Let it snow, let it snow!

We had an early snowfall on the mountain this year. Two feet accumulated by October 27! So, we took advantage of early release from school and went and played in it for a couple hours. The girls loved it! Unfortunately, we learned that Alyssa had outgrown her snow boots and their current gloves are not waterproof. We made do, but will have to be better prepared for next time.

We are hoping the snow sticks around this year and that the ski areas get a good head start and stay open!

Early this month, our family was able to get away for a few days to Central Oregon. Since we had to postpone our August vacation, we took advantage of our beautiful autumn to relax at Eagle Crest. The girls were pulled out of school for a few days, but they didn't seem to mind.

The first few nights we had a small chalet that bordered a private greenspace with a pond. The girls enjoyed running around there, jumping the little creek and climbing the rocks.

Eagle Crest is home to our favorite mini golfing course of all time. The girls enjoyed it too, although it was challenging.

Lauren had her own technique of pushing the ball along with her club.

One of the best burgers in the country is here at Pilot Butte Drive-in. A must stop for the burger lover.

We enjoyed a stop at the Central Oregon Pumpkin Company where we wandered through the corn maze, petted animals, ate funnel cakes and rode the animal train (tractor ride).

Getting lost in the corn maze.

Pumpkin Cannon!

Baby Pygmy goat- so cute!

One week old baby lambs. I had no idea they were born with long tails!

Picking out a pumpkin.

The Central Oregon Pumpkin Company is near stunning Smith Rock State Park.

We had to opportunity to visit Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch, near Tumalo, Or. This organization rescues horses and also works with troubled children. The founder, Kim Meeder, has written three excellent books and has also been featured more than once on Focus on the Family, with Dr. James Dobson.

This horse was rescued after being found standing for several weeks in chest high water from hurricane Katrina.

A swing made from one of those metal round turning things (name????) that you would normally hook horses to. One swings on each of the four arms, someone grabs a rope in the middle and pulls it around. Lauren loved it!

Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch repair and workshop. Children get to have hands on learning with building and small projects here.

The girls loved having our own hot tub off the back deck. Harry and I enjoyed it at night with all the amazing stars brilliantly shining.

It was wonderful to get away as a family and stop at some of our favorite spots in Central Oregon. Now, to buckle back down to the school year.