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.