Thursday, September 27, 2007

Timberline Lodge at Mt. Hood

On Dan's lask weekend before he had to return to school, we got the itchin' to play in some snow. We decided to drive to Mt. Hood and hike up to some of the glaciers. We had a great time! We went on a tour of Timberline lodge, which I found fascinating. It was built in 1937 under the WPA act durring the Great Depression. It took them 18 months to build, and the workers were some of the best in their fields. I was also impressed by their resourcefulness...I'll explain, but here are some pictures as we go!





These benches are not the originals, but were made just like the orginals in that they are made out of leather. The thought was that the skiiers could drip-dry on them, instead of having the water ruin cushions or other chairs.

The chains in front of the fire pit were made from the chains from snow tires, and the cool iron decoration coming out of the fire pit is actually made from a railroad track, that was slowly beaten into the spiral that you see. It took two weeks to make a pair of spirals.

This stair post is made from a telephone pole and is found at each landing of the lodge with a neat carving on top.

This mosaic found at the entrance of the lodge is made from stain glass windows. Some colors weren't available or limited. You can't see it very well in the picture, but there's a skunk, who has a black body and a brown head, because they ran out of black windows. The drinking fountain was orginally the lodge's ash tray, but has now been transformed into the drinking fountain.


After touring the lodge, we were starving, so we decided to eat at a restraunt in the bar. I had my first boca burger. No offense to anyone out there, but I'll stick to my meat. :) I have to point out Chelsea's tongue. I'm not sure where she learned it, but for some reason, whenever I take her picture, she does that. Must be some of her creative friends at preschool.....




Finally, we set off on our quest for snow. It was a pretty tough hike for the kids, but they made it. There wasn't much snow, but Chelsea was able to make her snow-man, so she was happy. Michael had a hard time standing on the snow without slipping, but he too had a blast. I think we'll definitaly have to live somewhere where we can play in the snow. We had a great trip, and plan to return later this winter when there is plentiful snow to play in!

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Chelsea recently started piano lessons with me. She was doing exceptionally well this morning, so I just had to record her. What's a proud mama to do?! :)

Sunday, September 2, 2007

Melts your heart.....



When I came down the stairs one morning, I found Chelsea reading Michael my favorite story.."Llama Llama Red Pajama". I love it when they play together.


This is what I found when I came out of my room one day. Thanks to Dan's artwork, Michael had a black eye, earings, and stiches above his eye. Hopefully this will never come to be...although he's still pretty cute. :)

Homemade hot tub



This summer in Portland has been a little dissapointing. It never got hot enough to warm up the kids pool, so Dan attached the hose to our kitchen faucet and filled the pool with hot water. The kids really liked it and Michael even fell asleep in it!

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Over night Hike

Dan took me on an over night hike. We were able to leave the kids at Grandma and Grandpa's house. We only had about 3 days and 2 nights, so we were able to go 18 miles. The weather was perfect. Dan had everything planned out from meals to gear to entertainment. The meals were delicious! I never though I would like freeze dried food so much! WE had lasanga, Bacon & eggs, chicken & rice, and a raspberry cookie dessert just to name a few. We had such a blast! On our hike, we saw a black bear about 20 yards away, 2 HUGE elk, some snakes, and I got stung my two yellow jackets at the last 1/2 mile. It was the most relaxing vacation I have ever been on. Thanks Dan!

Friday, August 24, 2007

Kids say the funniest things...

So tonight when we were picking up her room, Chelsea noticed the humidifier in her closet. She asked if she could use it "this night". I told her we only use it when we are sick. She says "Like when we have a headache?"
"No, like when we get a cold" I told her.
Then being the know-it-all that she is, she says "Or like when we get a Hot!"