Summer, we loved you!

As of Wednesday, we waved goodbye to summer.

Thought we'd highlight some of our moments and share them with you. Be prepared for a bombardment of photos...

In the beginning of June, bees were busy at the community garden, Daughter and I took a day trip to Newport and walked the jetty, Drew exhausted after installing insulation in our home, Son cooling off with the water hose, and friends at the beach at sunset.

Over a weekend, we adored camping at Paradise Campground on the McKenzie River in Oregon. Here's a panorama of our spacious site.

Nearby hikes included breathtaking Koosah Falls and Sahalie Falls. At times Jasmine walked with Daughter, but at other times, she rode in a backpack because she was too tuckered. Fed from an underground spring, Blue Pool stunned us with its pristine clarity. Drew and Daughter bravely jumped into its 38 degree waters.

Father's Day brought fog and wind in Newport at Yaquina Head. The tide was low, but when it is high, the waves crash and tumble against the rocks Drew is sitting on, creating a thunderous sound.

Yosemite National Park delighted us. Between the 4 of us we took over 1,000 photos!!! And even though I didn't include any flower pictures, Yosemite provided bursts of colorful flora in nooks and cracks where a perseverant seed sprouted. Visit the park sometime, bask in God's creation, and soak up the majesty ...you won't regret it.

July's highlights included bountiful produce...

And adventures with Drew's parents who visited from Pennsylvania! Because of Covid-19, we had not seen any extended family since moving to Oregon. So in July, we at last resumed memory making. We created fused glass pieces, enjoyed walks in our neighborhood, and Jasmine loved them (and vice versa).

Fires altered our plans to stay near Crater Lake as well as obstructed our views there. But, we made the most of it together!

On to Florence, Oregon to explore and enjoy.

And we celebrated Drew's amazing life on earth with us before his parents returned to Pennsylvania. We look forward to when we can be together again.

The end of July and beginning of August afforded time with friends and colorful dahlias at our home.

And at long last Millyellen's mother traveled from Ohio to spend time with our family after 2 years. Many days of her trip were 100 degrees, so being outdoors near Salem was challenging. So, we ventured to Yaquina Head lighthouse and beach.

We had some incredible meals at Salem's Sassy Onion and Silverton's Main Street Bistro & Coffee. Both offer tons of gluten free and dairy free options-delicious!

Jasmine loved and was loved in return. We spent time looking at old photographs, playing cards, and listening to records in the cool of the house.

Next to Heceta Head Lighthouse and Seal Rock with abundant jagged rock and tree landscapes. Jasmine loves running at the beach which entertains us all.

At last the weather cooled, and we ventured to pick blueberries. Some picked more than others

Before she returned to Ohio, we toured the Oregon Gardens. We anticipate your next visit with us!

Thank you for journeying with us through our summer recap in photos. Our hopes are that each of you created memories of your own this past summer. We'd love to see pictures from you! I (Millyellen) promise to publish another blogpost sooner rather than later. In the meantime, our prayers are that your autumn brings God's presence, wisdom, love, and creativity. Be blessed.