Oregon Part 4

Eventually, the weather cleared up just enough for us to venture out into nature in earnest.  First, we visited Portland Audubon.  There we met a pair of kestrels and a raven named Aristophanes who says, "Hello, Harry!"  And we went for a walk too.

The next day, there was sun!  So we went for a hike at Cooper Mountain.

And later that day, we met up with a cadre of friends and their similar-aged kiddos, some local and some from wayyy out of town (Australia!).  There was happy chaos.

The next evening, we attempted to take some family photos ...

... and then, before we knew it, we were back on the plane heading east again.

Oregon Part 3

After Christmas, we made our annual pilgrimage to Powells.

Madeline listened to a book reading, including a Piggy and Gerald book by Mo Willems.

Later, Madeline worked on painting a heart box -- one of her Christmas presents -- with Aunt Sarah.

On a delightful rainy day, we revisited Jackson Bottom, where in the summer it had been so dry that the pond was parched and cracked.  This time, it was a little different.

It was still dry inside, though.

Afterward, we had lunch at Burgerville!

The next morning, there was more playing.

Then we went to Portland to meet up with Julia and Shawn for lunch at the Oregon Public House ("The World's First Non-Profit Pub").  It was nice to catch up, and the Pub had a great play space for the kids!

Oregon Part 2

In Oregon, on Christmas Eve, Grandpa Paul helped Madeline with her hair.

Aunt Sarah ran around with Oliver on our annual trip to pick up the Christmas ham.

Then Oliver helped us pick up some groceries.

When we got home, we decorated the Christmas tree ...

... and got ready for a fancy Christmas Eve dinner.

And after dinner, the kiddos got ready for Santa!

Upstairs, they were very excited to find special pajamas waiting for them too.  "This proves Santa is real!" exclaimed Madeline.

On Christmas morning, there was more evidence to support Madeline's hypothesis -- full stockings and special gifts from Santa!

Later, the family exchanged gifts.

All this was very exhausting.

And we capped it all of with Christmas dinner!

Oregon Part 1

Way back on December 20, we flew across the country!

And landed in Oregon, where there are very nice libraries ...

... and delicious things to bake ...

... and super-exciting baths to take.

There was plenty of family fun too -- as you'll see in the next few posts!