Kyle's parents are currently working in Bend. We have missed visiting there since they started being the traveling co-managers for a retirement community (and thus, moved away from Bend), so we decided we better go while we could! Last weekend was supposed to be beautiful weather, so we left Friday afternoon and headed up there. We were not disappointed! We got there around 8:00 p.m. and enjoyed visiting with Tutu and Grandpa before putting the kids to bed and playing some games.
Saturday after breakfast, Kyle took the kids to a great park while I relaxed while Andon took a nap, then we headed into downtown Bend for an Earth Day parade. Let me tell you, it was a classic "Earthy Oregon" type parade. We could have joined in if we wanted! It was very simple with lots of people dressed up in "earth day-esque" costumes. some playing drums, etc. It was over in about five minutes, but the kids had fun checking out all the unique costumes. Then we walked around some community booths set up for the event and the kids ran through this bike rodeo course a couple of times because they loved it. Then we headed back to Kyle's parent's community for lunch.
After lunch, we headed down to our family's favorite little beach along the Deschutes River. Kylene and Spencer remembered it and were so excited to go back. Skyler just wanted to go to "the beach." We spent about three hours playing and splashing and building. They didn't want to leave. It was a gorgeous day and felt sooo good to be in the sunshine. I went for a walk along the river for awhile, which was so peaceful. Andon slept part of the time, then enjoyed watching all the happenings. He didn't like at all, however, when Kyle put his feet in the cold, snow-runoff water!
Saturday evening the kids were exhausted. After dinner, we let them eat popcorn and watch a movie while the adults played some games and chatted.
Sunday we enjoyed a relaxing morning together, then went to the top of Aubrey Butte to see the beautiful 360 degree view from the top, then headed to church. After church we enjoyed a yummy lunch before heading home.
Since Kyle's parent's work and live at a retirement community, all their meals are provided and served in a dining area. So that is where we ate our meals. You can only imagine what a stir four young kids in a dining room full of approximately 100 senior citizens creates! We are quite the spectacle! (Side comment: One of my favorite things to see as you walk in is the line-up of "walkers" along the dining room wall...kind of reminds me a line-up of strollers at a park! It is darling!) The residents love coming up to us, meeting us, and interacting with the kids. They love talking to them and seeing their reactions. Skyler was a total flirt with a tableful of ladies at almost every meal: he would cover his eyes then peek at them, then smile and wave, etc., etc. Kyle would take Skyler over to say "hi" and he would give them all high fives or a handshake. It was darling. They loved getting Andon to smile at them and a couple even wanted to hold him. One man insisted and held him with him in his wheelchair. I love that my children are having the opportunity to interact and be comfortable around elderly people. Everyone at the community loves Kyle's parents and they do such a good job serving and helping them. I also love the added bonus of not having to cook for two straight days and being served restaurant style. The kids loved all the choices and especially the dessert cart every night! So it works out really well for an affordable, fun family vacation.
It was a fabulous weekend and so nice to get away for a few days!
Today, however, we got to stay home and work, work, work. (Which, by the way, I also love.) We did a ton of yard work, Kyle helped a family move in around the corner, and we started getting the garden ready for planting. The kids worked and played hard helping a little in the yard (Skyler worked his heart out in the yard, which he loves.) and riding their bikes and playing with the neighbor kids. We also found two great bikes on Craigslist for Kyle and me! Yay for great deals on Craigslist. We are looking forward to family bike rides on the trails around Wilsonville. Now we just need to get a bike trailer for Skyler and Andon to ride in. The boys have been fighting coughs and haven't been sleeping very well, so I'm hoping to only have to get up once to feed Andon tonight. (I realized a few days ago that it's been at least eight months since I have slept through the night; oh, the life of a mom with a newborn! I always say someday when I finally am able to sleep, I won't be able to because I'll be too old! Ha ha.) (Whoever says they wish they could "sleep like a baby" had no idea what they were talking about. Why would anyone want to sleep like a baby?!) (Okay, I'll stop my tangents now! It must be late!)
Today, however, we got to stay home and work, work, work. (Which, by the way, I also love.) We did a ton of yard work, Kyle helped a family move in around the corner, and we started getting the garden ready for planting. The kids worked and played hard helping a little in the yard (Skyler worked his heart out in the yard, which he loves.) and riding their bikes and playing with the neighbor kids. We also found two great bikes on Craigslist for Kyle and me! Yay for great deals on Craigslist. We are looking forward to family bike rides on the trails around Wilsonville. Now we just need to get a bike trailer for Skyler and Andon to ride in. The boys have been fighting coughs and haven't been sleeping very well, so I'm hoping to only have to get up once to feed Andon tonight. (I realized a few days ago that it's been at least eight months since I have slept through the night; oh, the life of a mom with a newborn! I always say someday when I finally am able to sleep, I won't be able to because I'll be too old! Ha ha.) (Whoever says they wish they could "sleep like a baby" had no idea what they were talking about. Why would anyone want to sleep like a baby?!) (Okay, I'll stop my tangents now! It must be late!)
