Summers in Vegas are spent hiding indoors. Lots of story time at the library, bounce house, weekly free movies, indoor crafts, etc. I’m sure winter’s here are much of the same, hiding from the weather. Summer in Bend is what I always read about, but never experienced. Lots of time spent outdoors. Lots of summertime activities. The anticipation of fall, and the dread of winter. I now know what a true summer season feels like. In Vegas it gets hot around April and starts to cool off in October. There is no variation of weather, it is just hot, hot, and did someone say HOT!?!? I am loving the variations of weather. One day it is 75 the next it is 90. Freak hail storms, crazy summer rain, cool nights and mornings. I’m loving it all!!!

This summer, our first in Bend, we are having so much fun!! A few highlights were The Bite of Bend and the Classic Car show downtown. Walking along the river at Drake Park. Feeding the chipmunks at Sawyer Park. The Fourth of July Festival, the Annual Deschutes Fair in Redmond, and lots of playing in our own backyard.

Here are a few photos from one of my favorite evenings spent with my family at Pine Nursery Park. The kids played in the sand and water while Jeff and I read on our picnic blanket. Ahhhh, life is sweet indeed!!