December 2011 - Camping Trip - #1

2011 is almost at an end, and so is our last camping trip of the year. Our grandson "Jackson" was born this past July, so Karen and I have been making several trips up to McMinnville for our "Jackson" fixes. :-) He's 5 months old now, is beginning to eat solid foods, and can now roll over on his own (only if you're not watching him). :-)

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Jackson eating his peaches

He's rolling over on his own (when you don't watch him) :-)

Karen and I decided to spend our last camping trip at the Olde Stone Village RV Park over the Christmas Holiday, where we're only 10 minutes away from Kevin & McKenzie's house, and Abby loves the long extended walks around the Evergreen Aviation Museum property (which is located next-door to the RV Park). This time, we were able to use a little Christmas tree that we'd purchased a few years ago inside of the trailer, to help brighten up the Christmas spirit.

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Full-Hookups complete with Cable TV

Our little Christmas Tree

The 747 Jet at the Indoor Water Park, was fitted with a Red Nose for the Holidays

Karen and I hope you had a wonderful Christmas, and that the coming New Year of 2012 will be filled with great health, fun times, and new adventures around every corner. Happy Trails...

Gary, Karen, and Abby Too!

August 2011 - Camping Trip - #1

I cant believe we are already into August! How time flies when you become a grandparent! :-) Karen and I just finished staying up in McMinnville for a few days, so that we could assist both McKenzie and Kevin as they adapt their lives and household around the cutest "Little Man" Jackson. We already knew where we'd stay (the "Olde Stone RV Park" next to the Evergreen Aviation Museum), which is only 10 minutes away from Kevin & McKenzie's house. The bonus this time around, was the swimming pool at the RV park, warm weather, and NO RAIN! :-) Of course... the main reason for this trip, was being able to see our new grandson Jackson again (Born July 24, 2011).

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The empty swimming pool (not for long) :-)

Our trailer (see the flag in the center of the picture)

Even though we've stayed here at this RV Park before, we always manage to find new trails to walk Abby on, and new sites to see around the Evergreen Museum area. They have many static jets and other military equipment staged outside, so it's always fun to get up close to touch and view these displays. One new addition that just opened in June, is the Evergreen Indoor Water Park. Karen and I plan on coming back in the Fall (when school is in session again), so we can try out some of the fun slides for ourselves!!! :-)

Note the water slides coming out of the rear of the 747 Jet

The grapes around the Water Park will soon be turned into Wine

During our stay, I very good friend of mine (Ray Farm) from the Corvallis Fire Department was having his retirement party back in Corvallis. We couldn't miss out on an opportunity to do some "roasting", so Karen and I made a brief return home (without the trailer), to attend Ray's party. Catching up with old friends, eating some great Hawaiian food, and talking about Ray (Wood Ducks), made for a great time for Everyone! :-) Congratulations Ray!

FYI... Ray Farm is "finally" retired after 32 years! :-)

OK... I know a lot of you are wondering about Jackson, so all good things come to those that wait. Karen and I are both excited to be entering this new chapter of "grand-parenting" in our life. And of course... Jackson is without a doubt the most beautiful and handsome grandson in the whole world.

Grammy spending some cuddle time with Jackson

Jackson during a more "Peaceful" moment...

I must say that Karen and I are looking forward to spending the future with Jackson as he grows. At some point, we'll have to teach him about camping, fishing with Gramps, and trips to the Fire Station. But Christmas time is definitely going to be magical again in the years to come. I hope he likes playing the drums... trumpet... or harmonica! :-)

Another "Heavenly Body"

Thanks for riding along with us on our latest adventure. "Happy Trails to you... until we meet again".

Gary and Karen (and Abby Too!)

June 2011 - Camping Trip - #2

This past weekend, Karen and I ran up to McMinnville, Oregon to attend two family "Baby Showers" and Bar-B-Q's. Since we had stayed at the "Olde Stone Village RV Park" before in McMinnville, we knew what to expect when we returned to this very nice spot, and it was located within 10 minutes of Kevin & McKenzie's house. This made it much easier for us to attend the two different baby showers that were a day apart (Saturday & Sunday), instead of having to driving back and forth from Corvallis each day. Besides... we took long walks with Abby, looked around the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum buildings, and even walked into the NEW Evergreen "Wings & Waves" Water Park (which just opened June 6th), just to take a look. WOW!!! Karen and I will have to return this Fall or Winter when school is going on, so we can have a fighting chance at getting into water park for some adult fun! :-)

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The NEW Evergreen Wings & Wave Water Park
(Yes... that's a real 747 Jet with water tubes coming out towards the rear of the jet)


Abby & I standing by an F-15


Is that Howard Hughes I see looking out of the cockpit window of the "Spruce Goose"?

We all had a wonderful time at McMinnville, and we can't wait to be grandparents in July! :-) I do recommend this RV Park if you plan to stay in the area. There is also a 1/4 mile paved walking path from the RV Park to the Evergreen Aviation Museum grounds. We watched remote controlled planes being flown behind the aviation museum (where they have their own paved runway), and there was a car show on Saturday in the back Evergreen parking lot. I got to see and drool over a lot of older cars restored into tip-top shape (especially a 1955 Chevy).

Until next time... Happy Trails.

Gary, Karen, and Abby Too!