Day 3- Gilroy, CA

After leaving the state park, we took a windy highway (US 175) towards Highway 101 to San Francisco. The road was crazy curvy and Auntie Brenda was a little bit nervous (Nana was having fun!). We did see alot vineyards with delicious looking grape clusters hanging from the vines. Papa wanted to get some grapes. We finally made it to HWY 101 and over the foggy Golden Gate Bridge into the city. The city is beautiful and it was a nice sunny day. We went to our favorite spot at Chowders on Pier 39 in Fisherman`s Wharf. Nana & I had some yummy fried zucchini and Papa ate his fish & chips. After visiting the seals and taking in the view of the bay, we headed up Telegragh Hill to the Coit Tower. At the tower, we purchased our tickets then got to ride a old rickety elevator up to the top. The elevator operator was funny and we could barely understand a word she said. The view at the top was amazing and we could see all of the city. The bathrooms at the tower were a little less amazing. They looked neat from the outside but had no toliet seat, toliet paper, or sink to wash hands (yuck!!). Nana really had to go so she braved it and used alot of hand sanitizer. After a long adventurous day, we land in Gilroy (a smaller city south of San Francisco).

Day 2- Clear Lake, CA

 On Sunday, we traveled on a smaller highway (US 20). We enjoyed seeing farm lands and buying yummy goods at the fruit stand. Papa bought a very delicious watermelon for just $2. In California, they have Bens instead of Johns. We also got some rice to bring home. On our way, we passed many paddy fields (flooded parcels of land used for growing rice) and were also able to see the farmers harvesting the rice (check out CA rice farmers info: www.calrice.org/enviroment/How+Rice+Grows.htm ). We landed at Clear Lake State Park and decided to camp for the night. The lake is the largest natural lake in California. To get there, we had to take the Soda Bay drive. It is called Soda Bay because there is carbonation at the bottom of the lake which causes bubbles to come up to the surface. On our drive, we saw wild turkey and deer. At night, Nana slept in the car. Papa and I slept in our tent under the stars and listened to the crickets & night creatures. The park had many boardwalks, bridges, and paths along the lake and around the Kelsey Creek. Papa and I enjoyed a morning walk before Nana woke up. We saw squirrels, quails, and chipmunks. It was a pleasant day and an opportunity to enjoy God`s wonderful creation.

                                                                                                                                                                       

Day 1- Oregon

We have landed in Roseburg, Oregon. Our motel is close to the Roseburg Airport and a Shari`s Diner. We have a feeling we`ve been here before. Today we have seen this Jesus truck twice (1st @ the rest area and 2nd during stop and go traffic). Nana thought it was very awesome!! Oregon definitely loves their Ducks. The highway was full of cars with banners, flags, pom poms that celebrate the green and yellow Quacks. We also crossed over the 45th parallel (throughout the U.S. the parallel is marked in many places on highways by a sign proclaiming that the location is halfway between the North Pole and the Equator), saw "Moses" on the highway, and spotted cute deer along the roadside. It is great to be on vacation and we are so blessed to have all this time to relax.

Zucchini Pickin` Time

Its harvest time and we got zucchini comin` out of ears. We have fried zucchini, made zucchini casserole, made zucchini enchiladas, and lately fried zucchini patties. Here is our recipe for zucchini patties:

Delicious Zucchini Patties
4 cups of shredded zucchini
4 eggs
2 cups of shredded cheese
1 (6oz) bag of seasoned croutons

With a rolling pin, smash croutons into crumbs. In a small bowl, beat the eggs. Then in a large bowl, stir in shredded zucchini, beaten eggs, shredded cheese, and crouton crumbs. Form patties and cook in a lightly greased frying pan.

Absolute Air Park

Summer camp has come to an end. I am going to miss all those lazy days, crazy bus rides, silly kids, and fun places. Our last field trip was to the Absolute Air Park in Arlington. This was a great place and I am still a little sore from all the jumping. Beware they have lots of rules. I actually broke one by jumping in the same square with three other kids. Check out the website at http://www.absoluteairparkcom/

Garden Time with Papa

Today the nieces came for a visit and helped Papa pick the weeds in the garden. Everything is growing and growing. The tomato plant, corn stalks, and beans are now taller than Papa. We were also able to pick our first ripe tomato of the season. The girls had fun playing with Jenna in the backyard. She let them put flowers on her head. I love watching them explore and find outdoor treasures.

Papa`s Birthdays

 Happy Birthday Papa!!

 Papa is lucky because he has two birthdays. He has a "Celebrated" Birthday & a "Real" Birthday (the Arkansas way). Yesterday he visited the grandkids, went to bingo with Aunt Katherine and celebrated his 63rd Birthday with Nana`s fresh baked apple pie. LOVE YOU PAPA!!