Resolutions

Here are the resolutions I've set for myself this year.
1.  Run in at least 5 races in 2012.
2.  Make a new recipe each week.
3.  Update my blog more than once a month.

Happy New Year!

The Boats

Another activity we enjoyed this year was seeing the lights on the boats on the river.  It's a tradition here in Portland for some of the local boat owners to decorate their boats with lights and go up and down the river.  This year we bundled up and headed down to the river.   We were very close to the action.  We went out onto one of the docks and watched as they came out of their small harbor and onto the river.  The boys thought this was so much fun.  We had a great time and hope to make this another one of our Christmas Time traditions.

The Family With Boats

We had a Whale of a Good Time!

On Dasher, On Dancer...

Simon & I Staying Warm

The Spruce Goose Has Landed

Zoo Train

Last weekend we took the family and went to see the zoo lights and ride the zoo train.  We tried to do this last year, but it was raining at each possible time for us to go, so this was our first time.  We knew it was going to be cold, so we bundled up as best we could.  The boys were troopers, and although they were cold, the 2 older boys held it together for the sake of the train ride.  Simon fussed a bit, but he soon felt better after we warmed up his shoes and warmed his feet.

When we got there, the line was really long to ride the train.  I think that people must view this as some kind of tradition, and so many people stand in the over hour long line.  It reminded me much of the lines at Disneyland because the train ride itself only lasts about 10 minutes.  So the grandparents stood in line and we took the boys and walked around a bit.  We got some hot chocolate and tried to keep ourselves warm.  Then we stood in line for that last half hour to ride the train.  After the train ride, we headed home.  It was a fun family tradition, and if we can brave the cold, we might return again next year.

Waiting for Tickets

Joelle Keeps Simon Busy

Simon & Jeff

Daniel Tries to be Brave

Sam Waits for the Train

Some Lights

A Few More Lights

Christmas Time

I've really always enjoyed the holiday season, or even just any holiday for that matter.  Recently we enjoyed going out and getting our tree and bringing it home to decorate.  I think we may have gotten our biggest tree yet this year.  Perhaps next year we'll select one a little smaller.  We also enjoyed making some holiday cookies.  I love to bake if I have the time, and what better excuse than the holidays.  Happy Holidays!

The guys and the tree

Simon helps in the selection process

Placing Ornaments

Putting up the star

Finished Tree

Cookie Making

Thansgiving 2011

This year for Thanksgiving we went to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho to see my parents.  It's about a 6 hour drive with a couple of stops along the way.  The boys do okay with this trip, although they are always happy when it's over and we arrive.  We left after Daniel was out of school on Wednesday and drove over.  We were met with happy grandparents and a warm dinner before heading to bed.  Thanksgiving morning it was nice to wake up and even sleep in a little.  I always enjoy watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.  Jeff says his favorite part is seeing Santa, knowing the end of the parade is near.  But he's gracious enough to let me watch it.  It's also great to have my mom making dinner and I get to relax a bit.  Jeff and I took a walk before dinner to prep for the eating.  Thanksgiving dinner was yummy.  We had a Fri-Chick Stuffing, potatoes, cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, sweet potatoes, bread, and of course pumpkin and apple pie.  Friday morning my mom and I headed out to do some Christmas shopping.  We were not one of those who got up in the middle of the night to catch the deals.  I love my sleep too much to give that up.  But we did head out and caught a couple of deals.  Friday my sister and the cousins came over to play.  The boys love seeing their cousins, and that's fun for them.  Saturday we spent with my family again.  And in the evening Jeff and I went out and did a little Christmas shopping of our own.  Sunday we headed back home.  It was a wonderful Thanksgiving!  I hope yours was too!

The Family

Daniel & I

Grandma & Sam

Sam, Grandpa & Daniel

Emma & Simon

Daniel & Sam

A Day in Eugene

One might not think a day in Eugene, OR is very exciting, but think again!  Recently we found ourselves there.  Jeff was giving a presentation for ACP on a Thursday evening, so after I picked up Daniel from school, the boys and I drove down there to join him.  Friday we had the day to ourselves.  For Duck fans, like ourselves, we knew right away that we wanted to go visit the Duck Store and the Oregon Campus.  It was a beautiful sunny day.  We enjoyed walking around.  We took a few pics to commemorate the occasion.

In Front of the "O"

In Front of a Statue: The Pioneer

The Boys & Their Giant Leaves

A Past Look

About a month ago, I attended my 20 year high school reunion from Upper Columbia Academy.  It's hard for me to believe that I've been out of high school for 20 years.  20 sounds like such a big number, and yet I really don't feel as old as it sounds.  I remember when I was in high school and saw people coming back for their 10, 20, or 30 year reunions.  I thought they were so old.  Now, I guess it's my turn to be considered old, although I certainly don't feel it.

I went a couple of days early to spend some extra time with some friends.  It was so neat to see people that I hadn't seen in a long time.   I found it very comfortable to start conversations with my former classmates, although I haven't talked to some of them in years.  It was interesting to hear about what life has been like for them over the years.  I also really enjoyed seeing the children of my classmates.  When I stop and think about it, it seems so weird that now we are raising kids and preparing them for life in high school and beyond.

Here's a look at our reunion.

Our Class at the Reunion

Me, Hannah, Tiffany & Kristin

Hannah & I