My heritage is deeply rooted in Eastern Oregon. Both of my parents hail from a tiny little town called Milton-Freewater (population about 5,000) It was originally two even smaller towns (Milton & Freewater) that were later combined into one. My mom's family moved there when she was a young girl and had moved there from an even smaller town called Union, OR. My dad was born in nearby Walla Walla, WA but lived in and grew up in Milton-Freewater. When I was 5 or 6 years old we moved from Alaska down to Milton-Freewater to be closer to family. Both of my grandparents lived there still along with one of my dad's brothers and his wife and kids. We lived there until I was 12 which is when we moved up to Spokane. So, I have strong ties to Northeastern Oregon. I have many fond memories of going to Union and nearby La Grande, OR to visit extended family as a child. While in Union for my grandpa's burial, we headed over to the church after for a family lunch. This is the Mormon church in Union and was built by my Edvalson ancestors. I thought it was so beautiful and unique.
While staying in Milton-Freewater we stayed with my Aunt & Uncle who still live there. They own a big orchard and I grew up picking and eating fresh apples and cherries every year. These orchards totally take me back. It was fun to be able to go out with my kids and dad and uncle and pick some fresh cherries for them!
Of course, another big part of my heritage is a love for cars. My dad and uncle are obsessed and seriously go all over the west buying old cars and trucks and fixing them up. They are crazy! Here is my dad's new baby:
Uncle Scott and Aunt Kathy's house is adored for many reasons by my kids, but one of them is the abundance of animals. They have about 3 dogs, down from 5 or 6 and a fish pond in front of their house. The highlight of the day is when the kids get to feed them. They are always well fed when my kids are in town! :)
The pool wasn't quite ready for the summer, but the hot tub was up and running! Keyton, Taylor and Tucker all went in for a dip...
Taylor got to play with my cousin Kristin...
Tucker just maxin' and relaxin' after a long, hard day...
Since a lot of family was in town for the funeral, me and the kids got to sleep in the motor home. They have a hook up and all, so it is fully usable. It was nice to have our own space, and we invited Keyton in for a slumber party.
Not the best night of sleep I ever got, but the kids had a good time!
When we came out of the motor home the next morning, sure enough there were my dad and Uncle Scott out picking cherries!
Me and my sissy and cousin Kristin before the funeral...
Cute Kenzie & Uncle Nathan...
And the 4 of us with my dad...
There is nothing better than going 'home' to be with people you love and who love you; where the sights and smells are so familiar and welcoming!
