Everybody's favorite

Hiking around Trillium Lake and playing in the snow was fun, but the undisputed highlight of the trip for both Franny and Cole was the heavy machinery they saw that was grooming the slopes for the races on Mt. Hood this weekend.  Franny jumped up and down and laughed, and Cole yelled and chattered non-stop until these enormous vehicles were long out of sight.  For everyone, it was an unexpected and exciting finale to our weekend get-away. 

A closer look

View of Mt. Hood from Timberline Lodge

 

Cole checking out the riders on the chair lift

 

Snow!!

 

The spectacular view above Timberline Lodge

Trillium Lake

This past weekend we enjoyed a beautiful weekend on Mt. Hood, or Mountain Hood as Franny likes to call it.  Franny impressed us by completing the full hike around Trillium Lake--2 miles!!  She walked right along, admiring the wild flowers and dragonflies, collecting sticks, and throwing rocks in the lake.  We finished the loop just in time for a picnic lunch.

   

As for Cole, the mountain air contributed to an earlier than usual nap...

Although he did wake up in time for our picnic and a last look at the beautiful scenery.

Ticket to ride

We just bought Franny her first bike, and she is nothing short of thrilled!!!  But her favorite part--her new water bottle.

Lessons learned

Since Franny was born, I have realized that there are so many things that I never even thought about, until they happened.  Which, brings me to my most recent important lesson learned:  since Franny loves coloring with crayons, it is important that when doing the laundry, I always check pockets for crayons before the clothes proceed into the washer and then, into the dryer.  Magenta crayons, especially, leave a very vibrant tint on clothing when this important step is not taken.  And, when this oversight occurs the afternoon before leaving on vacation, it can result in a bit of a frazzled mental state.  But, as with all lessons learned, there are nearly always solutions and resolutions which emerge.  In my scenario, I learned that WD-40 works wonders on crayons melted onto clothes and the inside of dryers--who would have thought?  Regardless, lucky Cole and all his magenta-tinted clothes; lucky me and the inside of my dryer. 

Business as usual

Monday, we returned to our usual routines.  It really wasn't difficult to get back into the swing of things--between activities and naps, the days go by very quickly.  Today, we enjoyed slightly cooler weather for Franny and Cole's playgroup.  We met at the Beaverton City Park and the kids loved playing in the fountain, having a picnic lunch, and climbing on the play structure.  And with water involved, of course Franny had a good time!

Remember when

One Particular Harbour

I don't know if it is the actual beauty of Cultus Lake or the wonderful childhood memories that I experienced here that makes it such a special place for me. It's probably a little of both. There is a very special feeling that comes from being in a place that evokes such nostalgia. For me, it's a place that holds such vivid recollections that when my feet step into it's clear water I can't help but smile as my memory reels backwards in time. It is an indescribable feeling that I experience nowhere else. It gives me great joy to be able to pass on fun times here to Franny and Cole.

Through Franny's eyes

For a kid like Franny, Sunriver was just about the perfect place for a vacation. Everyday was filled with a different kid of fun--hiking, biking, riding ponies at the stables, drinking cocoa and playing in the Village, swimming in the pool, going down the slide in the big pool, fun with a playmate, and lots of special time with Daddy. Not to mention the park, a day trip to Cultus Lake, looking for rabbits and gathering pinecones in the backyard... And since there is nothing better than seeing Franny having a great time, it was great time for me, as well.

Ropin' the Wind

Fourth of July

We all had a great time at Franny's Auntie's house on the Fourth of July.  As always, Auntie made it an extra special day for Franny and Cole.  Cool weather, yummy food, time with family, and unbeatable parade seating provided everyone with a fun and relaxing kick-off to our week of vacation.