The Ranch

Mike's parents are part owners of a ranch called Sundance Meadows located in Bend, Oregon. Growing up, this was always a destination for family camping and skiing trips. It's a wonderful ranch full of fun activities and relaxation. We had a wonderful time and it was so fun to see where Daddy has so many memories from. Click here to see the Sundance Meadow website but to give you an idea of what it's all about...

"Founded in the early 1970's, Sundance Meadows is solely owned and operated by its members. Ride horses, ranch, swim, play miniature golf, hike, canoe, or enjoy all of Central Oregon's recreational activities."

Just East of Bend, you drive in and see the Lodge and lots of open space.
Here's were we slept for 4 nights....The Bunkhouse. It was perfect. Rooms with beds (and heat), a common kitchen and family room and bathrooms. Plenty of room, toys and puzzles to keep everyone happy.
Lucas posing for the camera on his bunk.
Axel was being a little more cooperative with the whole camera thing. See all those bags...those duffel bags keep Mommy sane with all the traveling we do. Everyone has their own and they are all different colors. :)
Mini golf just out back.
Yummy food, thank you Grandma for all the wonderful meals!
One day after a token trip to REI, we headed to Red Robin for lunch. Axel was enamored by the helium filled balloons. Once he had his own, we had a pleasant lunch...well, until Lucas accidentally let his go and the ceiling was too high to retrieve it. All was good when Grandma got a new one.

Safe teething toy?! Mmmmm....
Happy boy until that camera comes out...stinker!
Then we were off to the ice skating rink. Last year, Lucas made it around the rink about 2 times and hated ice skating. This year, a WHOLE NEW STORY! He loved it and Mommy & Daddy loved the extra help from Grandma & Grandpa (expert skaters). Lucas skated on and off for 1.5 hours. It was my second time EVER to ice skate and after initial fears of falling, I didn't do so bad. :) What a fun activity!
Grandpa & Axel...don't worry Grandpa doesn't fall...Axel LOVED it!
Lucas loved it too although it took some time to get him to stand up by himself. We were impressed.
They went around and around and around.
After awhile, I got brave and helped out too. :)
We all took turns keeping Axel occupied. He was a real trooper!
Then it was back to the ranch for some R&R.
Grandpa's position most of the time. :) Smart Grandpa!
Axel loved the games.
Lucas loved the cookies and decorating is the best part.
Beautiful work!
We did a handful of puzzles...Daddy got addicted.
But not too addicted...he still made time for climbing at Smith Rock. It's about 45 minutes from the ranch and we had two kid-free climbing days with amazing weather.

Smith Rock, Oregon: A favorite climbing area of ours and so unique with the volcanic tuffs walls. Excellent climbing and amazing scenery.
Daddy getting ready to climb kid-free...wierd?!
Daddy climbing on Morning Glory Wall and oops...no picture of Mommy but I was there. THANK YOU GRANDMA & GRANDPA for taking such wonderful care of the boys. It was much appreciated!
After 4 days, it was time to head home and get ready for the rest of the family to arrive.

Here's a few photos taken out the window on our drive home: The Sisters - Cascade RangeMt. Jefferson
It was awesome!!!