Thursday, August 6, 2009

Home Again, Home Again...

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I would have blogged more while we were in Oregon, but my parents' computer was s.l.o.w. Especially in the photo-uploading department. So I decided to save the rest of my "I Heart Oregon" installments to be posted when we got back to Texas and were reunited with our high-speed wireless.

We've been home 14 hours now. And it's pretty much standard post-trip fare around here - burning candles and spritzing air freshener to flush the stale smell from the air. The washing machine will run round the clock for the next few days, I'm sure. Our suitcases are gaping open on my bedroom floor - shirts and shorts and socks drooping out here, there and everywhere. Piles of unpacked clothes stacked on my bed, waiting to be returned to their respective spots in closets and drawers. I actually love the re-organizing after a vacation; it makes me feel productive and satisfied. And often prompts some purging and deep cleaning.

There are good things about being back - the aforementioned wireless. And IKEA (we've already been; had to return a few things this morning). Our own beds. The anticipation of seeing dear friends again.

But mostly, there is a lot of longing, wishing, pining. Even though I miss Oregon dreadfully much, last night on the way home from the airport, Nate and I pinky promised that we wouldn't complain about Texas...so I won't. And in a few weeks (when the temperature has dropped 35 degrees) I'll probably have some really nice things to say about this place, but in the mean time, I bring you:

I Heart Oregon (Part III)

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My parents' place is Little Boy Heaven. Blue-bellied lizards to catch. Horses to ride. Chickens to chase (but watch out for the rooster - he's a "mean old bird!") A pool to jump into in your underpants after a hot afternoon at the barn. A trampoline for Seat-Wars and Crack the Egg. A play house in the oak branches in the back yard. A swing set. Grass and dirt and sticks and rocks aplenty.

More than half of the joy of this trip was watching Henry wear himself out in rugged play, day after day.

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This morning he woke up, wandered sleepily to the couch and said, "well...should we watch a little movie?"

I wilted.

And then started Air Bud so I could do a bit more unpacking before his sister woke up.

10 comments:

  1. I think I heart Oregeon too (even though I've never been there)! What a beautiful place. I love the simplicity of the environment yet wonderful diversity of things to do. Beautiful pictures Em. You are getting really good. So excited to see you guys. Want to come over Sunday after church to play!?!

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  2. Emily, this is not helping my wanderlust desires to pack up my family and move to Oregon. I mean honestly. Don't you think that dwarf family has room for 3 more? Except she's a terrible housekeeper and I think we would clash on that note...

    I think Utah Valley should be your next destination. After all, we have a childhood love story to orchestrate.

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  3. It was so much fun hanging out with your cute family in Oregon!

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  4. Em, While I am so happy you had a wonderful trip and can't wait to see your amazing pictures and read your beautiful writings about it, I am selfishly glad your home! We missed you guys!!!

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  5. Gosh...do you think your folks will let us movie in with them. Sigh your pictures look dreamy. Straight outta Country Living.

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  6. So glad you've been here and breathed the air of family and fun. I love your Oregon posts because they help me appreciate this gorgeous state.

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  7. One of these days I'm going to make to Oregon. I hope your parents place will be a stop on that trip and that you'll be there too. Love the horse pic!

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  8. I love Henry, and his cute little ALL boy expressions in some of those pictures. I can just picture his little mouth saying the things you write. Let's get together ASAP. :)

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