Goodbye Oregon!

The house is empty and "clean" and passed the inspection.
The movers arrived Monday morning at the crack of 9AM and loaded up the truck. I spent the last two night with my friends John and Keiko. Yesterday, I ran the last few errands and said goodbye to my labmates. Afterwards, it was time to float the McKenzie for the last time with John, my "partner in crime".



The truck was still almost empty by the time the movers left. However, the final box count was: 70!


This house was our home for the last 5 1/2 years and it really felt like home. Needless to say, I am sad to leave Oregon in general and this house in particular. As I was walking through the empty house last night I was flooded with memories and I was glad I could spend the night with friends.


This is it. My plane is leaving in one hour. The Oregon Adventure is over and it is time to say a final Goodbye.



I wish you all a very fond farewell!

I will miss about Oregon....

1. Healthy, natural organic food!


... for example Market of Choice's M&M cookies (Andrin calls them "Papa cookies" for a reason!)

2. The Oregon coast and the Pacific ocean!

3. Oregon's beautiful rivers!


...the famous North Umpqua!


...the beautiful Deschutes!


...the wild and scenic McKenzie!

4. The Oregon wildlife!


....Pteronarcys californica, the giant Salmonfly!



...rainbow trout (Deschutes redsides, in particular), and his anadromous brother the mighty steelhead!

...Chinook Salmon!



5. But most of all, I will be missing our Oregon friends!

....such as our "birth to three" group. But also all the other wonderful friends we made during our stay here in Oregon.

Moving week!

The Oregon adventure has come to an end.
Femeke and the kids left Eugene last Wednesday. I am staying behind to pack the remaining boxes (Femeke did a terrific job and packed most of it beforehand) get rid of the furniture and clean the house ("clean" is subject to interpretation....).

This is how it looks right now. The house is being emptied on an hourly basis!







Andrin's room before Beau arrived with the green monster.

....bachelor life!


First Alex and then Beau and Becky (including 3 charming kids) showed up to grab some furniture. Unfortunately I did not record the sound of Beau's truck ("the green monster"); it could be heard all over Eugene! Of course, Beau also wore the appropriate redneck outfit today!


Beau with his beloved "green monster" all loaded up!


Is it legal to drive this truck?

I will miss these kiddos!

4-month check-up

Bigna had her 4-month well baby visit today. She was not happy because I had to wake her up at the doctor's office, but she did great for the vaccinations.

But here are her stats:
height: 24.6 inches (62.5 cm), 75th percentile
weight: 14 lbs 8.9 oz (6700 g), 75th percentile

Playing with sister

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I was preparing dinner yesterday, when I turn around and see Andrin lifting Bigna off the floor ... that boy is strong. I stopped him and we put Bigna gently into the basket that he had prepared for her. And off he went with his imagination. Bigna was totally cool about it and went along with her crazy brother's play. He was cautious to pack all her toys and she was happy chewing on them.

Play, play, play

Last weekend, we sold our dinning room table and chairs. Andrin has been loving the additional space that he has now. He has been playing so hard and at times has to tell us that he cannot do something that we would like him to do because "I am sooooo busy at the moment." I just love to see his little head spin and all the creativity. There has been a lot of packing on his part and he always wants to be reassured that we are taking his toys, books, ... with us.

A strong grip

Bigna has been more alert, not sleeping as much, and just being a joy to be around. Andrin also thinks so and has been trying hard to play with her (more about that later). Bigna is putting everything in her mouth and also loves her little mouse rattle. The other day, she even managed to put her tinny hand through the rattle.

Cabelas

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Last weekend, Andrin and Papi took a trip to the outdoor shop, Cabelas, that they just opened here in Springfield/Eugene. Andrin was very excited and really tired afterwards. He told me about the stuffed animals, but he was mostly impressed by all the tents ... And of course he has been loving showing everyone his new mama fish. He convinced Papa that he also needs a Papa fish ...

Loving brother

Dorris Ranch

Last Monday, we finally made it for a walk back to Dorris Ranch in Springfield. It is an old hazelnut orchard and just magical.
Andrin woke up early that morning because he was so excited (note to Mami and Papi: Do not tell him too much exciting things ahead of time ...:) about seeing the tractor. I had to talk him into talking a walk with me down to the river.