The Hunt

Each year the three of us set out to find that ever elusive perfect Christmas Tree.  By set out, I mean go to the local u-cut farm and traverse the field for a nicely groomed Noble!!  I have learned over the last few years that this is no simple task for my wife.  We could spend days out there looking at trees!  This year we had Bryson strapped into the hiking pack and riding on my back.  I was hopeful that he would be a good reason to hurry things along, oh and the 35 degree weather.  All-in-all, it only took us about an hour and a half this year...and we ended up getting the first tree that we tagged, after looking at about 20 others of course!  Along the we had a some good laughs, great pictures, and created some new memories.  Even though I grumble a little about the time and can't feel my toes by the end, I look forward to the tree hunt each year.

Rio del Sol

 

Every other year we blaze a trail over Mt. Hood to Rio del Sol, for you flat-landers that is Sunriver, for Thanksgiving.  This is a bi-annual trip with the in-laws and their side of the family.  Over the course of the weekend we eat, drink, shop, nap, play games, hot tub, hit the mountain, play in the snow and then find time to relax.  This year was no different.  This also marked the first year for Bryson to join the festivities.  We had a great little house on the North end of Sunriver and couldn't have asked for better weather, a little more snow would have been nice, but I'm not complaining.  There were so many fun times, I'll just have to show you a few...

 Bryson loves his wagon so much we couldn't leave home without it.  He pushed it all over our house, the driveway, the backyard, really anywhere he could.

 When not pushing his wagon around he was content with hiding behind the trees.  Peek-a-boo is one of his favorites and the trees were a great hiding spot, especially when Auntie Elizabeth was trying to find him!!

 The day after Thanksgiving it is tradition for the Sunriver Resort Lodge to hold their "Grand Illumination".  They have the trees and grounds all decorated with lights but have not turned them on yet.  They have a mini parade complete with Frosty the Snowman, a Gingerbread Man, Elves, and of course Santa.  After receiving a call from the Sunriver airport that something was spotted flying over but was not in the flight log there was a red firework (I mean Santa) and then the float with the sleigh on it rolled in.  The kids loved it, Bryson was kind of like whatever, it was 30 degrees at this point!  We had a great time and then took the opportunity for some fun pictures with the Christmas lights.

 This year, Thanksgiving weekend happened to also be CIVIL WAR weekend.  Being a bunch of Beaver grads and die hard fans we came prepared.  We made our way over to Doug and Diane's house for the game, where unfortunately there were a few Duck fans!!  The game started off great for the Beavs but as is custom for the Ducks, they wore us down and ran away with the game.  It's alright, good effort fellas, gotta let those Ducks feel good about something every once-in-a-while!

 Before heading back over the mountain we wanted to take advantage of the festive decorations and try and get a "Christmas card" photo.  We ventured around the lodge taking pictures until we finally found just the one.  Really nobody wants to see Em and I in the picture anyway, it's all about Bryson!  The weekend wouldn't have been complete however, if Bryson wasn't able to really check out the mystery of the Nutcracker!  This was hilarious and we were fortunate to catch this with the camera, what a silly little guy!

 All in all, Sunriver was a great trip.  We were able to spend quality time with lots of fun family and actually relax for bit.  As we were leaving we were already talking about what house we might get in two years and how big Bryson will be on that trip.  Anytime spent with family is a time for memories to be made, this was another great example of that!

Lookin' in the Rear View Mirra (thanks Uncle Wayne)

Over the last year the three of us have been on a few little "State-cations".  Here are a few pictures from around the great Northwest as I get ready to start "really blogging" after the new year.

SPRING:

Sunset near Lincoln City, OR

SUMMER:

Sunriver, OR


Fun with the tripod, glowsticks, golf clubs, and shutter speed.


Rockaway Beach, OR (sepia)


Rockaway Beach, OR


Sparkler fun. Way to be brave Josh!


Sparkler fun on the 4th of July!


Somebody stopped pulling the wagon!

FALL:

Gotta love Portland (and Photoshop)


Dock on the Eastbank Esplanade, Portland, OR


Downtown Portland, OR


Downtown Portland, OR


Oregon City Municipal Elevator, Oregon City, OR


Train tracks in Aurora, OR


Train tracks in Aurora, OR


Train tracks in Aurora, OR


Pikes Market, Seattle, WA

WINTER:

Havin' some fun with the lights.


Peek-a-boo!


Check out those chompers!

Now that I have been able to throw out a few of my shots from the last year I will stay on top of this blog. I hope to post something new every couple of weeks. Keep your fingers crossed!!

Nick
Red Wagon Photography