Christmas in Dairyville

We went to the Alpenrose Christmas in Dairyville with my mom.  It was cold and raining so we didn’t stay long and spent most of our time in Storybook Lane.  Henry’s favorites were the lambs and chickens.  He kept shoving his head between the fencing to get a better look at the lambs and later broke away from us to run back to see the chickens and tried to open the door to their cage.  

Madsen Tree Farm

Brody’s family tradition for getting a Christmas tree is to drive out to Madsen Tree Farm just outside Eugene.  This year, while we were in Eugene for the weekend we decided to help Sue and Jim pick out their tree.  Henry liked the trees and especially enjoyed watching as the tree was shaken and bound.

So far he hasn’t been into the tree at our house or the one at Grandma and Grandpas, which is a little surprising.  He will touch a few of the lower branches and pull a little on the lights and maybe try grabbing at a few ornaments but not with the determination and persistence that he has for the remote, phones or anything in the kitchen cabinets. 

The highlight from the weekend was the new train set at Grandma and Grandpas that has a remote control, which Henry loves to operate.  He is a little hesitant to play with the train while it is moving and wants to hold one of our hands when he crosses the tracks.  

Holiday Fair (LOMC)

Since moving home I have been trying to figure out what activities are offered in the area for Henry and I to do.  The Lake Oswego Mom’s Club sponsored a Holiday Fair for the community so we thought we would check it out with my friend Beth and her daughter Annie.  They had vendors selling holiday gifts, snacks, cupcake decorating as well as pictures with Santa.   Henry got his picture with Santa but I think the Santa at Macy’s downtown was better.   

My favorite part of the fair was the huge containers of fake snow that the kids were playing in with buckets and shovels like sand boxes.   It was supper soft and feels cold when you touch it.   It was the coolest stuff I have every seen.  Its called SnoWonder.   

Thanksgiving

Henry spent his first Thanksgiving back in Portland with family. It has been three years since the last time we had Thanksgiving with family and it was a wonderful day. We have only been back in our house for a week, but wanted to host so we didn't have to leave the house and so Henry could nap in this own room.  While Henry did not love the turkey, he certainly enjoyed the company. His favorite food of the day had to be the pumpkin pie with whip cream.

We have a lot to be thankful for this year!

Halloween

We didn’t go Trick-or-Treating this year because Henry is too small but the City of LO had a Harvest Festivle that started at 3:30 and included games, crafts and some candy from local businesses.  We went with my friend Amber and her 2 kids Jacoby and Nia.  Henry loved watching all the kids dressed up and while we didn’t participate in any games or crafts we watched intently.  We can’t wait until next year.  

Brody's new job

Here is Brody on his first day of work at NW Natural Gas.   After over 11 years at PwC, Brody decided to take the leap from public accounting to the corporate side.  Since we had only been back from London for a few days I had to take Brody to work and this was the only picture he would let me take.

He is so excited about his new job and looking forward to a new challenge. 

These are a few of my favorite things

Over the past couple of weeks I have been taking a few pictures of some of the things we have enjoyed in our neighborhood.

Our local coffee shop.

Bishops park which is a couple of blocks from our flat.
Henry loves the swings and watching all the older kids play.  We walk to the park at least once a day.

Our local butcher.  They are always so helpful and offer inspiration when I'm looking for something different for dinner.

yummy Italian delicatessen - we love their fresh pasta, chicken parmesan and tiramisu.