summer solstice

We decided it would be fun to spend the longest day of the year at a lake. We also thought it would be fun to go explore a new little corner of our state. So... this weekend: camping at Detroit Lake! 

 Winnie, Jez and Julie floating on the lake with the snow-capped Mount Jefferson in the distance 

(it looked a lot closer in person--beautiful!). 

 And, the eternal highlight of any camping trip we ever take...(we could probably save ourselves a lot of gas and schlepping by building a bonfire in the backyard and getting some marshmallows). :)

It was a great way to officially welcome summer, even if we did wake up to raindrops on our tent fly this morning... Ah, Oregon. 

FOUR! (Yeah. It means "WATCH OUT! when it you spell it this way, too).

I'm four. I am sassy and incredibly loving. I am deeply sensitive (I will cry, long and hard if I see a dead bug) and I have a belly laugh that will make anyone smile (Winona brings it out most often). I am very giving (I got three packs of gum for my birthday--Winnie got one as a consolation-sorry-it's-not-your-birthday-gift. Winona was fine with this, but I did the math, then gave her one of my packs, saying, "Now we both have two.") When I kiss you, I grab the back of your head, push it hard against mine and hold our lips in a locked position until one of us can no longer breathe. Do not ever underestimate me. I know what you're saying. Always. (Unless it's that thing about cleaning up. What are you TALKING about?)

I can stick out my lower lip, bunch up my fists, punch down my arms and stomp away with Academy Award winning style. I will tell you, in no uncertain terms EXACTLY what's on my mind and although I do not know or use cuss words, my tone alone can give you the very definite impression that I do. (The look on Mom and Dad's faces in these moments is priceless. They still aren't quite sure what to do with me sometimes. I love those times.)  I cry hard and furiously... and then I'm over it. If someone offers an alternative or a solution, I'm all over it. 

I'm determined. Funny. Forgiving. spunky and suprising. I'm bold and boisterous--as my name says I will be. AND! I'm FOUR!!! 

 I am also the luckiest four year old on the planet, because I have the best 7 year old sister. Here's the card she made me for my birthday.

 Bday picnic! Mom's camera ran out of batteries, but we're overlooking one of the most gorgeous stretches on the OR coast. 

 Before leaving town, I got presents-- boy, did I ever: 

 This is a batman movie. (Winona is less thrilled).

 Awesome funky animal building blocks!

Watch out, world. FOUR!!