The Sleep-Over

Mira (and Melissa) had a sleep-over last night because Rob and Danica went camping with part of his family, and Melissa was afraid Mira would not do well in the "primitive" campsite they were going to, not to mention the long drive to get there.

She slept on a toddler bed air mattress in the toy room.  She actually fell asleep when Clay was holding her while watching a movie, but luckily she did not wake up when he put her into the bed.  She slept all night until about 9:30 a.m., which is a miracle if you know her poor sleeping habits!

Grandpa made his famous "french toast with red stuff and white stuff" (strawberry jam and whipped cream), but Mira was not as enthusiastic about it as Danica has always been. I don't think she's quite awake yet in this photo?

She helped Grandpa do his exercises on the Total Gym (at least I think pulling a little extra weight would be helpful, right?)

She helped on this exercise too (I don't think the "ride" was fast enough for her -- she got bored quickly).

Maybe Grandpa got a little too much help from Mira?  He seems a little tired.

She thought it was really funny when she stole my spot on the bed when I got off of it.

We decided to do a little hike up Skinner's Butte.  It's a very short hike, but we got a late start and didn't want to have to drive very far. Skinner's Butte is basically right in the middle of town.  We told Mira we were going to climb the mountain.  She was proud of herself when she climbed these steps, but they were only the steps leading up to the hiking trail. 

Mira did most of the hike on Grandpa's shoulders.

She thought it was funny when she tried to cover up his eyes with her skirt.  Luckily it wasn't long enough to really block his view.

When we got to the top (which only took 10 minutes since it wasn't a very long "hike"), Mira climbed up on the bench to admire the view.

The view from the bench was actually Grain Millers, where her Uncle Neil has worked.

The view looking south.  I love all the trees in Eugene.  I'm not sure you can tell from this picture, but Eugene has A LOT of trees.

Looking east to Autzen Stadium and the mountains beyond.

Mira wanted to climb, but with the concrete below, that wasn't such a good idea and her mama said no.

A picture on top before heading back down.  (I turned down a suggestion that I should be in the photo also. A picture of myself red-faced and windblown is not what I want to remember, or share with the world).

On the way down.

The butte is right by a huge city park with a great playground.  Grandpa took Mira to the playground while Melissa and I took a brief walk by the river, then met up with them later.

Mira really likes swinging.

Then off to Arby's for a late lunch.  Mira loves the roast beef sandwiches, and so do the rest of us.

This was before she discovered how much fun it was to slide the straw up and down in the cup until the water splashed out.

There is a lot of joy in simply "hanging out" with family.  That's all the excitement I need in my life.