Camping at Timothy Lake

Last weekend we embarked on our first camping trip with Eliana. She had a great time and it warmed my heart to watch her race around, collect pinecones and eat dirt. We camped on Timothy Lake in the Pine Point Campground. It was a little obnoxious, but at least we didn't have to worry about our crying kid bothering people. In fact, she was quieter and cuter than the rest of our neighbors.

Next summer, we'll look for more private places to camp. I'm sure we can find spots that require only a short hike in and will reward us with a more tranquil setting.

Checking out the sailboat

Warming up by the fire
Being initiated into the smores club
Fireside snugglin'
Hot cocoa and dirt all over her, but looking good in her USMA hoodie!
Chillin' at Meditation Point. So pretty.
Good Morning
Yep. Hanging her head first over the lake while balancing on a log. Every time he'd pull her up she'd ask for more. Daredevil.

Timothy Lake in the morning

Agua at Irving Park

Eliana loves the water. She went back and forth at least 20 times in this fountain. Everyone around her was cracking up. She'd run straight through and then laugh, squeal and turn around to do it again. Freakin' hilarious. Her lips turned blue and she shivered, but she still didn't want to leave. She cried from the time I pulled her out of the fountain to change her clothes until I distracted her with Annie's Cheddar Bunny Snacks. So. Much. FUN!

A Hike in the Gorge

With the heat coming on strong in Portland, Tanya and I headed out to do a morning hike in the Gorge. We opted for a mellow 2 mile hike to see both Elowah and McCord Falls. We had much to talk about and as always, it was fantastic to see my lovely friend.

I had Eli on my back and by the end of things, I was really glad we only did two miles. Next summer Eli will need to be hiking her own self along. She seemed to enjoy the vistas of the Gorge and repeatedly pointed out agua for us. During a couple of grumpy moments she was easily side-tracked and happied-up by carrying a stick, rock or pinecone.

I'd like to do this hike again in the spring or late fall. There wasn't much water left this late in the summer.

Elowah Falls
View from the trail heading up to McCord FallsMcCord Falls - when there is more water this is a double waterfall. Boo. We were too late this year.

Fun with Auntie Turtle

Hooray! Happy to be out of the backpack

Haircut

It has come to my attention that Eli looks a bit like a ragamuffin. Don't get me wrong - I love her looking all scrappy. But, her hair is in her eyes constantly and she thwarts all efforts to keep it out of her face . So, over dinner on Monday night, I made an executive decision: off with the bangs!Ta-da! She hated every minute of it. Greg had to hold her hands down and she screamed as if I were cutting off her fingers. I like the new look, but I miss the little ragamuffin.

Bad Blogger

I know. It's been awhile since I posted anything. I've been a bad blogger.

We've had a mellow few weeks. Weird, right?

Here's a recap:

OMSI with Duncan and Alia. Duncan and Eli played so well together. Can't wait to hook up with them again.

A visit to Dr. Birk. Eli is 22 pounds and 30.5 inches at 15 months.

We've been eating a lot of watermelon and enjoying dinners on the back deck. The hummingbirds entertain us with their dive-bombing antics.

We went out to Lewisville Park for a swim and I forgot to bring the camera. oops. Then, we went to Roseburg over the weekend and I didn't take any pictures. oops, again. Eli did get to spend time with Grammy Pam, Grandpa Steve, Great-Grandpa Carl and Great Grandma Marilyn.

I have one week left of summer vacation. I'm committed to getting out of the house to hike, swim or bike everyday.

Denver

We went to Denver last Thursday to celebrate the wedding of Greg's cousin, Jessie. It was really good to see the Stiles family again and spend some time in their city. Jessie and Sean have a beautiful place and they had the ceremony in their backyard.

Denver was a little overwhelming for me - lots of traffic and lots of driving. We took a walk in Wash Park on Sunday afternoon with Patrick, Greg's cousin, and our friend Becky who lives in Denver. The park is huge and really pretty. I can see the advantage to living in a city with 300+ days of sun every year with mountains and epic skiing/snowboarding so close. But, I'm not ready to trade Portland in yet...

For now, I'm glad to be home with no air travel in my immediate future.

View from our hotel balcony - I'd like to see those mountains a little closer with a lot of snow.

Denver aquariumEli's hair is getting long enough for 2 ponytails - love it!The famJessie and Jerry (the bride and her dad)

Last Days in Maine

We are back from Maine. blah. The view from my kitchen window is not nearly as beautiful as the view of Sebago Lake. Oh well.

Here are a few pics from our last day in Maine.

Splashing in puddles with Aunt Sue

Love this kid!
Last swim before heading to the airport