Before Pat and Sue departed back to California we decided to take them to see Sparks lake. We have visited there many times but we never get tired of visiting.
Abbie officially turned 7 on the 20th. It was the day we got back from a week at Black Butte. Everyone was tired so we decided to celebrate the next day. We went to Redmond not far from Bend for a lovely afternoon of tea. The tea house is owned by a woman from the UK who has moved to Oregon. The tea house is called AK's Tea Room. How how fitting that was for Miss Abbie-Kate (AK). Abbie wanted it girls only and invited LuLu, Aislyn and her mom Tina, a dear family friend to come along for her birthday afternoon. Lulu even treated the girls to handmade head warmers for winter. It was a perfect way to celebrate our sweet Abbie.
A short hike followed by some difficult scrambling to get to the base of the lower falls but everyone made it! A spectacular waterfall!
to get there from Bend travel to Sister and then over makenzie pass on the 242 until you hit mile marker 65. Just past 65 you will see roadside parking and a sign indicating the trailhead. A little less than 1.5 miles to the falls.
This year Abbie's birthday fell on our vacation to Black Butte. Since her two cousins - Olivia (turning 2) and Charlotte (turning 1) are both August babies and we were all together we thought it would be fun to celebrate the 3 girl cousins together.
Fun horseback ride that allowed us to do a number of trotting sections. Abbie loves riding horses! In the group photo from left to right: Abbie, Sue (Kelly's mom), Hunter, Jenn (Kelly's sister), Kelly, Kevin.
Bike Riding at Black Butte Ranch. Easy riding on paved pathways around the resort and through great scenery.
With Kelly's family in town this week and staying at Black Butte Ranch resort, we decided to do a boys hike up Black Butte that overlooks the resort. The hike starts about half way up the Butte. From the trail head to summit its 4 miles round trip, and about 1600 vertical feet elevation change so a fairly constant uphill hike to the top, but the views are worth it.
Our motley crew after the hike was finished: (L-R) Pat (Kelly's Dad), Scott (Sister Erin's Husband), Noah, Dylan (Sister Jenn's Husband), Kevin, Hunter, cousin Carter (son of Jenn & Dylan).
First time all together since Kelly's birthday in may on the Oregon Coast. We got a babysitter for the kids and headed out to do some cycling and pub'ing.
First thing... to get the guys warmed up a tasting session at the Oregon Distillery.... warmed up is an understatement with some of the whiskey tastings. One referred to as Pirates whiskey had quite the kick!
Next stop, a quick beer at Crux along with tasty taco's from El Sancho (at Crux)
Now that we were ready for some cycle pub action we met up with the ladies to begin the cycle pub! Thanks to Erin for some great shots from the cycle pub.
This year Hunter, Noah and Abbie were able to do swim team in the summer. Thanks to Papa for the great photos!
Some shots of Hunter
Some shots of Noah
Some shots of Abbie
