Camping and Concerts

We had a very fun filled labor day weekend! We kicked off the holiday with a Brandi Carlile concert at the Britt Festival in Jacksonville, OR (we were very nostalgic while driving around the town.... it feels like yesterday Adam and I were living in that tiny apartment: no kid, no dog - seems strange to look back at that now). We met up with lots of friends (including, but not limited to the Patnodes in Portland, Eric, Clarissa, Thom, Kirstie, Bob and Pam from around the Rogue Valley). Carrie and Aaron (the Patnodes) were also brave and brought their wee one, Lewis, to the concert. The kids were soooo good! Noella danced her heart out, clapped, "woo-hoo"ed, bugged everyone sitting around us, played with glow bracelets and ate her weight in summer sausage. Lewis sat and smiled on the blanket and was a charming gentleman the whole evening. He even fell asleep! What a good little boy! Adam bought the latest CD before we departed (yes, I know - WHAT is a CD???). Per Noella's request, we listened to that damned CD the whole weekend (well, we listened to 3 songs on repeat from that album the whole weekend). She tried to sing along as best she could and asked us 15x per day if we like Brandi (yes, dear child we DID like Brandi).

Pre-concert, trying out the sound proof headphones

Aaron, Carrie, Lewis. How sweet is he?!

Sound asleep.

Just tired and ready to go home. She made it until right before encore. 

Next stop: camping at Crater Lake. We have been to Crater Lake several times. We love it - we take almost anyone who's visited us there. It was the Patnodes' idea, and we jumped on the chance. We haven't camped all summer, and this was the perfect opportunity, with great people at a beautiful locale.

She's got the best spot in the tent.

Lewis and Carrie

View of our campsite. You may notice our ginormous budget tent

Staying hydrated.

The Patnodes.

The Holts

Dads and babes.

Move, Dad, I can't see.

Handsome guys!

Checking out Wizard Island. 

The following morning. A brisk 37 degrees. Cold and camping doesn't bother THIS girl. 

The camping chef in action.

The sweetest.

The morning we left. Can you tell we need showers?

Finally, the Patnodes followed us back up to Bend where we regrouped a bit at our house before they headed back to Portland on Monday. What great friends we have! We were so lucky to have randomly met them when they came to tour our old rental house in Portland! This is one of those situations where I truly believe everything happens for a reason. We love you guys!