Eastern Oregon: A Photo Essay

On our return trip from Idaho, we took a day to do a photo shoot in Eastern Oregon for David's upcoming album entitled "Revelation." The Lord blessed us with a timely meeting of a sweet woman named Nola who gave us access to the church in Lonerock. We spent most of the day traveling gravel roads in the eastern Oregon desert. I thought it would be fun to share some of the photos that I like for their sheer simplistic, artistic beauty. To give credit where credit is due, David took these photos.

I never get tired of watching the wind turbines turn lazy, graceful circles against a beautiful blue sky.

The church in Lonerock, Oregon.

The keyboard of the piano in the Lonerock church.

Pews in the Lonerock church.

This shot was taken in the old pioneer cemetery of Lonerock. The earliest date I found on the headstones was 1815.

On a 17 mile stretch of gravel road, we were captivated by this lone tree.

I couldn't help but think about the "amber waves of grain" lyrics to America the Beautiful.

Sometimes the most beautiful things in life are simple. It's all a matter of perspective.

Trip to Blanchard, Idaho

We recently returned from a trip to Blanchard, Idaho to visit some friends of ours. They have seven children, and the husband is the pastor of a local church in this quiet, country community.

The tire swing was a favorite with the children!

We joined in the annual "Blanchard Daze" celebration of the town, complete with parade and local food and vendor booths. It just isn't a small town parade without a line of tractors!

The children were invited to ride on the church's float in the parade. Noelle got to be the princess!

The children thoroughly enjoyed the stick horse races! Noelle got second place in her division!

Go, Nathan, go!

The sheriff provided an opportunity to shoot blanks from his gun, with very close supervision.

Noelle's favorite activity was painting her own stick horse. She let Mama help a little bit, too.

Even David got in on the stick horse races! We thoroughly enjoyed our stay!

Quote of the weekend: We attended their church on Sunday morning. As we stood visiting in the foyer after the service, an elderly gentleman asked Noelle, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" Without missing a beat, Noelle replied, "Normal."

Crater Lake, Oregon 2009

A family portrait, thanks to a convenient tree stump and the self timer!

It was a tad windy that day!

Crater Lake is one of those spots where you can't resist using your camera!

We went on a beautiful hike along a stream through meadows and canyons!

The wildflowers were absolutely beautiful!

The intense blue water never ceased to take my breath away. It was hazy that day, and believe it or not, this picture doesn't do it justice!

Camping at Crescent Lake 2009

Every year we enjoy spending a weekend with friends at Crescent Lake, and this year was no different!

Nathan helped Papa set up the tent...

We took the time to enjoy the clouds...(I spy a snail!)

We all took advantage of the warm water and enjoyed wading and swimming in the lake!

Boat rides for everyone!!!

The children thoroughly enjoyed making sandcastles and moats...

Noelle kept a very close eye on the bee traps...

We roasted many hotdogs and s'mores over the fire...

We were blessed both nights by a beautiful display of God's glory in the heavens!

The heavens are telling of the glory of God;

and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands."
(Psalm 19:1)