Wednesday, August 10, 2011

this is the life

After two very long days of driving we arrived in McKenzie Bridge, Oregon.  This is one of the most beautiful spots I have been to and spent about a week here every summer growing up.  It has changed a little, there's a coffee shop across the street now, but mostly it's the same.  I'm seeing it all over again for the first time through my kid's eyes.  

The wedding is this Saturday, Friday will be spent putting together flower bouquets for the bridal party.  In the meantime, we enjoy the river, the trees, the clean air, and time with the grandparents.

Our last week at home was a bit of a blur.  I ran crazy with errands and last minute packing and so many goodbyes.

We squeezed in the Detective Party that Greta had been asking for since New Orleans.   Dress up was optional and of course I was so impressed by the costumes.  

Left to right:  Daphne (from Scooby Doo), Nancy Drew, Mysterious Spy, and Sherlock/Poirot.

I also made a few things that helped give me some calm amidst all of the stress.  A computer bag, the outside blue is a beautiful wool, the lining is cotton, I sandwiched a double layer of fleece in between, and button ties.  I regret not taking a photo of the finished project.  Now it's off in the mail.

    

We have a tiny little house with a loft where the kids and I sleep.  We walk just a few yard to the river, at night we open the window and fall asleep to the roaring of it.




The very first day the caretaker's grandchildren were there, two girls, 6 and 4.  They were a couple of characters, Greta got on with them really well.  They spent the day running wild as if they had known each other for years.


At night Greta was dying to roast marshmallows despite not having much of a taste for them,  it was really just an excuse to be by the fire.  About five times this day Greta said, " This is the liiiiiife!"



The following day was spent with Grandpa, my dad, Seaweed Pete.  There was a serious game of  Chinese Checkers.



And lots of basketball.





We're looking forward to a few more days before the wedding.  For now we feel so relaxed and at home in this beautiful spot.  I would love to live in Oregon.  I'm hoping that when we get back to Los Angeles, it will just be to get our things.  

I've been a little out of the loop, I missed last week's Drawing Challenge, but look forward to being back for this weeks Metamorphosis!

Be well! 





12 comments:

Zachary Fannin said...

So sad to miss all the fun in Oregon. Missing you guys most of all. Beautiful photos. Hugs and kisses.

Peggy Ray said...

Who was "Mysterious Spy"? That wasn't The Henster, was it? Gorgeous pix. Wish I had been able to go too!

nadine paduart said...

what can i say? i DOES look like the life. your greta's sooooo clever....
seriously. and enjoy the days running up to the wedding, and everything. who knows. someone, or something might get metamorphised (huh?) in the process....
till!
n♥

Patrice A. said...

it looks sooooo fine
this is life
the place
that wooden house!!
your dad
what a great face

enjoy!
x

Makeminemidcentury said...

I'm liking Zachary's comment ... and I'm liking big G's new hair ... and I'm liking Seaweed Pete ... and I'm liking the fact you want to move from LA ... I want to move to Oregon too.

Let's all do it!!

(PS Martha's been so sick. Lady Ra Ra is lucky she is the only bed-mate who hasn't been vomited on. Her hair's a mess, which means she's loved.)

Rachel said...

Zach: Missing you, too!
Peggy: That's Liam!
Nadine: really looking forward to this weeks challenge!
And of course I think Greta is soooo clever, too, being her number one fan and all.
Patrice: Isnt that little red house beautiful! We are actually next door in a mobile home that is about 1/4 as charming, but it's ok. We still hear the river and have a view of the trees and cute red cabins.
Carmel:
So sorry to hear that Miss Martha is ill. Send her a big hug from me through Lady Ra Ra. I love the fact that her hair is getting mussed, sign of true lovin!
Get well, Martha!!!! Squeeeeeze!

Lil Muse Lily said...

what wonderful pictures and what wonderful place. i can't wait to get to WV and sleep with the windows open!

Ariane Reichardt said...

Wonderful, dear Rachel,
and I'm a fan of 'Seaweed Pete'!
All looks so so so full of life in all its facets.
Thank you,
big hugs to you,
Ariane

Misha Lulu said...

what a beautiful trip Rachel!

Bela loved the party and she also loved all Greta's friends! Thank you so much for inviting us!

sarapirat said...

what a lovely post, i wish i could be there too!
greta looks so sweet as usual, in a new? haircut?

bonfires, new friend, green and lush, grandparents, adventures...

i wish indeed i could see the final project, it looks gorgeous this bag!

Elisabeth said...

Yes, this surely looks like life. This is one of the many things I love with having blog friends - I wake up in this little Swedish town of mine, switch on the computer and get to travel to Oregon for a while. You make me dream of the world.

And now I'm back for the drawing challenge again. Missed it like crazy! :)

Love, Elisabeth

Elisabeth said...

And I forgot to mention: your dad looks amazing - I'd like to hear about his life. And that computer bag - I'd like to place my computer in it :)