Cousin time in Oregon

Day 14 - Saturday, June 30th

These were the days we've been waiting for and the reason for our giant road trip, to see our family out here in Oregon.  We woke up bright and early at Aunt Julie and Uncle Paul's house in Eugene.  Curtis and I set off for a 6:00 am mountain bike ride.  They live almost to the top of the mountain, so we biked the half mile up, them raced down Timberline to the bottom.  "The BEAST" had quite a few days of hard riding down hill in the El Paso desert.  This tough 6 miler on the Oregon mountains did it, and my brakes were completely glazed over....all grinding and squeeling.  We found a nice local bike shop together her in, then we went to a park for lunch with the cousins.

Cole was so excited to play with Cal again!

They all played and played!

Mom and Aunt Julie were in heaven....spending time together and playing with grand kids....double bonus!

My cousin Amy and Carson were inseparable.  Carson immediately took to her.

They all had so much fun!  But, alas it was time for us to leave and get on the road again....this seems to be the theme of the trip.  After some amazing sandwiches, we took one last cousin picture, picked up my bike with sanded break pads, lubed hubs, and a shortened chain, and headed north to my Grandpa and Grandma's house in Albany.

After last summer's visit, Curtis and I agreed to visit Albany every summer from here after.

 We were all pretty tired from the play that morning, so everyone snuggled with Grandma for a short nap.  It was a very nice and quiet afternoon talking to Great Grandpa.  The boys were so sweet with him.

Carson was very intrigued by his Great Grandma, and Grandpa's buddy, Jim Gross, popped by for an afternoon chat with us.  After that, Grandpa, Curtis, and I went to the local Chinese buffet to bring dinner back home....yum!!!  It is so inspiring to see how dedicated Grandpa is to Grandma.  

It really puts the vows into perspective..."In sickness and in health"...they are turning 89 this year and are celebrating their 67th wedding anniversary.  Grandpa sleeps in a little roll away cot next to her bed.  We just love them so much!

After we cleaned up dinner, it was time to dust off the minivan.  The thermostat topped out around 95 here in Albany, so we were super thankful The air conditioner Grandpa installed thisyear for   the house and for a little water hose time.  

By 8:00 we were all popped and were in bed asleep by 8:30.  I'm so thankful for this visit.  It is so wonderful to get to sit and chat with GreatGrandpa.  He is the sweetest on the planet and absolutely loves the boys.  I think it brings him back to when my Dad and his brother, Uncle Dave were little.  I'm just loving all this family time and feeling very blessed tonight.