Independence
I'm a little late for an Independence Day blog but we had a good one here in middle america. We have actually had an independence month. Cadie's favorite word, "no," has morphed into a favorite phrase, "no, Deedee!" With "Deedee" the term that she uses to refer to herself, this new phrase roughly translates into, "no thank you, I will do it myself" without all of the polite parts. This new independence has caused some difficulty (especially trying to get out the door in a hurry) but it is pretty cute. Here is Miss Independence with piggies and borrowed "eyes."

On the Move
We can sum up the last month with three words, "go, go, go!" Feels a little like a Dr. Suess book.

Cadie and I spent a few days in Utah with family while Eric worked in central Oregon. Cadie and Aunt Paige on the piano:Then we joined Eric in Oregon and were able to visit friends, family and the coast. On the day we went to the coast, it was a beautiful day inland but a bit blustery on the beach. The weather didn't stop Cadie from testing the water and tasting the sand.

It was fun to see how much all the kids had grown. Eric, Cadie, June, and Duncan.

We stayed with the Hale family in Corvallis. They are so great! Cadie wrestling with the Hale boys.

My cousin Heidi and her family were in the middle of a move but still kind enough to let us crash at their place in Portland. Cadie and second-cousins Sam, Rachel, and Anna in Portland.

We all got home (luckily on the same flight - had a bit of bad luck and missed the first flight) just in time. The next day was the start of the Tour de Grandview, a professional bike race that rode circuits around our neighborhood. We witnessed a crash - Cadie yelled "uh oh!" but the riders were alright.

 
There are days when I really miss Oregon but there are great things about Ohio. Our garden just about doubled its size while we were away. Anyone like any kale?