Eugene Trip

The girls in front of the cottage from Hansel & Gretel

We had such a great time in Eugene, and definitely enjoyed the cooler weather!  This is the last time we would be seeing Billy, Alisa, and the kids until next summer (unless of course they come to Jordan for a visit ;), so we spent most of our time with them.  Billy was pretty busy getting ready for the trials of course, but were able to see Alisa and the kids quite a bit.  We stayed in the same hotel, which made this much easier.  Colt and Sydney came up the day before the finals, and we were all able to get together and take the kiddos up to the Enchanted Forest in Salem, Oregon.  The Enchanted Forest is a handcrafted fantasy themed park set in the middle of beautiful forestry.  It's a perfect park for young kids!  I was amazed at all the things Noah and Charlee could do/ride on their own at the age of 2.

Charlee couldn't get enough of this chipmunk

One of the rides Charlee was able to ride on her own- kiddie ferris wheel!

Charlee and Noah loved being able to drive their own bumper boats!

Right across the street from our hotel was a pond and miles of paths running through beautiful scenery.  The kids loved being able to hang out at the duck pond, and their mommies loved being able to run in much cooler weather!  Alisa and I were able to get in plenty of good runs, and Bill brought his bike and was able to get in some good rides.

  

AND.. of course, the reason we were in Eugene was to watch Billy run the 3000m steeplechase in the Olympic Trials.  We love watching Billy run, especially in the steeplechase, one of the most challenging events in track-and-field.  Billy placed 8th in the finals, so did not make the team this year.  However, he is still a phenomenal runner and has his whole career ahead of him.  As always, we are incredibly proud of him.