Saturday was the last day of our visit with Jeff's parents, Jerry and Judy. We stayed close to home for most of the day. In the morning, we put hoops over the garden beds. After lunch, we all played out by the Big Tree and around the property.
A few weeks ago, the kids made 4 swings for themselves by tying ropes around the middle of boards and suspending them from the branches. One of these days we'll put up a permanent tire swing or two, but for now they are having loads of fun on the swings they made. This is Mikah, after getting a big push from Grampa Jerry.
Our Big Tree has three trunks. This is Jeff is setting out to climb it, which he likes to do. He's just a big kid, as his mom says! He took a stick with a strip of bright pink fabric tied to it to wave at the top, in the hope that we would be able to take some clear pictures.
Haniya and Mikah hung out on this fallen log a distance up the hill from the Big Tree. We were all waiting here to get a glimpse of Jeff at the top.
Here he is at the top of the middle trunk. It is the shortest trunk, nestled in between the others, and is 87 feet tall. We figured out how tall it is early in the spring by measuring a rope that Jeff dragged up with him during a climb. This trunk has two branches at the top that make a 'V' where he sits up there.
This should give you an idea of how tall the Big Tree is. I took this picture from the highest point of our property. Behind the bright green madrone trees is the darker green Douglas Fir that we call our Big Tree, with its two tall trunks visible. Jeff is sitting in between those two trunks in the 'V' at the top of the third trunk.
Here is my handsome husband Jeff, just come down from his climb. 
We finished our last day with Gramma Judy and Grampa Jerry by enjoying a dinner out on the front patio of Chinese chicken salad that Judy showed us how to make. It was delicious! Thanks for sharing your recipe, Judy! We said goodbye to them on Sunday morning, early. We dearly love them and we miss their company.
What a great time you all are having! You’re just like the Wilderness Family!
I enjoyed reading all about your Big Tree and family adventures.
Oh, thanks, Sylvia! Well, we are less like a Wilderness Family than Jeff would like, I have to admit
But we do have lots of fun!
What a great time!! What a blessing to have such a dear mil and fil!! Your husband is full of adventure, isn’t he? Everyone looks so happy!
Yes, he is full of adventure!
Loved the beautiful mailbox that you painted for Judy. It reminds me of the darling tea tray that you painted for Julia’s 4th birthday. She still uses it everyday and when it’s not being played with it looks just precious in her room. The pictures you took on the tree are kind of making me think a little Swiss Family Robinisonish…just add in some tofu chili and we are all happy….especially Doug:) I hope youare having a wonderful day. Lots of Love from California,
Tiffany
p.s. can you pass on the Chinease Chicken Salad recipe? I would love to have it!!!
Love, Tiff
Tiffany! Hi!
I’m so glad Julia still uses and loves her tea tray. That was one of my favorites I ever painted. I will post the Chinese Chicken Salad recipe.
Love, Wardeh
Lookin’ awfully manly, there, Jeff!
Great to see you all there in your habitat…
He is pretty manly, Ed. I’ll pass along your comment. He’ll be sure to chuckle.