Fact:

Oregon summers are simply the best. Or more accurately I should say, summers in the NW are the best. (It's all pretty much the same, really.) For 8-9 months out of the year, people all over Oregon and Washington complain about the rain, fog, cold weather, etc. And I must admit, when it is still cold and rainy in May, I sometimes succumb to such dirty thoughts as well. But we have to remember, it's all for a grander cause... like living in one of the most beautiful places in the entire country during the best time of the year. It's green, it's lush, and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else. (Right, Nicole? One day you will be back!) Throw in some great family and friends, and I'd say we're all pretty damn lucky.

This past weekend, Joe, Jack, and I had the privilege of spending time with the Newton family in one of our favorite places in the world: Corvallis, Oregon. Food. Sunshine. A baby. Dogs. Volleyball. Hiking. Pizza. Beer. Good conversation and laughs. The Beanery. Family. I mean, what's not to love?  Maybe one day, we can settle down there and raise a little family in our favorite little Oregon town. Until then, our summertime visits to G'pa and G'ma Newton's house will suffice quite nicely :)

Happy Great Grandpa Mike w/ (not-so-teensy) little Wyatt

  

LOVE those big, blue eyes
 

Grammy Kathy loves her some Wyatt time :)
 

Jack bounding as he chases a bird (or more accurately, its shadow). Heart.

  

All of our dogs are very well behaved ;)
 

A little family volleyball action
 

Dan talking trash to Joe, pretty standard really...
 

Beginning of our (impromptu) 13-mile hike up Mary's Peak
 

This little one's going to dominate mountains one day...
 

Love my Oregon forests!
  

So many butterflies

 

Pretty wildflowers

 

Almost to the top...
  

Made it.
  

 My (2nd) best hiking buddy :) 

 

 Sun coming through the trees on the way down

 

Pizza and beer at American Dream... perfect end to our weekend in Corvallis.
 

Thank you, sunshine...

Summer has finally bestowed itself upon us here in the Burg, and we are loving every minute of it. You have made Joe's work days infinitely better, our weekends more enjoyable, and our garden bountiful. You have even given us several visitors, which is always a treat for this Milwaukie born-and-raised transplant. And while I must admit that Jack is not a fan of the heat, he is a fan of his kiddie pool. (Actually, "pools" would be a more accurate description...see pics/captions below.) I have finally been getting my hiking fix and Roseburg is SO much better when the sun is shining. In fact, if this 90*+ weather keeps up much longer, the illustrious North Umqua River will be ready to float very soon. Our grill is back in full rotation, along with some of our other favorites: fresh sweet corn, local strawberries, and cold hefeweizen. Cheers to summer and all of its delights... I hope you are enjoying them as much as we are!

It's healthy... it has strawberries in it :)

Jack making himself at home with Auntie Jess

A beautiful day at Crater Lake

Typical Jonas move here. 

The Nelsons: our 4th of July partners-in-crime

Again, typical...

Happy 4th of July everyone!

View of Mt. Thielsen while hiking around

Our garden is growing to be big and strong :)

My little bell peppers!

Mmmm, corn

Our strawberries are starting to ripen

Jack helped himself to a little treat one day and then decided it wasn't ripe enough I guess...

Already getting some tomatoes

My little asparagus stalks are finally growing in too

Jack playing in his (first) kiddie pool. 

(Notice the deflated ring around the edge? Jack got a little crazy and started attacking his inflatable pool. Needless to say this one didn't last too long, so we had to go with the plastic kind- see below.)

Jack checking out his new pool.

It didn't take him long to jump in and start batting his ball around.

If only we were all that easily entertained...

Love, love, LOVE his blonde eyelashes and crimpy ears:)

***Sorry for the Jack pic overload at the end, sometimes I just can't help myself :)