Lee and I were privileged enough to be invited to join Lee's cousins on a river trip through Hells Canyon in mid-July.  Given its proximity to both families, we took the opportunity to spend a few days with each of our families on either end of the river trip.   We started the week off with a late night/early morning arrival (3:30am) into La Grande on Saturday morning, July 13.  Traffic getting out of the Bay Area and summer road construction in Nevada added a good two hours to our trip....   But once we got to LG, everything went as smoothly as one could hope and we had 3.5 relaxing, wonderful days with my family.  We brought my bike and for the first time in years, my dad and I were able to ride together.  We both aren't as fit as we used to be, so we made good partners. And Kyle, despite his fitness level, was willing to ride with us and pushed me to new limits.  By the time we left town, my legs were lead!  If only I were on vacation every day and could ride whenever and for however long I wanted.....

Aside from ride, we didn't do much during our time there.  We were supposed to have a baby shower for Lani that weekend, but given summer travel schedules, no one could make it.  We pulled the plug at the last minute and made freezer jam instead.    And on Sunday afternoon, Abbie and cute baby Owen arrived.  From that point, it was all about Owen.   I can't believe how much he's grown in just four weeks and how much he's changed.  We are so glad Abbie made the trip over so Lee could meet him and we all could give him lots of loves.

As always, we ate incredibly well.  Dad made us specialty breakfasts every morning and every night was another feast.  Sunday night Lani and Kyle hosted and we celebrated Kyle's birthday.  We even inaugurated their new grill!  Our days there were wonderful and far too short. Every time we go we wish we had longer and wished we were closer....