Alpacas in Oregon?

Just outside of Philomath Oregon there is a small Alpaca farm.

One of my very dear and long time friends Michelle, took me out here last summer. We ate breakfest across the road at a very delcious Organic Farm called Gathering Together Farms. They have a wonderful outdoor Cafe. So this summer I brought my family to see these really very funny and amazing animals and eat some amazing organic food.

The Alpacas are kept for their wool which is said to be many times lighter and warmer than wool. It s very soft.

We loved how each alpaca had it's own unique face and look.

For 25 cents the boys were able to fill a small plactic cup with Alpaca feed.

 

Max feeding one of the Alpacas.

Michelle trying it free hand. Their lips are very much like a horses lips..they tickle.

Michelle and the boys after a great lunch of clay oven baked pizza and roasted duck leg over green beanswith blueberry gastric sauce...and for desert...homemade potato doughnuts.

Definnitely my favorite cafe in Oregon.

5 and 5 and 42

This year I turned 42 years old. Zak and Tj are 5. We are all August babies, so we decided to celebrate together all three of us at the beach  in August with my mom and dad and my brother's family.

Our Birthday celebration table.

The fruit topping from the farmer's market in Lincoln city.

Fresh fruit along side Angel food cake my personal favorite. Zak nd Tj are trying it for the first time and it is a big hit....why you may ask? Because it is hard to slice a small piece of it. It always looks big!

T.J. stands for Toby Jak. What I love about this little guy is that already at 5 years of age I trust him. He is steady and concrete. He fights for truth and is loyal to the end. he is quite a poet and linguist and he can look you in the eye and swindle you of a million dollars while sweet talking you making you feel good about it. He loves to trick people and tell jokes. He was baby A in the womb breaking his water because he was so eager to get out and see the world. I love Him for this. even if he came 6 weeks early he came out ready to take on the world. Go get 'um T.J.

Zak like most twins is quite different from his twin brother. Zak maybe could have been named Zorba after Zorba the greek because he is exuberant and loud and full of smiles and laughter. He loves people and has never met a stranger. Zak lives to move, to be with people and to be helpful. Already at 5 years of age he has an amazing work ethic. Tools he easily masters and once he knows a job needs doing he is after it. What I love most about Zak is how freely he shares his heart with love notes and words of endearment a wonderful tight little boy hugs. He is true and sweet and full of affection. The World is yours Zak!

Inspired by the recent film, "Holiday" my husband becomes Mr. Napkin Head. Zak was rolling off his chair with laughter. We all enjoyed a good belly laugh.

JB my silly brother.

Elliot My brother's oldest son.

My mom effectionately known as Grandma Jean.

Day by a Stream

One of the most relaxing things we have done this summmer is to spend the day at the edge of this stream visiting my Mom's brother and his family in Coos Bay Oregon. Rob and Linda taught the boys how to fish....

First you need to learn to cast.

Then decide what bait to use.

Then put the bait on the hook.

Then you wait......

and wait......

and admire the bugs as they fly by and wait...

And wait until you feel a little pull and your bobber goes under. Then you tease the fish a bit...

Then you reel it in! Zak with his very first fish!!! Way to go Zak!

Then you clean the fish....

Cook it....

AND EAT IT!