MOM, LOVE YOU!

HAVE A PLAYFUL WEEKEND

ONION CAKE

A traditional Welsh dish that can be served as a side dish or on its own for high tea. In South Wales, it is called Winwns.2 pounds potatoes
4 large onions
4 oz butter
salt and pepper

Peel and thinly slice the potatoes and onion. Place a neat layer of potatoes over the base of a well buttered cake pan. Put a layer of onion, dot with butter and season. Continue layering and end with a potato layer. Brush with melted butter and cover with foil. Bake at 375 for 45 minutes, remove foil and bake for 15 minutes more. Turn out on a serving dish and slice.

CINCO DE MAYO

We had a delicious family dinner tonight. On the menu:

main dish - vegan green chili sour cream enchiladas with all the fixings
dessert - vegan Mexican hot chocolate brownies
drinks - diet coke with lime

Next year we will remember our virgin margaritas and sombreros. Did you do anything fun?

GOT YOSHI?

We had a fabulous Yaya evening where the theme was STRESS.
Kathy had us wear comfy clothing, bring a food we like to eat when stressed and then had a relaxing surprise for us.
I'm relaxed but have sore cheeks from all the laughing!