Flashback to Oregon part one: Eagle Crest!

Our first week in Oregon, we were scooped up by Grandma and Grandpa and taken to the Portland Zoo. It was a lovely day, and despite a bit of tooth pain for Donovan, no one was out of sorts. We got to ride the train through lovely tall trees and hillsides, and for these three Albertans, those forty shades of green were a sight to behold. I breathed deep, tasting the moisture in the air, and then we got off at the rose gardens and all were in bloom. I think the lavender roses spell the sweetest and the spiciest. Soooo fragrant.

Then after checking out several wild animals and taking in a well packed grandma picnic and playground, we ambled back to the motor home and started out towards Mt. Hood and on down toward Eagle Crest.

I don't know if I have ever travelled that highway that winds past Mt. Hood, but it was stunning: so white against such a blue sky. It was like you could reach out and touch it. As we drove away we encountered desert-like rocks and sage -- much like the prairies in Alberta. There were some super sudden deep gorges, and interesting formations.

Finally we reached Eagle Crest, with a view of the Descutes River behind. Gorgeous. The best part for the boys, ( other than all the great food and their own twin beds) was the pool and cousin Heidi.

All the Shepards were there the first couple days, but Heidi got to stay all week long, and the boys couldn't have been happier. I think they swam about 14 times in 7 seven days. We also enjoyed walks, biking, horseshoes, and eating out on the deck. Weston completed one of his voice over jobs with Grandpa's equipment, and the boys even learned how to play pinocle! Well, they know the basics, at least.

We got to do some shopping in nearby Sisters, but mostly we stayed in Eagle Crest and took walks and ate, and ate some more.

It was beautiful weather and the juniper trees were so striking against the blue sky and rich green lawns of the golf course.

I enjoyed the pool a lot too. And liked not having to ever style my hair or wear makeup.

Mom's siblings came and we played lots of cards and shared meal times. They had a surprise cake in honor of her 70th.

Oh yeah, and we did LOTS of puzzles. Well... we worked on a few puzzles... A LOT. That kinda made it seem like Christmas.