Shotgun Creek

We went hiking last Saturday at Shotgun Creek, a BLM recreation site about 1/2 hour from Eugene. It was a beautiful day -- just perfect for hiking. Sunny, not too hot, not too cold. We went with our friends, the Jackson family (except for Roy, who was on a hunting trip). We had a great time!

We chose the medium-length trail, a little over 1-1/2 miles. It was the perfect length for our group. We thought maybe Clay would have to carry Ruby on his shoulders for part of the way, but she had no trouble at all keeping up with us. In fact, I think she covered more territory than any of us -- running back and forth between everyone when we got spread out on the trail a bit.

Henry was our leader. He had to hold back a little sometimes for the rest of us to catch up to him. (Notice that the trail marker sign designates this trail as "more difficult" -- pretty impressive, huh?)


Henry is very good at watching out for his younger sister.


We didn't see much wildlife -- just mainly caterpillars and banana slugs (ugh!). I was more interested in avoiding stepping on the banana slugs than taking pictures of them, but I think Carrie got some pictures.

I think Ruby needed to be convinced to touch the fuzzy caterpillar.


A picture of this fallen tree wouldn't be as impressive if we didn't have Ruby there to show how big it really is.


Clay and I wore our "hunting season" clothing -- do you think it's bright enough to be seen? I mean, it would come in handy if I got lost and people were looking for me, right? I want that rescue helicopter to be able to find me. :)


Clay is checking out Shotgun Creek. I had my camera ready in case he fell in, but that didn't happen -- it woulda made a great picture, though.


After the hike, we ate lunch at the nice picnic shelter there, and then the kids were anxious to play in the sand of the volleyball court. Besides the guy mowing the grass, we were the only ones at the park until a family showed up about then. (It's a very popular place during the summer, so we enjoyed having it to ourselves that day).


They filled a sock full of sand, and had fun tossing it back and forth over the net (you can see it mid-air just to the right of Ruby's head).


Henry and then Carrie started digging holes to see how far down they could dig. That sand must go pretty deep, because they were in it up to their shoulders!


There was a nice little playground, too, which the kids enjoyed.


Thank you, Jacksons, for the fun day--and for being our friends!

;)

Happy Halloween

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Random Thoughts Thursday

I occasionally take a photo that I think I would like to blog about, but then I can't think of anything to say about it -- I'm definitely not a writer! So here are a few random photos.

We went for a walk a few weeks ago. Danica had fun riding on Grandpa's shoulders. I had fun pointing my camera back over my shoulder in their general direction and taking pictures -- just to play with the camera.


I caught them pointing at something that impressed them (I think it was a birdhouse). I just find this photo amusing for some reason.


This is simply a pretty sunrise from a few weeks ago. I love taking photos of sunrises and sunsets.


I went to the farmer's market downtown a couple of days ago. I was more interested in taking pictures of the vegetables and flowers than purchasing them (prices seemed rather high to me). But it was a little awkward being in the middle of a crowd, taking pictures of the merchandise, and I seemed to be in the way too. So I only took a few pictures (and bought some corn and a tomato -- yummy!).


This is a random picture from last summer. I call it "10 on a log" -- I have no idea why they were all standing there! :)

Sisters

Yes, I realize I'm becoming a "one-trick pony." I don't blog about anything else besides my granddaughters, because I don't really have anything else worth blogging about. Clay and I haven't taken any fun day-trips this summer. We spend our Saturdays either hanging out with said granddaughters, doing chores around the house, or simply recovering from the work week.

I don't want to blog about work, of course -- who would want to read about that? Nor do I want to blog about the books I am reading (Harry Potter, Terry Brooks' Landover series, Debbie Macomber romance novels, Mary Daheim mysteries, photography how-to books), the TV shows I watch (Eureka, Warehouse 13, The Closer, Psych, and numerous "House Hunter"-type shows on HGTV), or the time I waste on the Wii. Therefore, here is another post on my wonderful granddaughters.

Danica enjoys playing with her little sister, although it's not too easy to "play" with a 2-month old. So Danica was lying on the floor besides Mira, copying what Mira was doing with her arms and legs. Danica got quite a kick out of it. Mira seems to enjoy the attention Danica pays to her.


Danica enjoys giving her sister lots of hugs and affection.


I couldn't decide which one I liked best, so here is another one.


And another one.


I hope they'll be friends forever.

The Many Faces of Mira

Mira was very well behaved when we went to Chuck E. Cheese on Danica's birthday. She slept part of the time, and was very pleasant the rest of the time. She seemed to like all the lights and noise. (It has been suggested that she is fond of turmoil and commotion, and will create it herself if necessary). It was interesting to just sit and watch her expressions change, and I found myself taking picture after picture. Although I refer to this post as "the many faces of Mira," you'll notice that her crying/screaming/"I'm not happy--fix it now!" face is missing. I never remember to take one of her during those times.

WARNING: EXCESSIVE CUTENESS AHEAD -- VIEW AT YOUR OWN RISK!

Here comes that yawn!

And she's out......

Danica's Birthday

Danica turned 5 years old today. Wow! I can hardly believe it. Time has gone by so fast. She starts school next month.

She had a busy and exciting day today. I have pictures of part of it, but Melissa will have to blog the trip to SkateWorld, as Clay and I passed on that bit of excitement.

Our gift to Danica was a trip to Build-A-Bear. Unfortunately, the "rainbow bear" that she had planned on making was retired last month. So it took her a while to decide on a new friend -- a pink unicorn she named Lyra. (She had really wanted her baby sister to be named Lyra, but that didn't happen. I think it works well for a unicorn, don't you?).

Lyra gets stuffed, and the "magic" goes in too, along with a heart.


Getting Lyra dressed.



Everything but the shoes (which I'm not sure she really needs).



Then off to the other "happiest place on earth" aka Chuck E. Cheese's (but Danica is deathly afraid of Mr. Cheese -- she ran and hid anytime he wandered in her direction).


How high will she go?



Horse racing.



Whack that mole!

Then time for cupcakes and presents (lots of "Littlest Pet Shop" and "My Little Pony" stuff).

Danica with her birthday loot.

I think that's quite enough excitement for one day!

Granddaughters

Baby is nameless no longer! Finally! Now that Melissa has posted her blog on the baby's name, I won't feel like I'm "stealing her thunder" if I go ahead and do my post. Our "new" granddaughter's name is Mira Michelle Dewsnup. She'll be one month old tomorrow.

Here are Clay and "the girls" watching TV together tonight. Well, maybe "watching" doesn't really describe what Mira's doing.


Thinking deep thoughts?