Bethany and I went hiking to the top of Multomah Falls today, a feat I haven't done probably since high school...or a long time anyways. It was absolutely freezing, lots of cold wind to start, but by the time we got to the top we were taking off gloves and unzipping jackets. It was such a fun day to reminisce and spend time together, catching up on life and talking about our futures. Old friends are amazing!
I spent the last two nights at my brother's house in Salem and got to play with the kids which is always fantastic. This morning we went on a walk while Josh scootered (that's a verb, right?) and Emily rode her new bike with handlebar brakes and gears...they are getting so big! John even tried out the scooter and looked all grown-up too! Lots of cuddling and playing and shopping and some more cuddling! It was foggy and freezing most of the morning and apparently snow is on its way for the weekend...it is cold! Hard to believe I will be back in warm weather in 1.5 weeks, this time has gone so fast!
We had a fun Christmas Day. It started with oatmeal pancakes, pepper bacon, cinnamon rolls, and hashbrowns...the best way to start any day! We followed that with a lovely run while it wasn't raining, then came back and played with toys and napped for awhile. Later in the afternoon we went to my grandparents for more fun and eating and present opening. We were entertained by always-tear-producing sword fighting, snowball decorating, a family game by Emily and me, and catching up with family.
We did Christmas at my parents house tonight and had a really nice time. My mom made a huge dinner with a whole chicken each, well, it really was a little hen but it was big enough to be a chicken! We opened lots of presents and the kids got to play and try out all the new things. Christmas is so fun with kids, to see their excitement and smiles. Basil also enjoyed Christmas and got some new kitty treats, but still prefers poundcake!
If you've put your pin on my map, add your name and a photo so I can see who you are...all I get is a little yellow dot and don't know who anyone is apart from myself and Dennis. I want to know who is where, so add some details! Thanks.
Happy Birthday to both sisters-in-law Abby and Hannah, I hope you both have a really specail day!
The little Dixon crew
I got to have dinner with Brandon and Alison and their little baby Jack on Monday and it was so nice. It really is hard to believe we've all grown up so much, I mean really, Brandon...with a baby!!! They seem to be doing amazingly well though and it was so nice to chat and catch up and, of course, cuddle on their baby! Their blog is to the right to see even more pictures of their cute Jack.
Basil continues to kill all sorts of things...and bring them inside. Most recently was a cute little snow bird. The problem seems to be that he is too excited to bring the thing in and hasn't quite finished it off yet. So feathers of all sorts were flying around as Basil toyed with the little one. Finally my mom put the bird, now dead, outside along with all his feathers. He's a good cat, really, and he's great when he kills mice...but cute birds??!!
This is one of the great things about being back in Oregon...Mt. Hood. It is so beautiful. All the photos were taking from my parent's deck in the morning.
So my mom volunteers on the disaster team for Red Cross and has been on call all week. It's been fun to see her work and how the whole program functions. She spent all day Saturday on the phone with people who didn't have electricity due to the storm and others worried about family members. I got to go to a fire call with her one night and see her in action. It was fun to see her work with the family and how efficient she is at getting everything together.
Friday after getting back from Salem with the kids...it snowed!! It was very exciting to see all the snow, even if there wasn't that much. Along with the wind and cold weather, it's caused a few problems with electricity (and internet) for quite a few people. I feel like I've warped into another world...just a few weeks ago I was in tank tops and excited the weather was cooling in the DR, now I'm FREEZING and hoping it'll warm up soon! I put on my running shoes shortly after to take advantage of the change in climate...and who can turn down a run in the snow?
The kids had fun catching the snow/hail in their mouths
Emily attempting to ice skate on the front porch.
We were treated on Friday to the Christmas ABC's and a few Christmas songs by Josh and his preschool class. They were all so cute, I haven't seen that many cameras in a long time as every kid had at least one, if not more, people taking pictues. It was fun to be around and get to be a part of it all!
(The lights through the streets of Portland and Pioneer Courthouse Square with the big Christmas tree)
