Jerry, Alison, & Nellie

Merry-Go-Around and Around

This summer, Jerry introduced Nellie to the excitement and fun of the carousel at the Lane County Fair.  Her experience on the "Merry-Go-Around and Around" resonated and she talked about it nearly everyday.  So when we had the opportunity to visit relatives in Salem last weekend - we took the time to ride the carousel located on the waterfront.  Nellie was excited and after seven rides she was a carousel pro picking out horses she wanted to ride and handing her $1.50 token to the man in charge of the ride. 

Jerry, Aunt Karen, and I took a ride with Nellie - it was great fun to see her so animated and excited as she pointed out the lights, horses, music, "up and down" "round and round" motions of the ride.  It is a delight to experience this crazy world with her.  We'll certainly make a visit to the Salem "Merry-Go-Around and Around" very soon. 

Here is a link to the carousel's website.  http://www.salemcarousel.org/  If you get the chance - also visit the Gilbert's Discovery Village.  http://www.acgilbert.org/  And of course there is always a stroll on the Willamette U campus.  Go Bearcats! 

Hiking at Tryon State Park

During our Portland visit on Labor Day weekend, we went hiking with Grace and Gabe at Tryon State Park.  We discovered a downed tree which had created a tunnel.  Gabe was the first to venture all the way through!  Nellie wasn't so sure - but she made her way to the entrance when Jerry squirmed his way inside the tree tunnel.  It was a great place to linger and rest on our hiking adventure.  It also provided many photo opportunities....

     

In this photo, Nellie is saying to Gabe, "Go in there, boy."  Grace -   Thank you for the fun and pictures!

Bearcat Cubs

After Jerry's parents left for home via the Portland airport, we lingered in Portland for the rest of Labor Day weekend.  This gave us the chance to catch up with friends from Willamette and Vicky as Grace and Roger hosted all of us on Sunday.  Here's a shot of future Bearcats!  From left to right...Nellie, Gabe Groom, Lucy Hanken, and Claire Hanken.  We missed Lucas and Chloe! 

Fred & Irene Visit Eugene

Is it truly September??  August was great fun!  Jerry's parent, Fred and Irene, travelled from Natchez, Mississippi to spend three weeks with us Nellie.  We thoroughly enjoyed their visit and tremendous energy for house projects, yard projects, and playing cards.  Nellie loved having breakfast on Grandma's lap each morning and buzzing around Grandmpa all day.  We did many things during their time with us.  Between cleaning/organizing the garage and working in our neglected yard - we managed to have our fun.  This included a visit to Eugene's rose garden, checking out the vegetables and booths at the Farmer's Market, picking blackberries, Irene and Alison shopping, Irene's spa day, birthday cake for Fred, steak dinner, indulging in polish sausuage, and picking out a truck for Jerry (more later).  

Fred and Irene's visit concluded with a trip to the Portland zoo.  Grace and Gabe joined us!  We were able to see many lounging animals -  black bears, polars bears, mountain goats, cougars, monkeys, elk, antelope, hippos, zebras.  Nellie was most impressed by the large and loud dinosaurs who greeted us at the entrance.  A highlight was our zoo train ride   through the forest.  Nellie wasn't so sure about the train, but Gabe was quick to point out all of the sights (including the elephant).  She quickly figured out a ride on the zoo train is good fun.  

We are missing Fred and Irene.  It was wonderful to have them hear for an extended visit and we are looking forward to the holidays when we will all be together.  Thank you, thank you for coming to see us Nellie!!  :)