MORE OF OUR STUPENDOUS SEPTEMBER

While on our September trip to CA for Dylan's birthday we did some other fun things also.  We gave Owen his birthday presents, since we weren't coming back for his birthday. His birthday is Oct. 1st.  He will also be 4.  I think it is so fun to have the 2 boy cousins only 19 days apart. 



 We judged headstand contests. Kelly won every time!

 We had R & R with the grand kids.

 We "spoke their language".

 We visited Kelly's new office.  Her building is brand new.  She helped design the building, worked with the contractor and remodeled another building across the parking lot.  They really work her to the bone.  I guess that's what happens when you're so responsible.

We went to Payton's soccer practice in 99 degree heat.

 And her gymnastics class.

 It's no wonder the grand kids love this guy so much!

 We visited Payton's Kindergarten class one day.

 Very studious.

Here's Sophie and Ronnie. Ronnie lives are the Burks home and they dress her for all the holidays.  Sophie and Addy were very busy with school and other activities.

 Before we left for CA, we painted the trim on our house on Labor Day weekend.  It was quite the "labor".  There was lots of puddy and primer "prework" to do.

 Took 3 long days and lots of ladder climbing.

 This is the tallest ladder I climbed.  I have a big case of acrophobia.  But there was plenty of low trim to do.

 After getting back from CA, we had produce producing and gardening to do.  This is the first year our little pear tree produced fruit. 

 We laughed because of the "crude" shape of this watermelon.  It was so yummy sweet.  We got quite a few of them.

 And you know what Roma tomatoes mean  . . .

 SALSA.  We also planted the jalapenos and onions. Over a month we made about 100 pints.  Our kids always "collect" a few jars every time they come up.  Last year we made 82 pints and only had 3 jars left.

 Finally in September, Jim and I took a 3-day trip to Lake Billy Chinook. On our way there, a stop in Sweet Home at Jim's favorite place.

 It's one of the few places that you can order from the car and they bring it on a tray and you can eat from the car.

 This was our cute little cabin that overlooked the lake. AC and indoor plumbing. We loved it.

 This is where Jim spent quite a bit of his time. It was so peaceful.

 One day we rented a boat. I reserved a fishing boat and we were surprised at this cute little boat with the steering wheel at the helm and an open bow.  12' long and 25 horsepower, her name, the Calabogie.

 The captain.

 The fisherwoman/sunbather.

 We went up every arm of Lake Billy Chinook.  Three rivers come into it, the Deschutes, Crooked and Metolius.

 This is where the Crooked River comes into the lake. Fish were jumping out of the water, but we didn't catch any. Our bait had a nice bath though.

So now you see why I called September a stupendous month.