Uncle Arty's Visit to Oregon

Uncle Arty, Pops, Bud, Branch and Blossom had an adventurous time racing around to see the sights of our corner of our beautiful state. I chose to stay home with Bump while they showed off the sights. I figured they could move along more quickly from place to place without a baby who needed to nurse every so often or just needed to be out of his seat lest he cry until my eardrums burst. (Yes, that is a complete exaggeration - he rides fairly well, wide awake, but does nurse quite often still!!)

They took off in Pops' grocery getter, I mean... sleek and stylin' silver cruiser and took a nice self-portrait for us!

They decided they needed a better one where they followed suit on Blossom's idea and "stuck out their tongues"...

Uncle Arty and Branch cannot reach their noses... but they gave it a good effort. Branch sort of hid since she couldn't do it "right." It is sooooooo wrong that my beloved and two of our children can lick their own noses. GROSS. I am so happy to be in the "NO, I cannot do THAT" group with Branch. Just sayin'...

It was then off to Crater Lake... the most amazing lake. Seriously. Really!! If you live here and have not yet seen it... this is your summer. I promise you! It is a great summer for going for a peek!! Since you live here, you can wait 'till summer and enjoy it a little longer than going in the cold. If you don't live here... visit Crater Lake whenever you can. But, don't miss it!! This is a place that everyone should put on their "Must See" list!!! You won't be disappointed!

One day Pops and Bud took Uncle Arty to the coast. The girls were getting colds and decided to stay home since there would be no playing in the sand and surf... this was to be a fairly quick trip! They went first to Reedsport so that they could take in Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area... and of course, the Elk were on duty and had clocked in and were ready for viewing!!

Off to town and a peek at the ocean in Reedsport...

A quick drive by the Umpqua Lighthouse...

Then a quick visit to Bandon where they had the pleasure of seeing a rainbow while they made their purchase of whole crab in the harbor.

The boys walked on the docks for a bit and Bud "rode the whale" before they headed to Face Rock Beach and sat and watched other fools get out of their cars in the gale force winds. They were much more astute and stayed in their vehicle and experienced sea foam fly up off the ocean onto the cliff and smack into the windshield. Pictures of Face Rock on this day... uh, well, maybe we've had better opportunities!!

There wasn't much time on this visit to see ALL the sights (so, Uncle Arty will just have to come back!), but he met up with an old buddy from college and had a really interesting experience with a native Oregonian ... nice for first impressions, anyway!

We had a great time talking, laughing and catching up in general. We hated to see him go.

{{GROUP HUGS}}

Pops and Uncle Arty seemed to have a great time catching up and picking on each other...

Even so much so as to who is taller?? WHAT?!? Boys... will they EVER grow up?

Seriously... on their toes? Yes, to be the tallest. No competitive spirit amongst them, eh?

We had so much fun! Love you lots, Uncle Arty!! Thanks for coming to visit... see you again soon!! We need to go on a jet boat tour... don't do your hair!!