Donaldson Crew Adventures

Memorial Day Long weekend 2016.

Saturday we did work around the house so after church today we decided to go explore a new location in the area.  We decided to head down to LaPine State Park, which is about 25-30 minutes South of Bend off Highway 97.  

Our first site was the 'Big Tree'.  It is the largest (by circumference) Douglas fir tree in the World.  It used to be the largest in girth and in height but a storm knocked the top over many years ago, so that honor is taken by a tree in northern California.  

After visiting the Big Tree we went for our first every family mountain bike ride on the Fall River loop that departs from the McGregor Overlook parking area.  A 4.75 mile ride mostly flat with a few ups and downs.  Along the way  Hunter, Noah and I did the small offshoot to see Fall River Falls.

It was just an ordinary Wednesday and I was running around getting things done before the kids got home from school. I was just pulling into the car wash and got a text with a picture of my whole family on a plane and the text said, "Surprise, we are coming for your birthday!" I was so over the moon excited that I could hardly stand it. It was one of those moments I will never forget. I had no idea they would come to celebrate my birthday. I felt so incredibly loved. I am one blessed woman! So grateful to call them mine.

The video captures the fun time we had together in Depoe Bay. 

LuLu came to visit and over theweekend we went to an Earth Day parade in town where people dressed up as different kinds of animals. We all got to talking about what animal we are going to dress up as in next year's parade.

On Sunday we headed to Portland to OMSI (Oregon Mesuem of Science and Industry). They had many hands on exhibits for the kids along with educational Imax and plaentarium shows. We had a fun day learning all kinds of scientific things.

This weekend we took the kids to Marvel Live in Portland.  The live action production of the marvel super heroes.  Kids thought it was so cool!

Today it was cold and clear.  My buddy Mark wanted to know if I was interested in heading up for a half day of back country skiing, so we headed to Tumalo mountain.  I took the boys up here this past summer (2015) but this is my first winter trip to the top and skiing down the bowl on the north side. (2nd back country trip with skins since getting the equipment)

To celebrate the first day of 2016, we decided to go sledding at the Wanoga snow park in the Cascades about half way to Mt Bachelor from Bend.  Here are some additional video's below.

The Christmas holidays went much too fast and before we knew it LuLu and Papa were headed back home. We had such a memorable time together. The kids said it was their best Christmas ever. They love spending time with their grandparents and can't wait for the next time we are all together.

Here are just a few snap shots of the fun week we had.

Christmas Eve Skiing- First time on the slopes for Preston

Christmas Eve family gift giving

Preston's class singing a reindeer song. He is the little reindeer in the back on the right. He even waves at the end. Cutest little reindeer EVER!!!

1. Download Video_1.MOV

Erin and Charlotte got a last minute ticket and came to visit. This was a surprise to the Donaldson children. As they walked in the door from school little Charlotte sat next to the Christmas tree propped up on pillows waiting for them. It was priceless to see their surprised happy little faces as they spotted Charlotte.

Charlotte got to experience snow for the first time while she was here. We made sure to get some pictures so she can say she has seen snow.

We had a very fun full week. Erin asked if the 3 older kids could each take off a day of school so they could have a special day with just her. She took Hunter to a pottery place to paint and then for a big hamburger for lunch. Noah had day watching a Christmas movie followed by lunch at his favorite Mexican restaurant and ending with making a gingerbread house. Abbie had a fun day going to IHOP for breakfast and to Target for an afternoon of shopping around. While Erin took the time to make each one of our children feel special, I got to stay at home with little Charlotte. She is an angel and such a blessing. I enjoyed cuddling, rocking and kissing my sweet niece. I cherished our time together.

Another fun outing we did was going to a live nativity, called "Journey to Bethlehem." We got to walk around and see live animals, Roman guards and people who lived in Bethlehem. It was so well done and it was special for the kids to see what the town of Bethlehem was like when Jesus was born.

We spent a day ice skating in Sun River and had the whole ice rink to our selves. This is the first year we all got to ice skate. Preston is officially able to participate in our family outings without being carried. We also got to see all the gingerbread houses that are put up at the Sun River lodge. We found Abbie's class and she was so proud to show us the one she made.

What a fun and special time with had with Erin. We were sad to see them go. We look forward to the next time we are together. We love you Auntie Erin and Charlotte. Thank you for the wonderful time.

Pictures included in the gallery:

• Journey to Bethlehem
• Special days with Auntie Erin
• Charlotte's first snow day!
• A day in Sun River where we got to see Abbie's ginger bread house from school displayed
• View from the lodge in Sunriver with new snow
• Ice skating