Camping on the Metolius 2012

Last year we took Gabe on his first camping trip to the Metolius River in central Oregon.  A whole year has gone by and he has grown up so much, the experience was quite different this time around, and alot more relaxing!  



Gabe throwing the ball for Sage



Boys playing with Fire.





We visited the Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery where they have a very large pond they keep trout in (see under the geese). A couple times a year they let kids fish for these trout. I can't wait! (and I thought the baby geese were cute too!)



Gabe has proclaimed a few times since we got back "I love camping!"

Gilbert House Salem

Last weekend we met the Mills' and the Cogswell-Camusos' at the Gilbert House Children's Museum in Salem.  The Museum consists of old historic houses that have been converted so that each room is a different theme.  There are several huge play structures on the grounds of the museum with lots of slides, mazes, bridges, etc. to get lost in.  We spent a few hours exploring the various rooms and playing outside with all the kids.  Gabe loved the mazes and slides; he likes to "follow" other kids around and he will dive down the tallest slide without even the slightest hesitation!  He is braver then his mother!

The Toddler Room

The Train Room

The Grocery Store (with Noah)

Afterwards we went over the Paul and Megan's house for a BBQ and more fun playing in the backyard with the kids.  We had a wonderful time and we will definitely do it again.

Building Demo

We had our old outbuildings demolished this week to make room for our new pole building.  There are several video's on YouTube (above) and a slide show of pictures as well.  And Just in case you're wondering, Gabe has a great time! At one point, we had gravel trucks, Garbage Truck, LesSchwab Service Truck, and BobCat all in our driveway at the same time.  (Oh, Remember, you can click on the video frame and it will take you to the You Tube website where you can enlarge the video.)

Good Bye Old Shed...

No...That's not Bigfoot!

Lambing Barns

Oregon State University's veterinary department has a big barn facility where they birth lambs every spring. It is open to the public on certain days, and it is a big hit with the kids. We got to see a lamb being born and spent about an hour watching all the little lambs too. Gabe had a good time...I think he really enjoyed being that close to all the sheep and their babies.

All the (human) mothers with their little ones kept saying "poor mama sheep, we know how you feel". The lambs are just constantly harassing the mamas; trying to nurse, biting on, climbing on, etc.

Dan's Steelhead

It was a good day on the river!