the beaver state.

My childhood is filled with a plethora of memories of Oregon.  Having grandparents and cousins who lived there made it a frequent place we visited as a family, and occasionally I spent time up there alone with my grandparents and cousins.  Oregon is where I had tea parties with my grandma and watched Anne of Green Gables with my grandpa while we shared a bag of Peppermint Patties.  Oregon is where I played in the trees and discovered the cool breezes of the ocean.  It's where I spent my time giggling with cousins on a trampoline at 2 a.m. and learned how to spread mulch in flower beds.  It's where I first flew to all by myself at the age of 7 and it's where chilly summer nights made my list of favorites.  It's where I learned how cranky goats can be and how to repair fences on a farm.  It's where I discovered when the best times to collect starfish are and how much fun small carnival rides and games can be.  Oregon has a great big ol' piece of my heart, and I wouldn't change that for anything.