The kids started summer swamp (vbs) today. They had fun and are looking forward to tomorrow.
We spent Memorial Day together and enjoyed the great spring weather doing a family hike along the south canyon loop segment of the Deschutes River Trail system south of the Old Mill area. It was about 3.5 miles so a good hike for little PJ.
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
The Lego Man on Christmas morning
Hunting with Papa
Lunch at the Old Mill
Dinner and jazz at the Oxford
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!!!
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
This year we spent Thanksgiving with our good friends the Lovejoys. We have known the Lovejoys since Boise and lost touch with them until we ran into them a couple summers ago at the swimming pool. They have 3 boys the same ages as our children. They live in the community we will be building in. We spent all day with them and into the night. The kids played in the snow and took turns riding the child size snow mobile. It didn't go very fast and the Lovejoy boys towed our kids all over their property. They had a wonderful time.
Here are some pictures of our fun day. We took some pictures on the way to their house of our lot with the pretty snow and deer on the property. It was a cold but beautiful day in Bend. So much to be thankful for. ❤
This year Hunter, Noah and I decided to do the thanksgiving 'I like Pie' fun run in downtown Bend to support the charity 'Neighborhood Impact' for central Oregon families. It was $5 and 5lbs of food as entry fee. With the early snow and frigid temps this year it turned into more of a walk as the route for the longer runs were not cleared. It was a beautiful crisp morning completed with pie to eat afterwards donated by participants. We will make this an annual tradition - next year we will do the entire family.
We may or may not have a white Christmas this year, but we will have a white Thanksgiving. Over a foot of snow fell in Bend yesterday with only highs in the 20's (F) through the weekend.
First time meeting Charlotte (New baby of Erin & Scott) and we all love her to pieces. We had a wonderful weekend together.
