View from my front porch. The air is cool and crisp. The goat is happily eating. There was a beautiful moon coming up that the camera wasn't good enough to capture. Am so looking forward to having Mom and Dad finally seeing our space.

Hey Lyons boys, do you recognize the genetics in these legs? We were quite amused at this sight. Still, a man who irons is a great catch, don't you think?

We have had a good beginning of school. More organized this year since I do not have morning sickness all day... Jordan is taking two more college classes and is the dream student his teachers tell me. "If all my students came to class as excited about learning as Jordan is, my life would be radically changed." Wow! So nice to hear as a parent.

Michael is putting in for a job in Pendleton. It seems a God thing, all of our fleeces were put to rest. I have cried a lot of tears about leaving my wonderful land of ya'lls and sweet tea, not to mention my years in the making flower beds but the thought of seeing all of you on a regular basis will be a great soothing balm. We will keep you posted.

Lots of love, Alice

Crater Lake/Madras visit

A couple weeks ago, Andrew, Cody (neighbor from Wenatchee), and I headed down to Madras for a good 'ol summer camp out. We visited the Phillips and then together we headed down to Crater Lake for a couple days of hiking, s'mores eating, cliff jumping, hot dog roasting fun! Talk about a great time...those kids are growing up to be some darn nice folks. Cody was welcomed right in...I think it was the third or fourth annual visit (minus a year we were in Bolivia), but his first time down to Oregon and Andrew's first time, as well, to Crater Lake! Here's a few photos of the fun we had:

Mt. Hood in the background, huckleberry picking on a gorgeous day.

Kelisha looks for baby Ruben...doesn't she look great? Only 6 weeks to go!!

Huckleberry Hill Superheroes in action


Look at these nice-looking folks; the two on the ends didn't get the "wear black" memo!

professional cliff jumper


amateur cliff jumpers

cookie eaters at our campsite

campfire builders, tall tale tellers, and darn good singing serenaders

and 1 crazy aunt who just wants people to get together cuz we have so much fun when we do!

Who's in for next year?

Wedding à la française in Provence

Fourth of July weekend was not full of fireworks for me but is was full of celebration. A friend of mine got married in the picturesque south of France.
I was exited about attending my first French wedding (well, pseudo French wedding - she is American and he is French). I was even more excited about wearing a HAT!! After weeks of searching (wedding hats are APPALLINGLY expensive), I found one at the Bon Marche. The Bon Marche is very chic. To give you an idea, it sells bottled water for 15 euros. My hat, which I only dared try on with the excuse of acquiring style inspiration to draw upon later while looking in lesser shops, was 90% off!! The saleswoman met my incredulous yet extremely hopeful inquiry about the price with a dry "Yes madame, it is the bargain of the century".

They were married in a tiny little village at the city hall. Beautiful white roses were everywhere - even in the fountain. After the ceremony, we threw lavender and rose petals in the air. It smelled so lovely!!

We then drove (about 150 guests in total) to the groom's parents' country house. It was absolutely stunning. We caught out first glimpses of it as we strolled down a long path of very, very old olive trees lit by large candles in terracotta bowls. Glowing from a perfect sunset that reflected off of the surrounding hills, the house was majestically encircled by fields upon fields of lavender and sunflowers. I was only able to get a quick photo of the flamenco dancers before my camera died...

An exquisite dinner lit by candles and "fairy lights" at white tables under the trees then followed. A famous (and respectably chubby) chef had specially created a sit-down feast of: lobster and eggplant filled tomatoes, lamb with zucchini blossoms, cheeses and salad and a strawberry-themed dessert assortment (strawberry mousse, fresh strawberries, a little strawberry cake...). The wine selection and pairing (of flavors) was exceptional. My palate was traumatized by "normal fare" for days...

On a different note, I was in the US in June. I was able to see the Phillipses in Oregon - AND the grandparents who made a special detour!! For selected OR and CA pictures (I had to renew my visa in San Francisco), you can click on this link: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2015350&id=37200011&l=00877b2454 There are many beautiful Jenny pictures on the beach and a handsome Amarjeet without braces!!

4th of July

When they came out with the 4th of July agenda: Flag raising, pool volleyball, swimming, horseshoes, BBQ lunch, flag lowering, a baked ham dinner, bingo, fireworks, and dancing, I thought it was a bit ambitious for 15 people. (I told my friend Wendy this is really like living on a stationary cruise ship!) But we gave it our best shot.

The 9 AM flag raising by the pool. You can see a David salute in the second photo (facing the camera):





























Lots of volleyball, both in the morning and the evening:




Tony, the bartender, looking out from the bar. Note patriotic decor.



The lunch spread. Have I mentioned that they serve VERY good food here? I think their potato salad is some of the best I've ever had. I haven't figured out how they do it. Do they have a recipe or do they just rely on feedback from Americans?? When I asked yesterday, Omar, one of the chefs, said he has a recipe but doesn't use it. I just think it would be very difficult to make a dish which you're unfamiliar with and don't even know what it's supposed to taste like. In the photo, I think Rob is trying to figure out the problem with the mister.



Bingo in the bar:




And a pretty decent firework display:
























Wendi watching fireworks. :) It was a fun day.

Humm! somehow posted to "A Pride..." instead of forty centuries. Sigh, DAD

Wow! loved the picts! looking fwd to your finding whatever that place is (~:} I feel the same abt. wonderous things & places. Have to keep reminding myself they are wonderful. Thanks for letting us experience with you. Love ART