August Reunion 2020

Pandemic Family Time in Oregon

August 2020 will never be forgotten. It was the month for gathering with our kids, after nearly a half year of pandemic worries.

We planned carefully, so that we could spend time together without masks!
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Two Places

We rented two isolated homes in Oregon. A week in the mountains and a week on the coast.

We figured it would be wise to change up the scenery, since our vacation gathering would be about hanging out together... not sightseeing and restaurant dining.

Dining

We ordered curbside groceries and cooked at both places.

Everyone pitched in, with some memorable feasts. 

Since planning holidays is so uncertain we decided to do some early celebrating. One day we had our  favorite Christmas casserole. Another day, we celebrated a sort of comical "Thanksgiving in August", around a too small, glass table.  

​Hikes and Walks

We didn't stay completely isolated at the 2 houses. We got out and enjoyed some pretty amazing scenery.

Oregon has a little of everything.
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Celebration!
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We had no birthdays to celebrate during our August reunion...

But we celebrated some even more exciting news! Heidi and Jamie are expecting in February!  

On the first night together, we learned the news about "Baby Girl Hurst". A few days later, a kite at the beach announced it. 

Till Next Time

After months of Zoom gatherings, it felt wonderful to spend time with the kids, in person.

On August 25, the kids set off for their homes in Portland and Sacramento.

​Texas Bound

Don and I headed back on the road towards Texas. 

We're used to road trips, but pandemic road trips are very boring. No diner stops. No chats with curious locals. It's boring, when you take the fastest route home.

Tiny Tangent in Santa Fe

It was hard saying good-bye to the kids, with no idea when we'll meet up next. It made our dull drive seem extra long.

So we allowed ourselves one night in Santa Fe. It felt like a safe oasis on our long dusty drive. We felt safe and relaxed, at the luxurious La Fonda Hotel.  

First Restaurant Meal since March 7

In fact, we were so pleased with how the hotel handled Covid-restrictions, that we dined at the outdoor, terrace restaurant.

After days of eating cheese & crackers in hotel rooms, our New Mexican feast was divine! Our very first restaurant experience in nearly half a year!

August was a good month. Hugging the kids was the very best!