Blackberry Picking

Our friend Matt from Wisconsin came to visit for a few days, and as it's finally blackberry season, we went picking down by Starker Arts Park. Simone enjoyed snacking on a few while she patiently waited for us to fill our picking bowl.

Clarinet Serenade

Brendan serenades Simone with his clarinet.

Family Portrait 2010

Prince Family Reunion 2010

Road Trip to Belknap Hot Springs

We all crammed into Matt and Marney's rental car for a road trip to Belknap Hot Springs, site of this year's Prince Family Reunion.

It was a tight squeeze, with Simone stuck in the middle for the 2.5 hours each way that we had to travel.

She did great though, and once she got comfortable on Uncle Matt's lap, was a pretty happy traveler.

Wake Up Kisses

Simone was so excited to see Uncle Matt this morning, she couldn't help but to wake him up with lots of kisses.

Sunset Creek Dip

After Matt and Marney unloaded the car and got settled, we went for a stroll back to the creek in Sunset Park so Simone could take a dip.

Simone engaged Uncle Matt in the rock game...the one where we throw rocks into the water for her to chase after, but never quite catch.

Simone loved every minute of it.

Aunt Marney and Uncle Matt Arrive

Aunt Marney and Uncle Matt arrived this afternoon from Nevada for a weekend visit.

Simone was so excited to see them both!

Aunt Mary and the Bear

Simone has a knack for pulling out the toy someone gave her when they come to visit. This is quite a feat if you've ever seen Simone's toy basket. Aunt Mary gave Simone this bear three years ago when she got home from the hospital from her bout with thrombocytopenia/liver failure, and she's had it ever since. Simone pulled the bear out of her toy basket this morning unprompted and took it over to Aunt Mary to play.

Hot August Morning

We headed down to the Corvallis farmers market this morning with Gary's mom Patti, Aunt Mary, and friend Linda. It was HOT...over 90°F by 10am, so Simone dodged from shady spot to shady spot while we procured our weekly produce.

We then bumped into Harriet, who was wandering around the market with a pup named Sparky.

After a quick meet and greet, we parted ways in search of cooler pastures.

Simone in the Middle

Simone soaks up some couch time at Tammy's while we are at play practice. Bailey doesn't seem overly amused, but Keisha the kitty could care less.