Trip Home and Salt Creek Falls

On the trip home from southern Oregon we took a diffrent route and enjoyed alot of forest scenery. On the trip we stopped by another water fall Salt Creek Falls, second highest in Oregon.

Stopped at the side of the road at Odell Lake for about a little rest. Em enjoyed dipping her feet in the water, throwing rocks into the water and saying her favorite words after she threw a hand full in, "Uh Oh". Here she is at the end of saying her Oh.


Climbing down the stairs to see Salt Creek Falls. Pic here does not do it justice. See link above for the forestry page with a good pic of it.


Group photo at the top of Salt Creek Falls.


Mom and Em in front of the top of the falls. In the back you can see a bit of the valley. Ranger was on lookout for some smoke that that had been seeing there. He thought it may have come from some forest fires in Montana (or was it Wyoming).

Lava Beds National Monument

Here are some pics from our day at Lava Beds National Monument just south of the Oregon border in California. With 735 caves discovered so far (not all open to the public), we will have to make another trip sometime when Em is a little older. Hopefully a little earlier or later in the year when it is cooler. The high desert is not our thing, it did make the cooler caves more enjoyable though. Ember even fell asleep on mama's back.

Dad and Ember at the mouth to one of the many lava tube caves at Lava Beds National
Monument. You have to squint to see us in the center there.


The bump hats were one size fits all'ish. Mom had to knit a quick chin strap. Helm still would slip off a little so used the head rest from the ergo to secure it on. It did get a couple bumps in some low spots. But with the helm on it did not bother her.


Ember on mom's back (we took turns being her mule).


Feeling the smooth cave walls


Some more exploration of the walls.


Tops of some rocks partially blocking a tunnel


Ducking down a little bit for a lower tube. There were a few spots when Mom and Dad were carrying her that was very very low walking, legs felt that afterwards.


Group shot in Valentine cave with a konked out Ember.

More Coming Soon: Crater Lake + Stuff

Took a few days for a trip this weekend to Crater Lake and the Lava Beds National Monument.
So here are some pics. Definetly more to come once we get back and rested from the trip.

After a long day of driving we went to the pool. Here is Em sunning herself by the pool.

Pulled off the road on the way to Crater Lake when we saw a sign for a water fall. Here we are next to the cold running water at a place called "Avenue of Giant Boulders" , it is at the base of Mill Creek Falls & Barr Creek Falls.

Hiking down to the falls.


Ember looking down at the Rogue River Gorge.


Another at the Rogue River Gorge just before Crater Lake.


Finally arrived at Crater lake. Yes it really is that blue.


Another pic of Mama and Em. In front is Wizard island. On the bank there you can still see snow.


Playing in the Pumice


Group photo (Mom, Dad, Ember, Sho Ju, Gaia, Abrahm)




More Coming soon

July pics N Stuff

A small buildup of pics from the last couple of weeks.

Em talking to her Grandma Jan. She has that eye roll down.



Here is Ember enjoying her new tent we got from Ikea. Never thought a tenbt could be so fun.


Group pic on first Ferris wheel ride for Em. Once all the people were loaded on she seemed to enjoy the going around.


Hot day at Oaks Amusement park. She really had fun playing in the mist.




More running around in the mist.


Enjoying a carosel ride in the kitty.




Banging away while going potty

Berry Picking and the Beach

Yesterday we went berry picking on Sauvie Island. We got Lots of Raspberries and some Blueberries. Unfortunately, we did not get any pics since we were too busy picking berries. With all these berries, Em will come to like them one way or another. Our freezer will be filled up with them.


Ember has been very kissie lately. Here she is kissing her older friend Gaia who we went with.




Ember and Daddy playing on an old tractor.


Em, Dad, and Gaia playing in the Columbia river.


Ember walking with Abrahm in the river.

Visit to California

Mom and Ember went to the Bay Area for 2 weeks this June. We were there mainly for Engracia's 16th Birthday and Anthony's Graduation and Going Away Party. So, without further adieu...


The 3 cousins...Anthony, Ember, and Engracia.


Ember enjoying her giant duck from Aunt Jen.


Ericka and Ember visiting Auntie T at work.


Ember looking suave with no pants, 2 remotes, and a chair 2 sizes too small.


Ember and Anthony at the SF Zoo.


Grandma Dee, Ericka, and Ember on the little train at the SF Zoo.


Anthony and Auntie T on the little train at the SF Zoo.


Mama with an unsightly growth at the SF Zoo.


Ember and Anthony indisposed.


L to R: Elaine, JD, Ember, and Katie
Em hangs out with her cousins.


Ember and Katie playing at Katie's house.


Ember looking very much the little lady if it wasn't for her skirt being hiked up so high.


Ember and Katie at Grandma's house.


Mama (Ericka), Ember, Elaine, and Katie posing for their picture (we seem to get this shot everytime we visit which makes for great comparisons).


Ember and Katie checking out GreatGrandma's wonders.