Spring Break Starts!

Before we talk about anything else we need to announce the arrival of our newest niece, Daphne Rose McKay, who was born on Thursday March 27th and weighed 7 lbs 8 oz. She and Michelle are doing well and should be home today. She is a cutie!Our annual Spring Break adventure has begun. Our grandson Noah came to spend Friday night with us because his birthday is Monday. He and Goni made cupcakes and we ate pizza. We also had to make the trip over to the park for some swinging during one of the breaks in the rain/snow. We headed out for Eagle Crest in Redmond, Oregon at about 2:30 on Saturday. Shelly & Tim and their children Cole & Ellie went with along with Caroline. Weather was rainy and snowy at home and I was worried about the trip over the pass to eastern Oregon. There was lots of snow up on the mountain but the road was mostly bare and wet and we had no problems. We stopped at the Black Bear Inn at Madras and had dinner.

We arrived at the resort and checked into our 3 bedroom condo and unloaded all our stuff. Everyone enjoys going to Eagle Crest each Spring Break and this is our 11th year. There is always lots to do and see with good weather most of the time.

We woke up on Sunday morning to really cold weather and almost an inch of snow on the ground. Forecast is for sunny weather the rest of the week but still in the 20's at night.

Monday: Weather is clear but a little chilly. Goni and I went to an update for our Worldmark membership and received two $25 American Express gift cards. It only took a little over an hour and we've got some spending money! Grover, Tim & Shelly went over to the ball field to help Cole practice his baseball skills before lunch.

We had a big lunch and then went for a hike along the Deschutes River. We found some interesting views and creatures along the way.

In the evening we went down to the pool and went swimming and hit the hot tub.

Tuesday: We were planning a trip to Smith Rock but decided to go shopping in Bend instead. Our first stop was the Red Carpet Car Wash. Caroline wanted to sit in the car and go through the car wash to see what it was like. We visited the outlet mall, Costco and the Target store. Several purchases were made and Chinese food lunch was consumed. Afterwards we went swimming and sat in the hot tub.

Wednesday: We hung around Eagle Crest all day and our biggest accomplishment of the day was another hike on along the river and swimming. Jill & Shayne & Nellie arrived in the evening to spend time with us for the rest of the vacation.

Thursday: We were going to go tubing on Mt Bachelor but found out their website was wrong and they were not open. We hung around Eagle Crest all day and did the river hike again and then went swimming. Nellie went swimming with Grandma in the little pool in her new swimsuit and Shayne & Tim played with the kids in the pool.

Caroline posed for a picture relaxing on the sidelines and Grover decided to try a self portrait.

Friday: We hiked Smith Rock and saw the "Monkey Face". Weather was really different. The day started out sunny and then got overcast. By the time we got on the trail at Smith Rock it was snowing and windy. We climbed to the top (except Goni who turned back) and the sun came out for the rest of the day. Got some pictures of some of the many rock climbers who use the rocks for climbing practice.

Got pictures of some cave dwellers near the top and a couple of different poses of Shelly & Caroline enjoying the views.

Saturday: We packed up and caravaned towards Lebanon, Oregon. There was a threatening forecast for snow but we made it across both passes without incident. Our goal for the days was to attend the memorial service for Don Tennant (Goni's Uncle) who passed away last week. Saw lots of family and finally arrived home at 7:00 PM and unpacked. What a great week!