Summer travels

We finally made it to Crater Lake! We stayed 2 nights in the historic Crater Lake Lodge then drove south to the Running Y Ranch for some rafting, fishing and relaxation. After a stop at the Lava Beds National Monument, we headed toward Ashland. We floated in a natural springs pool, rode bikes all over town and saw "Much Ado About Nothing" at the Shakespeare Festival. We also saw a lot of hippie culture in Ashland but that's a whole other blog post!

Crater Lake!

We drove just over the border into California to visit the caves.

Climbing out of the Golden Dome cave.

Heading into a cave.

This is the nightly free performance that takes place before the plays begin. Our play was inside with air conditioning....important when it's 96 degrees!

The top of watchman peak at Crater Lake.

Catching Kokanee salmon. We caught 15 fish.

Jackson with our guide Darren.

Lovely Lake of the Woods, where we went to fish.

Heavy hearts

We've had Talus as part of our family since before Jackson was born. So many of our memories as a family are intertwined with our sweet, rambunctious, loyal dog. The boys have grown up with him and he's shared in our moves, travels, holidays and so much more. It's hard to put words to the feeling of losing a dog who's shared so much of your life. But, sadly, we had to make a decision about Talus due to inoperable cancer that was threatening his well-being. We didn't want to see him suffer and it was clear he was facing challenges that simple couldn't be fixed with surgery, medications or extra servings of any leftovers he wanted. (Side note: I honestly think one of the reasons he was able to hang on as long as he did was because he was getting a gourmet feast of his favorite foods every day: yummy but oh-so-stinky canned food, hard fried eggs, and copious amounts of leftover steak and chicken).
We miss him every day. But we are thankful for the companionship and love he brought into our lives.

 

One more birthday and hello spring!

A teenager now....seems like yesterday when he was a cherub faced toddler!

Sweet boy and a yummy cake.

Such amazing weather calls for a hike.

Pretty much what I get when trying for a nice photo.

catching up...birthdays and more

When you turn 11 your feet become huge and you need new shoes!

The little leprechaun and his birthday cake.

A fun then and now at the same spot in Hawaii...

Parents only ski day!

Boys and water

For spring break, we hopped on 2 planes and landed in Maui. Even though we've had a sunny, mild winter, there's something special about time on an island with warm breezes and bright sunshine. Oh-and warm water, which is something we don't have at Oregon beaches. The beaches here are breathtaking but if you dip a toe in the water, you understand why the majority of people who dare to go in are wearing wetsuits. Watching the boys throughout the trip, I realized they will stay in water all day unless asked to do otherwise. And, of course, in the interest of preventing major sunburns, we had to put some kind of limit of time in the sunshine. It was a lovely, relaxing trip filled with good family time.

Winter flew by!

Tracking runs on one of the few days we've skied.

Sunny winters means we can actually go to the zoo! 

Bike ride in the Gorge.

So many choices!

Quick trip to Eugene to see Sue.

Another hike, with amazing views!

Sun again? Can this be Oregon?

State swim championships.

Rest break (this is the longboard Jackson made with Jim).

7th grade field trip to the zoo.

A birthday!



It's hard to believe it's mid-March. I think all Oregonians are out of sync because it feels like we didn't have winter. Yes, its been wonderfully sunny but the downside is terrible ski conditions. And that will have a big impact on what happens this summer since much of our water comes from melting snow. We've enjoyed more outdoor activities like hiking and biking because its been so mild. All the flowers started blooming 2-3 weeks ahead of schedule so it's absolutely amazing to see right now. Everyone is happy and healthy and we are enjoying our last few weeks with a pre-teen. Come April 16, we officially have a teenager!

Recapping the holidays

Tree selection 2014

Gingerbread chalets

Precision and focus!

Mild temps=hiking in the Gorge

Family selfie at Peacock Lane (a neighborhood known for great Christmas lights...).

Talus trying to contain himself in the midst of the Christmas frenzy

A rare dressed up night out....and Jim wearing his favorite dress shoes...ha, ha!

Blacksmithing camp....

with Sean!

Bright sunshine at the Oregon coast on the first day of 2015!

Happy 2015

We started 2015 with a hike to the top of Neahkahnie Mountain in Manzanita, Oregon. A gorgeous sunny day and a great way to start the new year.