Bend/Fam Jam 2012

We combined a trip to our condo in Bend with Fam Jam this year, taking a much needed 10 days to relax (6 days at 7th Mtn and 4 in Prineville)! The kids rode their bikes around the resort every morning and by the end of the week were cruisin' with no fear what-so-ever (the first couple days were not as such). After our walks we went to the pool until lunch time and naps, then usually back to the pool or playground. One of the last days we took a trip to Elk Lake and rented a motor boat for a few hours. The kids had a ton of fun driving it while Mama and Papa soaked up the views! It is beautiful there. That night we went into town for an outdoor concert which was a great way to end our trip in Bend.

Chillin' by the pool

All of the sudden she is fearless of heights

We had seen these ponies every morning on our bike ride, but this morning the kids got to ride them!

Taking advantage of a "backyard" cook out.

Elk Lake

We rented this power boat for a few hours to toodle around the lake. It's a beautiful lake and the kids had fun driving the boat.

Looking for fish and other things down there. The water was so clear you could see all the way to the bottom.

They have live music on the lake every weekend.

I guess you can get married here.

Downtown Bend listening to music

Brian got Ashley laughing so hard playing the drums on the pizza box

A good place for them and their babies while Mama and Papa packed up

Fam Jam 21012

Each year we learn a little something to make the next even better. Since we decided Prineville was going to be our annual destination and it was going to be hot enough to actually spend time in the lake, we bought a "relaxation station" to anchor in the water, Grammy and Grandpa added a pully system for the boat so we could go in and out from shore easier as well as a "bimini" top. The sun is so intense, is was great to have some shade. I think the most successful addition was my parents renting a cabin overlooking the water. They had a gorgeous view of the lake where we could watch the sunset. The cabin had air conditioning, running water, and a shower in the bathroom. They'll never go back to a tent after this experience! The cabin wasn't big enough for us all, but it was nice to sit in the cool air for a bit. Plus the sink was great for washing dishes! We hauled them all the way up to the cabin every night because it was so much easier than washing them in a tub. We brought a wheelbarrow which made it easier to drag all of our "stuff" from one camp to the next (another thing learned from last year!). Hopefully next year we can get sites a little closer together, we got our excercise, although a good thing from all the food we ate! That is something we've gotten right from the start, we always have such good food. This year... tacos, "omelets in a bag", yummy flank steak marinated and wrapped around asparagus and onion then grilled (Becki and Dallas have the name of this, but I can't remember), turkey clubs, steak, "cowboy casserole" in the Dutch oven, yogurt parfaits, and of course s'mores and all the snacks and goodies in between!

The view from Grammy and Grandpa's cabin. We'll be having that every year from now on, it was gorgeous!

Uncle Dan brought a little activity for the kids. They made tambourines for music night

the crew

Silly kids!

the "relaxation station".

All tuckered out! The cushy boat plus the rocking motion of the waves and he was out!

The kids took a shot at ladder golf.

"Elmo Buddies"

Steve and Steph's addition this year. I say addition because we all used them, maybe the rest of us more than them. We gave them a hard time for bringing these "camping" chairs, but they were actually really comfortable!

Goin' for a stroll with Uncle Dan

Parade

We were in a parade with the kids for 4th of July, but they've never experienced watching a parade since they were little. They figured out real quick how much fun they are, especially with all the candy! They each filled huge bags and had a blast running into the street for the "loot".

Fishing attempt #2

Brian really wanted to go up to North Fork Lake and rent a pontoon boat for the day, but when we got there the store where we rent the boats wasn't gong to open until noon. We figured that was too late, so we decided to make another attempt at catching a fish in small fry lake. They had just stocked the lake the weekend before so we thought for sure we would have a few on the line. No such luck! We did see one jump and one nibbled Ashley's bait, but non for the kids to reel in. Oh, well at least it didn't rain! We had our picnic lunch and then headed back home. Now that we have it all figured out, we'll be a little more prepared for next time!

Blue's Festival

Grammy and Grandpa took us out on the boat the beginning of July. Since the Blue's festival was going on we decided to head downtown and check it out.

Favorite spot

There were so many geese hanging around because of all the boats. We decided to feed a few of them some chips. They were aggressive little fellas and almost jumped into the boat! Only a few minutes went by and we had way too many surrounding the boat. About then we decided it was time to leave!