week 6.5 - bend, oregon

Hard to believe August is just about here. We are halfway thru summer time and a month and a half into our travels. Hows it been? That's a loaded question. There have been pros and cons, ups and downs to this entire adventure. It's hard to believe all of the things we have done and seen in the past 6 and a half weeks. We started in Mammoth, moved on to Pollock Pines near Lake Tahoe, visited family in Williams and went to Ukiah to stay with Taylor. We saw the cold Northern California Oceans. We then headed towards the Redwoods, met up with more friends, saw Fern Canyon and spent two nights in the Redwoods, probably one of my favorite places. From there we went on to Grants Pass, Oregon where we day dreamed of settling down in this small quaint town, spent good time with my moms side of the family, went on the jet boats and took Bryce zip lining for having some great grades. From there we went back to Williams, dropped off the big kids and headed home for a much needed visit with Travis' family, photograph the adorable Kylie and Ben's wedding at Plateaus Edge and then headed back to Williams to grab the boys. From there we went to Lake Shasta which we found very dirty and hot, headed to Crater Lake which was mind-blowingly beautiful and finally landed in Bend Oregon. Boom. It's hard to believe we've done it all in only 6.5 weeks. To think of the things we still have to come is exciting. We've kayaked lakes and rivers, hiked to waterfalls, enjoyed small town coffee and farmers markets, rodeos, carnivals and family time.

We are in Bend Oregon for another 10 days and are booking up our days with activities and pool time. Pools are one of the greatest blessing on this road trip. All three of the boys can be entertained for hours when given a pool and they sleep like a rock that night. 

The adjustments of living in a small space, well, I'm still adjusting and may be having the hardest of times out of everyone. I'm missing carpet and clean floors, showers that are not a 10 minute walk in the dirt and dark away because we don't have full hook ups and hot water for all of us. I'm missing my own washer and dryer, my routine and home and SPACE. The ability to close a door and take a breather. First world problems, I know. The pros do outweigh the cons, I think, and when I look back, I'm hoping these boys appreciate the memories we are making. You never know with kids. Especially when they're screaming and fighting and talking back and throwing fits, because yes, that happens on the road too.

So, we continue to move forward. Reminding ourselves why we are doing this when the times are tough and loving the moments we are all happy and enjoying one another.

Today we did a small hike to Tumalo Falls. There were a lot of people and when we got behind the falls, all the boys chickened out and didn't want to walk behind it. It was beautiful and so worth the hike. Heads up, don't take the dogs. lol.