We had a quiet Christmas - the very best kind...
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
We were able to spend Thanksgiving with Dan, again, this year. We flew from here to Las Vegas and rented a car for the 5 hour drive to La Quinta, CA. Dan is working for FedEx but was able to get the Wednesday before Thanksgiving off so we had 2 full days to spend with him. The weather was perfect with blue skies and temps in the 70's. Much to be thankful for, for sure!
Amy's 4th Nutcracker is now history. She danced 3 roles this year - Snow Doll, Snowflake and Flower. The Snow Doll role was part solo and part duet with the Sugar Plum Doll, danced by her friend, Adrienne (pictured below)
The role of Herr Drosselmeyer has been played by the same woman for 26 years - here's a pic of Amy and her friend, Emma with a tired Drosselmeyer after the 3rd performance.
Below is Amy pictured with her friend, Sarah Jane. Sarah Jane has her Snow Queen costume on but she also was the Sugar Plum Fairy at the Saturday evening performance. All this fall, Amy has been learning and practicing the title roles of Snow Queen & Sugar Plum Fairy along with Sarah Jane. Her teacher has told Amy that he is getting her ready for next year - so we'll just have to wait and see.
Amy's 4th Nutcracker is now history. She danced 3 roles this year - Snow Doll, Snowflake and Flower. The Snow Doll role was part solo and part duet with the Sugar Plum Doll, danced by her friend, Adrienne (pictured below)
The role of Herr Drosselmeyer has been played by the same woman for 26 years - here's a pic of Amy and her friend, Emma with a tired Drosselmeyer after the 3rd performance.
Below is Amy pictured with her friend, Sarah Jane. Sarah Jane has her Snow Queen costume on but she also was the Sugar Plum Fairy at the Saturday evening performance. All this fall, Amy has been learning and practicing the title roles of Snow Queen & Sugar Plum Fairy along with Sarah Jane. Her teacher has told Amy that he is getting her ready for next year - so we'll just have to wait and see.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Someone - who shall remain nameless - gave Charlie a new set of eyebrows. He was not amused.
A recent sunrise from our back deck. Beautiful...
Amy attended the Homecoming Dance at Bend High with a few of her girlfriends.
She's 15!!! And, in Oregon, that means you can take the test for your drivers permit. So far she hasn't asked to go take the test. We will keep you advised!
Dan & I had another opportunity to see a Duck game. This year it was against Washington State. On Friday, Dan attended his meeting with the U of O Advisory Board for the College of Arts & Sciences while I shopped in Eugene. We had dinner that night at the Deans house then got up Saturday morning ready for Game Day. The Presidents Pre-game reception is always a treat but viewing a game in Autzen Stadium can't be beat. Enjoy the slideshow.
A recent sunrise from our back deck. Beautiful...
Amy attended the Homecoming Dance at Bend High with a few of her girlfriends.
She's 15!!! And, in Oregon, that means you can take the test for your drivers permit. So far she hasn't asked to go take the test. We will keep you advised!
Dan & I had another opportunity to see a Duck game. This year it was against Washington State. On Friday, Dan attended his meeting with the U of O Advisory Board for the College of Arts & Sciences while I shopped in Eugene. We had dinner that night at the Deans house then got up Saturday morning ready for Game Day. The Presidents Pre-game reception is always a treat but viewing a game in Autzen Stadium can't be beat. Enjoy the slideshow.
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Monday, October 3, 2011
Nancy & Jason Barnes September 30, 2011
Our niece, Nancy, was married on September 30th to Jason Barnes. It was a lovely day - their vows were exchanged on the roof deck of the EcoTrust Building in downtown Portland's Pearl District. It was fun, it was nontraditional, it was very spiritfilled, it was totally Nancy & Jason. We were privileged to witness and take part in their special day.
And, to make a great event even better, my brother, Bob and sister-in-law, Holly came to Bend after the wedding. It was a short visit but we thoroughly enjoyed having them in our home and showing them around town.
And, to make a great event even better, my brother, Bob and sister-in-law, Holly came to Bend after the wedding. It was a short visit but we thoroughly enjoyed having them in our home and showing them around town.
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Friday, September 23, 2011
South Sister Trek
This past Tuesday, Dan & I took a long walk. It was a longer walk than our normal hike with the dogs down in the canyon. This was a walk that defines many Central Oregonians. If you have accomplished this walk, many say, you are an official Bendite.
I am talking about the hike up South Sister. This is a 10,000+ foot mountain in our "backyard". It is the easiest and most frequently hiked of the Cascades. Just about 'anybody' can do it - at least, that's what if been told. Well, Dan has done it - twice - but, I guess, I am still a slacker.
Actually, we started out knowing that we didn't have time to reach the top. We had to be at school @ 2:45 to pick up Amy. It generally takes at least 5 hours to reach the top and then you do have to come back down. So, we had a convenient excuse to reply to all our fellow hikers when asked if we were headed to the top.
The 1st mile and a half was a steady up hill climb (pretty grueling, actually) till we left the tree line and came out into the open. Then, we were on the flats for a while and I thought - hey, this isn't too bad. When we hit the real steeps I knew I had used up my legs in the beginning 1 1/2 mile. We manged to get to a few of the snow fields and saw some 'spring' flowers just starting to bloom. It was a glorious blue sky day - perfect for our purposes - just to enjoy the beauty of our surroundings and revel in God's creation!
Maybe next year!
I am talking about the hike up South Sister. This is a 10,000+ foot mountain in our "backyard". It is the easiest and most frequently hiked of the Cascades. Just about 'anybody' can do it - at least, that's what if been told. Well, Dan has done it - twice - but, I guess, I am still a slacker.
