It is a long one

We spent the holiday weekend back in La Grande. The primary purpose was for the boys (both big and small) to get to go hunting for morel mushrooms. But, first, a ride around on Bradley G's new riding lawn mower.

And a stroll to check out the back 40.

And trying to get a little attention from the older guys.

Saturday was the day for Quinn to go with Bradley G. and Daddy. I visited friends and generally enjoyed the quiet.

You have to hustle if you want to fill your mangled milk jug with mushrooms.

And the terrain is not for the faint of heart, either.

But with some fortitude, you can have success.

But, you can't rest on your laurels; there is serious competition for those little fungi, so back to it.

So much work - its nice to cool off your tootisies in some left-over snow.

Even the most dedicated mushroom hunter needs a quick snooze to revitilize themselves.

Met up with a friend's kid, Elizabeth, who found this elk shoulder bone.

While I feasted on the yummiest chicken curry at my friend Pat's house, the boys fried up some of the morels. Quinn ate at least a dozen, so no shocker that he wasn't so interested in dinner. He was a happy little camper when I got home.

On Sunday the boys went back out to rustle up another load of the little pieces of heaven (I mean, I didn't get to have any yet), Quinn and I drove to Joseph to see a friend and hang out at the lake. The weather was perfect, and I was surprised at how few people were out, especially considering that it was a holiday weekend. It was wonderful seeing Lyn.

Wallowa Lake was far too chilly to consider swimming in, so Quinn putzed around the sides, throwing rocks and talking to himself.

We went over to where the river comes into the lake and rinsed off our feet.

Quinn found 'the most perfect rock ever in the history of everything', so he had to give it a hug.

That night we waited in anticipation for the second round of Bradley G's famous fried morels. A lot of butter gave up its life for us. I asked Quinn to pace himself, so he agreed to start off with only three. He picked the biggest ones, of course.

Sooooo worth the wait.

Before we left on Monday we met up with Lynda and Conner at Pioneer Park for a quick on-the-run playdate. The boys barely acknowledged each other, but played near each other. It was nice to see them.

The drive home was long. Note to self: always leave in the morning. It was fine until Quinn just got over tired and upset, and in a little space like that you really just want to crawl out on the roof for some peace. We made it home and Quinn went right to bed. All in all, a good weekend. Bittersweet for me on some levels, but good.