OREGON! I love thee, mostly because it is home to my sweet sister and her really cool husband (who drives a minivan like no one's business, no, no, not a real one, the rental). But, also because it is a really spectacular part of the country, where everything is green... in every sense of the word. We headed out to visit them for a week, Paula and my dad (Obama man) joined, and had such a wonderful time. They are the most gracious, kind hosts, and have created a beautiful home and outdoor living space.
The gang (minus pulitzer price winning photographer, Grandpa Jimbo, and Paula, trying to get Luke to look at the camera).
We celebrated the 7th anniversary of my mom's passing with our tradition of each sending up a balloon to her. Luke sent his orange one up, and watched until it disappeared to her... three of the balloons got stuck in the mammoth Oregon trees, so Uncle Matt climbed onto the roof to shake the limbs to let them free. We thought it would be a good excuse for our Miss Sally to come down for a visit! But, the balloons eventually made their way up to her. We sure do miss her, each and every day. And we are fortunate that she lives on in each of us, especially Luke!
Luke and Satchmo, best buddies.
The next few days we spent visiting all the cool things that Oregon has to offer.... a stop at the Rhododendren Gardens (we were about a week or so late for peak), but it was just gorgeous. Loads of ducks that Luke wanted to pluck the feathers from.
Luke stopped to smell the rhodos that matched his and Auntie Lis' jackets.
Then off to the Rose Gardens in Portland... there must have been thousands of roses atop a beautiful hill that overlooked the city & Mount Hood (had the clouds not been out).
Mini meltdown among the roses.
Off to dinner at Meriwether's, a phenomenal restaurant near Alissa and Matt's. We had a "fresh from the garden" dinner, and a wonderful time. 
Off to Oregon wine country... it is absolutely marvelous. We loved the pinot, of course, and visited three vineyards. Chateau Durhain, Alissa and Matt's personal fave Sokol Blosser, and Rex Hill. Each had it's own character, and vibe. Luke was rather well behaved, although it helped to have loads of eyes on him and feet to follow him. 
Lunch at Sokol Blosser, who knew pinot and cheetos worked so well together?
Sunday brought a trip to the exquisite Oregon Coast, only about 90 minutes from Portland. It was absolutely positively gorgeous. Reminded me of Scotland meets Route 1 down the California Coast.
Luke taking in the scene...
Preparing for the World Cup.
Pure joy!
Uncle Matt gives great shoulder rides!!
One of Luke's favorite phrases of the week (aside from the forced Obama, which became Omama).... Mama's nose, Mama's toes, Daddy's nose, Daddy's toes). 
What a visit... thank you, Auntie Lis and Uncle Matt for a beautiful week! xo
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