Swimming, Swiss Style

Aaaah, bliss. Dad & Mom are enjoying a few days in Leukerbad Switzerland. This hot springs is nestled high in the alps - once you survive the death defying bus ride up the mountain, you never want to leave. You feel like you are "in" a postcard. There is a large pool indoors, connected to the outside lower one - you just swim thru a vinyl strip curtain and you are outside! We were in the upper pool one evening, the silhouetted snow covered Alps surrounding us, and a group of men began yodeling under the fountain. Goosebumps I tell you - it was incredible. One of those moments that are seared in the memory.

Another unique experience . . . one portion of a route to/from this area is only accessible by train. So, you drive your car onto the train and sit in darkness as it takes you through a gigantic tunnel (think it takes about 15 minutes). Underneath the Alps? No way? Yeah Yeah, Oiu Oiu, Ja! Ja!

They were very agreeable to this pose

Skim boarding or dancing, I'm not real sure

A little chilly

Maren was so excited to be at the beach, she was running in and out of the water, and jumping for joy. Always one to live life to the fullest, she ran up to us excitedly and exclaimed that, "This is the most fun someone could have!"

Sunny Seattle

Scott and I celebrated our 20th (Wow, 20th!) anniversary with a trip to Seattle. Seattle has never been a dream destination as it is typically pouring and miserable. However, the weather was awesome and it was beautiful . . .

We loaded our little Jeepney in a ferry headed for Bainbridge Island and then went onto Port Angeles. Apparently the 3rd weekend in July is the Lavender Festival in Sequim, and it is on my "to do" list. There are lavender farms dotting the countryside and I'm sure it's impressive (and scenty) when they are in bloom.

What trip to Seattle is complete without strolling through Pikes Place? The ultimate Farmer's Market.

We met up with this character for an evening in West Seattle. Dellas has started his own business, installing blinds and roller shades, most of his work is in Downtown Seattle. He showed us the sights and we enjoyed "catching up" with him

Scott met with several former co-workers and potential customers on this trip. I dropped him off and then quickly explored the area. My mini explorations led me to a few Goodwills, and near the Port of Tacoma, I enjoyed watching this cargo ship being unloaded.

Labor Day

We spent the past few days at Crescent Lake, 30 miles east of Oakridge. We stayed in the Spring Campground and it was ideal - just steps from the lake and great weather - well maybe a bit too windy, but otherwise awesome. Papa and Nana were along for the fun . . .

We celebrated Milah's 10th birthday with a designer cake - thanks to our good friend, Betty Crocker. Obviously our camper was not completely level as the brownies were a little thicker at one end.

Scott and Sten have big plans to sell this vessel, so they think this would be a good pic - anyone interested?

Early morning risers (well 9:00)- can't you just smell the bad breath?

Filthy foot crew - can you match the toes with the nose?

Our compound - kind-a strange how things deteriorate to redneck in a hurry. The first day, things were looking pretty spiffy, but by Day 4 - it looks like we've been there for a few months.

The girls -

The kids spent hours in this creek which was just barely above freezing. They created and recreated dams and marinas, campgrounds, and canals.

The water temperature was not to the girl's liking, so they did not participate in the wakeboarding events -

Partial Crew

Sten was excited to try skiing for the first time and was successful in getting up on the single ski.

But he still prefers wakeboarding . . .

Let the old pro show you how it's done, Sten

The Oregon Jamboree

This weekend there was a country music festival in our small town. Maren insisted on taking her little guitar and she began strumming it near our seat. Several people wanted their picture taken with her and then people started giving her dollar bills. One man suggested that she put an extra hat on the ground beside her for her earnings. She was busy all night and made about 20$ - paid for her own elephant ear and water! I think this is the "Heidi" coming out in her, the same Heidi that used to sing "Popeye the Sailor Man" to perfect strangers. Update! Maren's total earnings were $70.00 for the two days - I'm sure she'll bring her guitar next year - probably an entire band.

Sten (her manager)- kept checking the status of Maren's hat - to see how much cold hard cash she had made.



Susie, with her brother - Willy



Milah and Susie (above) and Milah and Kylie (below)

We couldn't resist grabbing the camera - harvesting wheat

Birthday kids - times two!

July 11th is a happening day in this house. It happens to be the birthday of two kids in residence, and our town's festivities. We start the day with a parade . . .

Milah rode on a float with other forest service poster winners, and we end the day with fireworks, which we watch from the cemetary - the best place in town to view them.

The worst part of the parade is waiting for it to start

Sten had a party at the pond with some friends yesterday - the party started at 1:00 and the last kids went home at 10! That's called "making a day of it"

Maren chose only 1 friend - Dawson, but I suspect that will change in years to come