Actually, we started out knowing that we didn't have time to reach the top. We had to be at school @ 2:45 to pick up Amy. It generally takes at least 5 hours to reach the top and then you do have to come back down. So, we had a convenient excuse to reply to all our fellow hikers when asked if we were headed to the top.
The 1st mile and a half was a steady up hill climb (pretty grueling, actually) till we left the tree line and came out into the open. Then, we were on the flats for a while and I thought - hey, this isn't too bad. When we hit the real steeps I knew I had used up my legs in the beginning 1 1/2 mile. We manged to get to a few of the snow fields and saw some 'spring' flowers just starting to bloom. It was a glorious blue sky day - perfect for our purposes - just to enjoy the beauty of our surroundings and revel in God's creation!
Maybe next year!
Friday, September 9, 2011
summer's over already??
School started on the 7th so I guess it really is over. July & August seemed to be a blur of ballet classes, performances & camp, and more classes. We did get a 2 week break at the end of August - one of those weeks we spent in AZ. Here's a quick run down of some summer highlights:
~ thru most of July & August, Amy took ballet class with 3 different schools/instructors so there was lots of scheduling and driving. We are so happy that everything in Bend is within a 15 minute drive. I did a lot of reading while waiting between classes.
~ Our nephew, Mike, was on a cross country trip with 2 college buddies and made a stop in Bend. It was quick but so great to see him and hear some funny stories from his college cohorts.
~ Amy performed in Central Oregon School of Ballet's production of "Giselle"
~ Amy and I went to Portland in late July to join my niece, Nancy, at her wedding dress fitting. We had a great time at lunch and shopping in downtown Portland. I think Amy tried on every dress in the Betsey Johnson store!
I must say, Nan is going to be one spectacular bride! September 30th is the BIG day!
~ In August, we took Amy to Eugene for a week long dance camp at the Eugene Ballet Academy. This camp did not provide any overnight accomodations so we had to get creative. Staying in a motel for 6 nights was not in our budget and driving 2 1/2 hrs over the mountains each way for 6 days did not seem like fun so...
I put together a little advertisement asking for 'volunteers' to take our kid for a week. And the ballet school posted it on the door. We didn't get a response till the day before we were leaving. A lovely family that had a daughter attending the camp stepped up and took Amy into their home. Amy was a bit apprehensive but she ended up having a wonderful time and has made a good friend in the deal.
~ Our big project this summer involved tiling the dining room floor. When we bought our house we knew we would want to replace the crummy carpet eventually and so we started with the smallest room. Of course, Dan did most of the hard labor - and it was alot of work! But it is beautiful - so worth the effort. Now onto the family room...
~ Earlier this year Dan & I started volunteering at The Giving Plate, a local food pantry. Our involvement has gradually increased to the point now that Dan is the Chairman of the Board of Directors. In these hard economic times, we are seeing that more and more people are finding themselves in need of a little help and we have the time and desire to help out. Amy has also found time to get involved, so it is truly a family affair.
~ The last week of August we spent at a time share in Sedona, AZ. Here is a slide show of our trip.
Amy has finished her 1st week of High School. She may even go to her 1st football game tonight - Go Bend High Lava Bears!! -
Of course, Dan is thrilled that college football is finally here. His beloved Ducks didn't fare too well in their opening game but there is always tomorrow!
As Coach Kelly says, "Win the Day!"
~ thru most of July & August, Amy took ballet class with 3 different schools/instructors so there was lots of scheduling and driving. We are so happy that everything in Bend is within a 15 minute drive. I did a lot of reading while waiting between classes.
~ Our nephew, Mike, was on a cross country trip with 2 college buddies and made a stop in Bend. It was quick but so great to see him and hear some funny stories from his college cohorts.
~ Amy performed in Central Oregon School of Ballet's production of "Giselle"
~ Amy and I went to Portland in late July to join my niece, Nancy, at her wedding dress fitting. We had a great time at lunch and shopping in downtown Portland. I think Amy tried on every dress in the Betsey Johnson store!
I must say, Nan is going to be one spectacular bride! September 30th is the BIG day!
~ In August, we took Amy to Eugene for a week long dance camp at the Eugene Ballet Academy. This camp did not provide any overnight accomodations so we had to get creative. Staying in a motel for 6 nights was not in our budget and driving 2 1/2 hrs over the mountains each way for 6 days did not seem like fun so...
I put together a little advertisement asking for 'volunteers' to take our kid for a week. And the ballet school posted it on the door. We didn't get a response till the day before we were leaving. A lovely family that had a daughter attending the camp stepped up and took Amy into their home. Amy was a bit apprehensive but she ended up having a wonderful time and has made a good friend in the deal.
~ Our big project this summer involved tiling the dining room floor. When we bought our house we knew we would want to replace the crummy carpet eventually and so we started with the smallest room. Of course, Dan did most of the hard labor - and it was alot of work! But it is beautiful - so worth the effort. Now onto the family room...
~ Earlier this year Dan & I started volunteering at The Giving Plate, a local food pantry. Our involvement has gradually increased to the point now that Dan is the Chairman of the Board of Directors. In these hard economic times, we are seeing that more and more people are finding themselves in need of a little help and we have the time and desire to help out. Amy has also found time to get involved, so it is truly a family affair.
~ The last week of August we spent at a time share in Sedona, AZ. Here is a slide show of our trip.
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Amy has finished her 1st week of High School. She may even go to her 1st football game tonight - Go Bend High Lava Bears!! -
Of course, Dan is thrilled that college football is finally here. His beloved Ducks didn't fare too well in their opening game but there is always tomorrow!
As Coach Kelly says, "Win the Day!"
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