Summer and Early Fall Snip-its - PLUS a toast to my Dad on his birthday

Summer flew by, but it was full of fun!  We spent our days at the lakes, in the woods, on the river, on bikes, at concerts and enjoying the company of friends and family that came to visit.  We even did it up proper when the county fair came to town.  RIDES!  Blue Slushies! Animal encounters!  And more Rides!

 Here are a few highlights of a day in the life of Team Staley...

Piper, loving her job of feeding a friends fish, watering plants AND all the swinging and trampolining we could handle!  

My parents made it down to visit, see The Lot & there was even a bonus car show happening that weekend.

Love this picture

It felt great to show off our business to my parents.  They were impressed of course!  My favorite moment of the trip was sending the kids home with my mom and David while my Dad and I stayed to hang by the fire and people watch while chatting the evening away.

Strike a pose Homies!

In one weekend we thoroughly explored Newberry National Monument.  Several different hikes on the lava flow, through the lava tube cave, on the obsidian trail and even found the hot springs on the edge of Paulina Lake in the Crater.  We live in a beautifully unique place!

I was surprised how cold it was deep in the lava cave... 40 degrees!

The Puppy, Piper and I hiked to the top of Pilot Butte.  Best view from the middle of town.

Morning walk to breakfast and cookies at Nancy P's

Emily and family came all the way from Canada to enjoy a slice of summer with us!  Fun and EASY guests to have, come back any time Team FOX!  

Lots of use from our rubber raft this summer!  We had it out on Sparks Lake, Elk Lake, Prineville Reservoir & Big Lake, to name a few!

I love that my kids can't get enough of swimming in the lakes.

Lucky to have such a great hiking buddy!  

My Sister, Kevin, Garret and Cooper came and we had a whirlwind of fun and busy visit.  We scootered, hiked, and just enjoyed each others company.  Thanks for making the trip Smiths...we love you!

And by coincidence, my Uncle, Aunt and cousins were visiting Sunriver the same weekend.  Levi, Stone, Toula and Dave...glad you came by The Lot and we got to see you while in town.    

And in the middle of all this fun...is US living our life, and doing a damn good job LOVING it!

Camping with friends at Little Cultis...what a fun weekend of paddle boarding, canoeing, slack lining, marshmallowing, meal sharing, dirt bathing, and just soaking up moments in life with a community of friends that we adore!

Sweet BOYS!

We have a BIG first grader in the house!  Piper Vida you are such a joy to watch grow!

This sweetness walking to school, just melts my heart.  I LOVE you Girl!

We got your back sister!  Go rock that First Grade world!

The boys are large and in CHARGE for their last year in pre school.  STUDS!

We have jumped into the world of soccer for Piper, she is having fun and even scored her first goal!

Well into September we were able to squeak in another Elk Lake day!  Frog finding, paddle boarding, swimming and floating dock jumping!

Popsicles in the front yard!

Team Staley 

I finally made it back to the top of South Sister, the tallest mountain in the area.  David and I use to climb this mountain every year since we moved here...then I got pregnant and for the next few years this climb was not on my radar!  Well, it is now!  Felt good to get back up there!  It was a beautiful day and I had awesome company, my friend Sara! 

A nice after school outing with Piper and Harvey.  Sweet friends enjoying some girl time while the dads and brothers are making us dinner!  

We celebrated my Dad's 71st Birthday last weekend!  My cousin Jason hooked us up with tons of crab for this birthday dinner of Crab Louie.  The day was a hit and we all soaked up the dinner, time and toasts to honor my Dad and shower him with love.

A birthday toast to you Dad:

We were so happy to be there to surround you with LOVE on your special day.  A day to honor you and your 71 years of stories, memories and the essence of good that you always have been.  The twinkle in your eyes reminds me of the playful, fun-loving side of you that loves to poke fun and enjoy good natured teasing with friends, family and anyone around.  

I have always admired your ease at finding commonality, connection and friendship with just about anyone you crossed paths with.  Uncle Paul has said that you have never known a stranger.  Whether it be customers in your parents Hobby shop, the police officer that pulled you over for driving your Chevy Malibu 150mph down I5 in 1965, your cab clients throughout Seattle, car friends, boat friends, auction friends, coffee club friends, parents of my friends, the waitress at a restaurant, the clerk at the automotive store, it doesn't matter who...everyone can just tell you are a good person and you always leave them with a smile.     

Thank you for being a good dad and living your life as an example. Therefore instilling qualities in me and Lisa to be hard working, live life with integrity, have respect for ourselves and to be reliable.  Well, reliable, as in, to always do what we say we will do, as far as being on time...that quality along with many more is credit we give to Mom! =-)  

Thank you for always believing in me and loving me and being proud of me...the feeling is mutual.  I love you Dad!

My Mom also got her squeezes, snuggles and kisses from the kids.  

My mom has been working hard to stay on top of all the details needed to to care for my Dad. I hope our visit filled up her bucket with lots of LOVE and support. We love you Mom!

Thank you for all that you do!