Two New Digital Layouts

So ... after returning from Wallowa ... cleaning, folding, storing all the camping gear and laundry ... it was time to do something creative. In the past month I have been trying to learn digital scrapbooking using Photoshop. I used templates on the last two digital layouts but this time I wanted to create something on my own.

With all the great freebies I've found online and two "darling" subjects to work with I spent a couple of days creating layouts from our trip. I'm a hands-on, visual learner so I jumped right in to give it a try. I do have resources in case I get stuck -- Walt, a reference guide, and great online tutorials.

It was fun and very stretching(!) but I think the next step is to find out how others organize their files and downloads. I'm sure there are shortcuts and tips that would speed up the time necessary to complete a layout.
I know having something larger than my 12-inch iBook would definitely be a timesaver.

Another Wallowa Tradition

Twenty-seven years ago Walt captured a picture of Brian and I down by the Marina. Brian was pointing to something and I was trying to see what he was showing me. He was nearly three years old. In a few weeks he will turn THIRTY!!!!
So .... now we carry on this tradition with Colin.
Did I mention earlier ... we are a very traditional family !?!?!?! : )

Why We Vacation Here ...

It's always so hard to say "goodbye" ... especially when you've experienced such a great week. Despite several "setbacks" ... colds, fever, pinkeye, keys locked in the car/locksmith, lost and then found cellphone, back/chest pains --> emergency room visit, thunderstorm ... all will one day become great campfire stories that pass down from generation-to-generation.
This year included much joy and laughter ... plus ... an engagement (Jeremiah & Melissa) -- which is not a Wallowa first for our group. Steve and Mindy in 2000 -- and Doug is engaged to marry a local girl (he met last summer while at Wallowa) in October. Wallowa is such a big part of our family and our relationships with friends ... roots of tradition run deep.
That's why I must share this exceptional photo taken by Chris early one morning.

This will definitely be one of those campfire stories shared for generations ... it kind of captured the theme of our week: JOY and LAUGHTER.




P.S. Yes, that's a bikini top on the "rack." : ) Maybe there's a beach towel to match on another clothesline?!?!?!

These Boots ...

Paula saved up all year to buy a pair of boots at the Sports Corrall.
We all shared in her joy : )

Hhhmmmmm ... I think earlier in the week I noticed her checkin' out my new "Country Kicks" Barbie!!!

Our Little Star

Calleigh really enjoyed camping ... she seemed much more content living outdoors : )

I wonder if she will be the "outdoors-y" type as she gets older?!?!?

Camp Chores

This year we had another set of hands to help with the camp chores. Colin also liked to sweep out the tent and help with recycling.

The Rodeo Review

Both Colin and Calleigh were decked out for the Wednesday Night Family Rodeo. We found this little cowgirl outfit at the Sports Corral and Aunt Sissa gave her the boots.

Colin got a new hat AND a pony ride.

We started the evening at Ember's Brew House for dinner ...


And then off to the rodeo ...

Wallowa Treats

We definitely have Wallowa treat traditions. In the early years we would enjoy marshmallows and s'mores with the kids ... but as soon as they went to bed ... out came the gourmet treats : )
I think we have tried every campfire delicacy ... hot dogs (plain, stuffed with cheese, wrapped in bacon), a baked potato with all the toppings imaginable, every form of dessert ... s'mores using (frosting, snickers and other candy bars), pineapple upside-down-cake, baked apples -- just to name a few. As we've aged, we just can't seem to eat that much late at night anymore. Now our top treat / lunch(!) is an occasional ice cream cone from Joe's or the Swiss Village. My favorite is Mt. Huckleberry. Sure tastes good on a hot day.

Seems like we always celebrate a couple of birthdays while camping. Neil's on Sunday and mine on Tuesday. We enjoyed our new "camping cake" idea ... cupcakes, ding-dongs, and twinkies -- yum : ) Always a fun place for a party!
Notice the new Barbie ... Country Kicks Barbie!

Wallowa Weather

Is that fog ?!?!? This year the nearby fires left a haze around the lake resembling fog. The Myers caught a picture of lake where it appeared rather eerie.
In many of our pictures, the sky looks very gray and cloudy ... when we actually had temps in the 90's.

We did have one thunderstorm event on Thursday evening ... lightning, thunder, showers, wind ... but by morning -- the sunshine and blue skies were back. Fortunately, we didn't have any water or wind damage this trip!

Bathing Beauty

One of the advantages of the warm weather ...

Calleigh could enjoy a lakeside bath in her new bathing suit.

Wallowa Playground

This year Colin discovered the playground. It's actually pretty close to our sites, giving each of us the opportunity to take him down to "swing" ... Although, Dad was by far his favorite choice! : )


So much to do at Wallowa!

The swing in this picture became "my swing" and several times we had to wait our turn when it was in use.

Lakeside Lounging

These are a few of our favorite things ... down at the lake ...
relax, read, play games, nap, chat, floaties, ... just getting "refreshed" -- unwind. Sunday morning started out very hot in our site so we headed down to the lake early.

This year Colin and Dad spent hours with a tugboat on a stream that he named, "the waterfall."

Colin also made a new friend, Mr. Chris who played Tracball with him and "earthquake" on a floatie.

There's just no place equal to the fun we have down at the lake!

Destination: Wallowa Lake

Here we are ... stuck in The Dalles! We stopped for a quick breakfast at McDonald's and missed our exit by 5 minutes ... The Dalles Parade started at 10:00 a.m. We had to wait until it was over to get back on the road again. Due to other circumstances we didn't arrive at our campsite until after 5:00 p.m. Thanks to Doug, giving us a helping hand, we were set up faster than any other year in our Wallowa history. He also provided us with a week's worth of firewood. Thanks, Doug! It was a great start to one of our best years at the lake : )