The rest of the story: Blueberries and Rafting

When I think of Oregon, there are certain things that I always think of. The Coast, my family, mild weather, crazy Corvallis people, farmer's markets, berries, peaches and rafting, to name a few. This trip, I experienced everything I love about Oregon.

I got to visit with all my family, went to the market, picked (and ate and ate!) blueberries (even though we didn't bring any home), had fresh peaches (and cobbler!) and sent my family down the river. I was just too tired and grumpy to go...even thought I felt slightly guilty about it.

Did you know that when my mom was 7 months pregnant (which is what I am) with Scotty, she went on the John Day River with my grandpa, dad, and 4 of us kids? Trevor was 8, I was 7, Jeff was 5 and Brett was 2. In case you didn't know, the John Day is a week-long float trip, not an afternoon trip down the river.

Lincoln loved the water...or not

And about that mild weather. Every evening I would go and sit on the swing on my parents porch. There was a cool breeze and NO bugs. It was heavenly. I'm not a swearing person, but, I tell you what! These mosquitoes in MN have nearly brought me to it a time or two!

I can sum up our trip home in just 3 words: We made it.

29 hours of drive-time in 3 days. For as long and uncomfortable as that is for anyone, with my 32-week pregnant self and 4 small-ish kids we're just glad we made it. And that we still love each other! Going home for a couple of weeks was worth everything! Will we do it next year? We shall see...