Sunday, June 21, 2009

Saluting Dad

This is what I wrote my father on father's day!



Dear Dad:
Happy Father’s Day to a father I have always admired and looked up to. I have many good memories with you in it. From days of playing a game of pick up in the front yard, to racing you with the tractor in the back 40 to waiting up with Mary for you to get done milking, so we could get jelly beans. Awe, those were the days.
I know the teenager and early 20’s lasted longer than you liked with me. I was always one to push the bucket and cause you grief. Thankfully Pat was the one that actually turned your hair grey, but I am sure I added to the wrinkles and frustration. Sorry for all of that.
Looking back, I realize that I was so blessed to have you for a father. You grew up poor, but always had a strong soul and knew you would build a better life. You did just that. You joined the marines, graduated from Oregon State University (as did I) and dairied for nearly 40 years. Through all your successes, you are most proud of your personal ones. You married mom, an admiral’s daughter nearly 45 years ago. Together, you two had six children and fifteen grandchildren. You raised us strictly, to behave well, to respect our elders, to strive for our dreams, to be honest and loyal and to laugh. We all did just that.
Your story is quite known throughout the countryside. Your stories have been told and your lessons have been shared. People feel like they know you, as if you were their father or their friend. Your character, big smile and soul stretch for miles on end.
Life makes its uncertain twists and turns. You and mom know that better than most. Through it all, you have been able to hold your head high, laugh and carry on. Watching your strength and spirit has shaped me for the better. It has allowed me to face my own uncertainties and struggles with the same character and strength—and I for one am most grateful.
So here is saluting you, Robert Morris Davidson, a man who I am blessed and honored to call my dad, but also lucky to call my friend. I hope this Father’s Day you realize how much I love you.
Love you always & forever,
Your daughter, Karen

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Oregon Farm Help

As promised...more pictures from the west coast kids visiting the Midwest. They had a blast and one of the favorites included spending time at the farm, helping chore, even though the temps were very warm to say the least. Oh yea, Tyler has a new BFF!

Cousins Tyler & Cade fill water buckets.

Cade was ecstatic when Scott opened the new machine shed and showed him what was inside. "Better than any farm show," he said. Funny because Cade has never been to a farm show.
Scott shows Cade how to operate his big tractor with a plow attached.

Chore time. Our hired help was all smiles with extra hands around.

...more buckets. We are feeding a lot of calves.

The boys pose by the ol' 4010. Makes dad proud.

...as does this photo of Cade & Emily by the newer cow barn.

Tyler & Cade with a baby calf.

And...yes, Miss. Fashionable Emily always make a beauty statement.

West Coast Visitors

The Jersey kids have been countin' down their west coast visitors for months and when the day arrived to pick up two of their cousins: Miss Emily, soon-to-be 13 and Cade, who just turned 8--the kids couldn't of been more excited!
...and its been pure fun since they landed....and BUSY! We went on a mini-vacation to a waterpark in Burlington, Iowa. The kids were in for a real treat, with a waterpark that has 19 slides, bowling ring, go-kart track, games galore and lazer tag. All kids, both big & small were in love and fully enjoyed themselves.
Next up was Miss Cassie's third birthday party, celebrated a bit early, but in good fashion circled with those that love her.
Emily & Cade loved the farm, helping feed calves and chore, ride bikes...oh yea, and all those John Deere tractors. Cade said "Its so much better than any farm show." Side note, he has never been to a farm show, but he was on cloud 9 and his witty mind asked a thousand questions about farming, the Midwest, cows and corn! He was in love.
Except for the weather. I have to chuckle, anytime when my family or friends from the west come visit, mother nature has to give them a real taste of what its really like. The temperature for the first time this year hit over 90 (pretty much the whole time) and humidity equally as high. The kids from the west coast smiled at showers late in the day and thought my house was a taste of "heaven" since I have air conditioning. Also, we experienced some storms that caused high winds, heavy rain and power outage. The west coast visitors didn't know what hit them and were worried a tornado was next. Tyler & Cassie said, "oh we will be fine."
Miss Emily and I treated ourselves to a girls day that included fresh pedis, shopping and lunch. Emily has been a HUGE helping hand with everything, the housework, tending to the kids, playing with the kids and helping out at the farm. She is so mature, yet still loves being a kid and playin' with the Jersey kids. Awe, we love you Emily, after all she is my flower girl who has blossomed to a beautiful lady and a true help to my household. Can you stay for the entire summer break?
The kids were tuckered OUT to say the least when Cade & Emily departed back to Oregon today...and now we are all goin' to try to get back to some kind of routine! We sure miss you already and loved havin' you. You are most welcome to come back anytime!

xoxo!




More photots to come....

Monday, June 8, 2009

Central Oregon Fun

Cassie & I spent five days in Central Oregon and totally enjoyed our time. Awe, the beautiful Cascade mountains, the gorgeous weather, grandma Michelle's cookin', seein' grandpa Bob and oh yea, all those stickin' Davidson cousins to play with. BTW, Grandpa Bob is doin' GREAT! I tried to prepare myself for what I was in for...but you know, I walked in the house that I grew up in and there he was, 40 pounds trimmer, fresh hair cut, clean shave, same ol' red flannel that I would of thought my mother would of thrown out by now...and a BIG OL' SMILE!!! Made my heart swell. He has made HUGE strides & lots of progress!!!
Cousins Colby & Cassie snuggle up!

Then the inseparable trio hit the sprinklers!

Cousins Cade & Cassie are nothin' but smiles!

My flower girl Emily, all grown up and soon-to-be a teenager!

Ginger & her trio (Cooper, Austin & Brandon, 6 months old)
Cassie & I spent a day helping Ginger out with the boys. Okay, I helped, Cassie napped! I don't know Ginger does it, but they were good as gold the day that I was there. :) Love 'em!!!
Cassie thinks its pretty cool she can sit in one of the bumbo seats. Crazy, three of everything!

Carlie & Cassie play together one afternoon...and became BFF's...for now at least.

One day, I took Carlie, Cassie & Colby to the park to meet up with ol' high-school friends Theresa, Shelly & Jennifer. Redmond High Panther Class of '94! Too bad my camera broke...and no more pictures. Wha!

Buxton Bosom Reunion

Our recent Oregon trip allowed us to meet up with an ol' Oregon State friend and Buxton Hall (dorm) roomie, Sweet Elizabeth who now resides in San Diego. Elizabeth & clan (Jbird & Campbell) made there way up north to a beautiful Portland day at the Benz suite. What a gorgeous day & a wonderful time catching up with my soul sista! Love that we have remained so close, regardless of the miles that separate us and the years that we've been away from Corvallis.
Miss Jadyn (aka Jbird) and I do a self pose. Jbird has really grown up and I love her sense of maturity!
The younger crowd finds an ol' fave, a radio flyer wagon! Campbell puts his head gear on, as he is a lil' leary of the woman pulling him!
Campbell on the trike! Such a mini version of Justin!
The trio: Cassie, Campbell & Jbird. Too freakin' cute! Perhaps future OSU Beavers!

Swim Time

Tyler has taken swim at the local YMCA since the first of the year....and the young lad is doin' very well. We can probably rule out him being the next Michael Phelps, but he is havin' fun and learning to swim, which is the exact point we signed up!
Cassie enjoys watching Tyler...but tomorrow, she'll start her own swim lessons! She keeps referring to her swim suits as swim lessons. I love it!
Tyler shows off his swim belt!