Trip to Union to visit Grandma & Grandpa

Last weekend, we had the chance to drive to Union, OR to visit Jon's parents and be there for his family reunion. It had been 2 years since we were able to be there, so we were all excited to go. Kate was so excited, that she dressed in her Sunday clothes and then 5 minutes before we left, she put her Snow White gown over the top - as well as plastic princess shoes and a necklace. She wore them the whole 515 miles! In the picture below, she is talking with her best friend, Hailey.

The first day we were in Union, we went to the Union County Fair. We looked at booths and animals and rounded out the day with some yummy, greasy fair food!

The next day, we drove an hour and 45 minutes up to Wallowa Lake to spend the day. We had a great time. We started with a picnic lunch. We were almost done and noticed that 2 tame deer (which are very common at the lake), were coming. Pretty soon, they were eating out of our hands and one apparently liked "Cheddar Fetties" and rather than waiting for us to offer them, just helped himself.

Kyle and Beth offering the deer some Cheetos

After that, we rented a row boat and paddle boat and took turns going out on the lake. Jon rowed the boat and Emily Fairchild (Jon's niece) ended up paddling most everyone around the lake. It was a beautiful day and the lake was so much fun. Afterwards, the kids played in the water and we drove back to Union.

Jon rowing Lindsey, Jack & Emily


Heather, Anne & Emily Fairchild - three beauties!

Kate

Saturday morning started early. The annual Catherine Creek Classic is usually held on the Baxter/Bowen reunion weekend, so Jon ran the 1/2 marathon with his counsin Ryan. Emily, Lindsey & Jack ran the 1 mile race and did great. Beth & Kyle also did the 1 mile and it was fun to watch everyone come across the finish line. Jack finished 2nd in his age division and Lindsey finished 3rd in her age division.

Kyle didn't think racing was fun

Tyler Johnston - 2 months old

Jon and his Uncle Jerry

Ryan Baxter & Jon

Kate decided that she wanted to cross the finish line too, so she ran several feet to cross it.

That afternoon, we went to the State Park for lunch with all of Jon's aunts, uncles & cousins. It was a hot day, so after eating, the kids cooled off by wading in the river. They had a blast!

Jack & Lindsey

Kate with a rock on her head

Lindsey, Jon & Jack

Kate, Emily & Kyle

After the State Park, we went to Medical Springs to Uncle Jerry & Aunt Janice's pool. The kids had a blast swimming. I didn't get my camera out, which ended up being good, because I usually stick it in my pocket and I ran into the pool with my clothes on to get Kyle out. Thankfully, I dried pretty quickly!

We had a great time being with Jon's family - his parents, Anne and her girls Heather & Emily, Beth and her boys - Kyle & Tyler, Rebecca, Tom, Paul & Bill.