We had a wonderful trip to Oregon for the reunion with Troy's family. His Aunt Kay and Uncle Jack had everything set up for those of us traveling to join them. Their home is overlooking the golf course that housed many of the activities. We didn't participate in the golf tournament, but the kids loved their golf game. The kids under 10 hunted in the hay for $$$ which was fun to watch. Jared is such a sweetheart - he gave several dollars worth of coins to a 2-year-old cousin who didn't have many and made her day! He told me he didn't need that much money (still over $11 after the donation). Tyler collected $10.50 and talked Jared into pooling their money for - betcha can't guess - a video game for their DSI. Troy and I had miserable luck playing pinochle except for the hands where we each got 1000 aces. Troy's dad won the pinochle tournament which didn't surprise us since he beat us soundly! The girls were able to spend the night with their cousins and enjoyed the pool and hot tub on Saturday. Katie and Tyler won a drawing for beautiful handmade pillows. They LOVE them!
Everyone pitched in on the food and we had lovely meals. My favorite was the heirloom watermelon from a farmer's market in Portland. It was as yellow inside as a ripe pineapple! Thanks to Ingrid for contributing a fabulous treat!!! I also enjoyed cooked beets with goat cheese and Aunt Sue's homemade muffins and jam. On Sunday we went to church with the extended family stayed to visit longer and join a BBQ before heading towards the airport. I used my cell phone to listen to Sunday music on Pandora and hear Children's Friend stories from the Mormon Channel during the drive. The weather couldn't have been more perfect for the trip. We really enjoyed the respite from Florida's heat, but Alyssa and I missed the humidity.
My favorite part of the trip was visiting the old ranch where Troy lived for 6 years. His dad grew up there with his siblings too. The current owners are the loveliest couple! They invited the whole group to come tour their home and provided cookies, brownies and lemonade for all of us. The old home has been beautifully restored after lots of hard labor. Jared enjoyed "going back in time" to see what it was like for Troy when he was little. We climbed up to the room that Troy and his brothers shared that is above an old shed. It made me thankful to have a bathroom next to my room when I was growing up! The kids loved the old barn and asked if we could live on the ranch. They played with the Troy also stopped by a field along the way and gleaned some wheat for the kids to try. They enjoyed it so much that we stopped on the way back into town for a little more so the kids could each try sifting the chaff.
My favorite part of the trip was visiting the old ranch where Troy lived for 6 years. His dad grew up there with his siblings too. The current owners are the loveliest couple! They invited the whole group to come tour their home and provided cookies, brownies and lemonade for all of us. The old home has been beautifully restored after lots of hard labor. Jared enjoyed "going back in time" to see what it was like for Troy when he was little. We climbed up to the room that Troy and his brothers shared that is above an old shed. It made me thankful to have a bathroom next to my room when I was growing up! The kids loved the old barn and asked if we could live on the ranch. They played with the Troy also stopped by a field along the way and gleaned some wheat for the kids to try. They enjoyed it so much that we stopped on the way back into town for a little more so the kids could each try sifting the chaff.
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