Snow in Summer

The day after visiting the beach, we decided to drive to Mt. Hood. We had hoped for a blue sky, but it was still pretty even with clouds interfering with our view. We looked around the lodge, and then Debby bought us tickets to ride the ski lift up high onto the mountain. Katie was a little nervous to ride the ski lift on the way up, but she got to play in snow at the top, which made it all worth it. The ride back to the lodge wasn't scary at all. We were so thankful that Debby bought the tickets.

When we got to the lodge, I couldn't believe how far out I could see! 

My giraffe loved it too!

I was happy to find a picture of President Roosevelt in the lodge! 

We got a quick snack, and we were ready for the ski lift. 

Aunt Debby, Dino, and Grandma were riding the chair right in front of us. 

When we got off the lift, we found the snow! 

I decided to climb on top of the snow, and... 

…Aunt Debby joined me. 

I threw a snowball at my mom and almost hit her! 

When the snowboarders came by, we decided to get down. 

It was such a pretty view! 

My giraffe and I decided to play a little bit more in the snow. 

I had to try to get Dino with a snowball! 

We decided to leave the lodge and stop for lunch at Aunt Debby's favorite place! 

She has a special fondness for Dairy Queen since she worked there a long time ago. 

After lunch, I just needed sleep!

A Trip to the Beach

The next day, we took Debby and Dino to the beach. Katie loves going there and was able to build a sand castle with a moat with Jennifer and Debby. Most importantly, Katie was able to replace some of her seashells that had disappeared.

After our drive, it was nice to get out and stretch our legs. 

I found a big shell right away! 

It took awhile for the clouds to lift, but we enjoyed the day anyway.

Aunt Jennifer and aunt Debby helped me build a big sand castle. 

While Aunt Debby took a break for a picture with Dino and Grandma,... 

…Aunt Jennifer and I got our castle mostly done. 

Then Aunt Debby led me to the ocean to collect water for our moat. 

On the way back, I had to tiptoe through the jellyfish. 

My mom likes to look at them, but I don't want to touch them!

I had my water and was ready to go. 

We got enough water to at least make the sand wet! 

After that, Aunt Debby found a beautiful seaweed necklace! 

We added the finishing touches to our castle. 

Then I waited and played on this log with Grandma while everyone else went for a walk. 

When I got home, I had all sorts of fun playing with my new giraffe that Aunt Debby bought me at the beach. I loved her!

Finding Wild Treasures

When we got home, we convinced Debby to go wild blackberry picking. I wanted to see how many times she might get caught in the blackberry thorns like I always do. While Debby was picking berries, Katie was picking wild flowers in the same area to give to everyone. In the end, Katie saw one more, not-so-wild surprise.

Aunt Debby got caught in the thorns more than once. She got free, though, before my mom could quit laughing enough to help her. 

I got done picking daisies before Aunt Debby was done picking berries, so I kept an eye on her.

My best surprise was finding a couple of caterpillars! I loved them!

The Old Apple Tree Walk

On the way home from the Japanese Gardens, Katie wanted to stop and show Debby and Dino the Old Apple Tree. We took them on the walking path and stopped at the fort before going home.

I'm pretty sure that Aunt Debby and Dino were impressed with the old apple tree! 

As we walked to the fort, Aunt Debby and I played. 

Can you see me? 

I love that there are sitting spots on this walk! 

We made it to the fort and I took some time to enjoy a bench and to... 

…show off my earmuffs/belt! 

We went inside some of the old buildings, and I pretended to make a pot of coffee! 

Aunt Debby tried on the soldier's jacket that I wouldn't touch. 

I wanted to walk to the top of the lookout tower, but when I walked in, I saw open steps for the first time and froze in fear. My mom had to carry me up the steps. Once we were all there, Aunt Debby showed me how to use the cannon.

Afterward, Aunt Debby agreed to twirl with me!

On the walk back to the car, I ran around trees, threw fallen apples back and forth with Dino, and... 

skipped! Happiness!

The Japanese Gardens

After visiting the Rose Garden, we made our way over to the beautiful Japanese Gardens. Katie loved the fact that she was given her own map to follow as we moved our way through. She made sure we saw every single part on her map!

Grandma and I thought the gardens were pretty from the moment we walked in the gate. 

I love seeing waterfalls whether they're big or small! 

One of my favorite things was watching the koi fish swim around this bridge. 

Everywhere I looked, I saw something interesting! 

Isn't it pretty? 

Aunt Debby took a picture of my mom and me on the bridge. 

I really liked the statues of the cranes behind me. 

We saw the bridge from across the pond. It was so pretty there! 

At the end, I realized we hadn't seen the whole thing, so I took everyone on a path and found another pond with waterfalls around it. 

I also found another little bridge before... 

…finding the sand garden I was looking for. I loved visiting!

Visiting a Rose Garden

The next morning, we took Debby and Dino to visit the Rose Garden. It was a chilly morning, so of course, Katie brought along her earmuff/belt again. What will she do if it ever stops fitting around her waist?

We saw roses, roses, and more roses! 

This was one of my favorite roses, and... 

 …this was the other!

I thought Grandma looked cold, so I let her wear my earmuffs. 

I was surprised when I saw that some roses even grow on trees!