Day at the Ranch

Friday we visited DD Ranch for the day for only $5 for the whole family!  Although we did end up buying some ground beef, pork and eggs before we left.

First the kids played on the old school swings and seesaw. 

And then the eerie merry go round that you had to push yourself  :)

There were so many animals just roaming around freely, like this newborn calf.  What a sweetie!

Rabbits were running around everywhere as well.

Joss and Auty even got to feed the donkeys, which they loved.

And they even got a chance to see the most adorable newborn piglets.  AWWW!

But.....With all these different animals roaming around, what do the kids find most appealing as far as farm animals go?  The little black cat!   Go figure.

There is Auty stalking the poor thing.  She wouldn't leave him alone.

Getting ready for some lunch on the beautiful dock overlooking a lovely pond.

Auty pulling all the flower tops off the wild flowers.

Finishing up the day at the ranch with some good old fashion fun!  Sliding down the slide on potato sacs.  Loved it!!!  Although at the end of the slide you're never too sure how to stop yourself from crashing into the ground, which just added to the fun and laughter.

High Desert Museum

This could be one of the most wonderful museums we have ever been to.  We stayed all day! 

It had an 1885 settlement town with the businesses and services essential in a High Desert community.  

The General Store.

Was completely thrown off guard when we came upon this.  But was a good way to discuss the food chain with Joss (notice the blue-shirted vulture in the background--a very rare sight).  :)

Walking around an Authentic 1910 Sawmill.  Loved that the museum was both indoors and outdoors.

Feeding time for the Porcupine.  He was so cute!!  Did you know Porcupines have an all natural antibiotic on the ends of its quills?  So you never get infected if one were to find its way into your skin. Oh good!

Kids at play

  John Muir's journeys, actions and words are so inspirational.  Here is one quote in particular that stood out.  True on so many levels.

The first two paragraphs of this page found in one of his books, also resonated in both of us.  (you might have to enlarge this picture to actually read it, but well worth it!)

Am looking forward to reading this book in its entirety--The Wild Muir: Twenty-Two of John Muir's Greatest Adventures.

Deschutes River Walk (Bend)

  A perfect place for kayaking.  

Joss found a little cave on our walk along the river.

Stopped by the edge of the river to build mud castles.  Kids had a blast.

Mother's Day (in Bend)

For Mother's Day we decided to keep in with tradition and go to a historic lava flow/volcano...typical Grabowski Mother's day.

Walking around the rim of the Lava Butte/Crater.

The views out here were breathtaking!  What was also breathtaking was the fact that there is an active volcano in the distance that is being monitored at this time!  Really?!

Joss is only too proud to hold up some volcanic rock.

You can still see where the lava destroyed the forest of pine trees and the trail of the lava walk.  Very cool stuff.

Here are the trails up close.  Unlike anything we have seen before.

"Shy" Jossy had to assist the ranger in his volcano presentation.

Sisters....

A Day at the Dairy Farm and Local Public Garden

Went to the farm today to pick up some freshly made, raw goat cheese.  Delicious!!!

There are the goats hanging out as you enter the farm.  

Love how the farm was run on the honor system.  Oregon rocks!

Where they make all their cheese. I love how you can see everything. 

Our picnic we had in the front yard.  Some cheese, olives, avocados, and a strawberry/mint blended drink. Yummy :)

A gift from Joss for Mother's Day.  I love how she put "To Jess", instead of "To Mom."  LOL.

So sweet!!

Joss and I hanging out in the sun.  Love her!

Stumbled upon this garden while walking around Bend.  It turns out a Girl from NY started it!  Pretty neat!

These are some raised beds they made so everyone can sample some fresh veggies.

Here is Auty taking full advantage of the free food as she chows down on some chives.

And Joss is stuffing her face witha hand full of arugula.  lol!

Auty taking her usual random break.

The Road Trip - 4,197 miles to get to our first big stop, beautiful Bend, Oregon. (may never leave)

Future "Stops" include:
Portland, OR
Pacific City, OR
Seattle, WA
Pacific Beach, WA
Hawaii
Austin, TX
Houston, TX

Bend Oregon

We made it to Bend Oregon after nine long days and eight crazy nights!!  Can not believe we are finally here!  Don't have any pictures yet, but can say that it is much more spectacular than we ever could have imagined.  We have already met our neighbors who are the sweetest people and so willing to help us out with anything.  Joss has already made herself at home by going over to play with the little girls next door.  Instant friends. So cute!!

Our home for the next three weeks.  

Joss and Auty playing in the yard

Bend Oregon is definitely a magical place for sure.  We went into town last night to walk around after dinner.  All locally owned stores, hustling and bustling with lots of people.  While strolling the cute downtown we ran into three families we already knew!  We felt like we have lived here for years!  The weather has been perfect as well, 75 during the day and 50's at night. Perfect!  It is dry here though.  You need to drink water all day or else you start to feel dehydrated.  

Tonight we were outside in the yard when our neighbors stopped by and invited us over for some locally brewed beer and wine.  The kids played in the mud while the adults got to know each other.  

Tomorrow we are going to the lava walk.  Can't wait!!  

Joss getting Auty ready for our hike.  

Joss, Auty and their new friend Lucia just about to start our hike up to the lava rock.

Lucia lending Auty his hat.  Poor Auty is not used to the sun out here.  We have recently nicknamed Auty "Twilight" due to her milky pale, vampire-like skin. :)

The end of the hike everyone was relieved it was done.  Auty screamed the whole time being strapped to daddy's back and Joss wasn't too excited about the heat or the 200 foot drop off on the side of the trail, just like her daddy.  We were hoping to get Auty used to the backpack so we could take lots of hikes, but I guess we will have to try something else next time.

Having lunch at a local taco place down the road.  All the fish was wild and the meat was 100% grass fed and local.  Yummy!!

This just cracked me up!!!  

Auty taking a break, as usual, on our walk home from lunch.

   This area of Bend has a very high walk score, so are loving being able to walk everywhere!  Saves us a lot on gas too!