Back in the beginning of July, it was time for another family reunion in beautiful central Oregon with my mom's side of the family. This year, we made it a road trip and piled the kids in the car after they'd fallen asleep and drove about half of the 840 mile trip while the boys slept. We made it less than 100 miles of Sacramento before getting gas (and therefore Kyle waking up), and appreciated every mile we had behind ourselves before the boys were both up and asking us, "How much longer?!" :)
At the first glimpse of a sunrise, Gavin was up and asking, "Is it happy time?!?!?" Both boys are just so happy to see the sun every day.
We stopped for breakfast in Redding where the landscape was noticeably different and enjoyed the beautiful scenic drive of northern CA, especially the mammoth Mt. Shasta all covered in snow. This little inlet of Lake Shasta was so beautifully green, we had to stop and check it out.
With less than 30 miles to go, we needed our first break. The boys quickly found ways to entertain themselves with stick/light sabers.
We made such good time, we were the first ones there and the boys couldn't contain their excitement about investigating the house and seeing their cousins who were
almost there!! This garage quickly became one of Rudy's favorite places for the week. :) The bikes were moved out and the cousins spread out their toys. This was one heck of a mancave/kids bonus room.
Right away, the kids started on an archaeological dig while Rudy, in the background, started putting line on his fishing rod.
Grandpa love
Bike rides on beautiful trails filled with deer
Deer watching in the distance.
Auntie love
T-ball with Daddy
Swinging on Daddy's homemade tree swing.
"Mommy, it's the Polar Express!!!!" Gavin says.
Cousin train ride courtesy of my Auntie Jan!
So cute!!
Gavin loved riding in the coal car.
The kids could play here at this fun center in the village all day for a small fee. Thanks Grammie!! So very worth it as they had a great time and then crashed at bedtime!
Kyle LOVED jumping and being pulled into a super high jump on this contraption.
Higher!!!
He came down and said, "That was AWESOME!!!!"
Kyle also really enjoyed this climbing wall. He went up to the top to ring the bell while we all watched from below with Gavin so proudly cheering him on!
Yay Kyle!
Daddy and Gavin rode the rails again...
We stayed within walking distance to a very nice park and enjoyed several trips to play there.
The boys with cousin Elissa
Gavie and Mommy
On one of the nights we had all extended family in the area come over for the afternoon and evening. It was really fun to catch up with these wonderful people and meet new little ones.
This was by far the easiest trip we've had as our youngest is almost 4 and the boys played with their cousins from sun up to sun down. :) Love the bond that continues to grow between them all.
A group shot of the youngest cousins
My mom's sister's family
Sisters :)
My family
The bigger cousins, minus a few of us
One of the mornings, my sister and I took our dad out for a bike ride to the local coffee shop.
We spent a very relaxing 3 hours talking, laughing, and reading and coffee-sipping. Such a treat.
While we rode home, we passed the boys at the pool.
Later that night, I snapped a shot of what these boys do most nights...cuddle. It's so precious to watch their brotherly bond.
Cousin fun at the ice cream shop thanks to Auntie Jan for her special treat.
We left for a fun, little, family rafting adventure on the Deschutes River...that turned into a much longer experience than we had anticipated. You'd crack up if you could see the "after" shot! After 3 hours of paddling with young ones in tow, I was sprinting off of this raft!!
Family softball game!
On our drive home, we did a little sight seeing and stopped in at Crater Lake. So beautiful!
Had to stop and touch the snow, too!
We had a great week! Loved all the family time and loved Oregon!!!
