Snow Bunnies!

We made the decision to dust off the old cobwebs and dig the skis out of the attic. Axel about flipped out when he learned that he would be going skiing while in Oregon! He was very concerned that we would no pack his skis, boots and goggles so he jumped right in to help. This was after testing all the gear out in our living room.

On a rest day, we headed to Mt. Bachelor with Grandma & Grandpa A. We arrived at 9pm to discover that they opened at 8am and would be closing early at 1pm. This made for slight panic until we realized just how cold it was on top of the mountain. The wind chill was crazy! Both boys were not impressed with the freezing wind but by the second run and a little hot cocoa in their bellies they were ready for another try. The sun quickly softened the snow and the wind died down. We put Lucas on a leash (help prevent being out of control on the icy sections) and Axel skied between our skis holding on to a ski pole. It worked great!

I do have to admit, it was a lot of work to get everyone dressed and ready. However, it was totally worth it!! The boys did great and we all had a wonderful time. A big thanks to G&G for all their help and support to make this possible.  Sorry about your broken SKI BOOT Grandma! Her 20+ year old boots gave up, time for some new ones! :)

Axel getting the briefing from Daddy.

We decided to practice a little before heading to the ski lift. Here Axel gets a tow up the hill.

The Cascade Mountains make a gorgeous backdrop.

He remembers how to ski! Nice work Lucas.

There's Broken Top, the same mountain Lucas, Uncle Mark and Daddy climbed last summer.

We finally made it to the top of the mountain. Everyone loved the ski lift but despite the pretty blue skies, the windchill was no fun.

Axel put on a cozy mask Grandma found in her pocket!

Check out Lucas...check out everyone! We were done with photos and ready to get going.

Axel with his red mask on...this saved the day! You can see Lucas and Daddy in the back.

Way to go guys, we are so proud of you!!

Axel was such a trooper!!

Lucas did great, didn't miss a beat from his old ski days in Ohio. Here he gets a little tow from Dad.

Snack break and then back to it.

It was so fun and brought back so many memories. It had been years since Daddy and Mommy skied together but we got a full run in while the boys had hot cocoa with Grandma. Grandpa A joined us so we went all the way to the top. It was gorgeous and we even remembered how to teleski!

Getting used to the leash.

Technically, Lucas does not need the leash but some of the icy spots were a little tricky and his stopping skills are still being perfected.

The "Florida" Anderson's skiing as a family!

 
All good ski days end in a good old fashioned snowball fight, right?! I'm pretty sure this was the highlight for Axel. He could not wait to toss some snowballs. Keep in mind, he's been deprived in the snow department living in Florida!

The fight was on full force with this crowd. Notice the photographer? He was smart to keep his distance! The boys were ruthless but got a few paybacks along the way.

Everyone getting ready!

Check out the point blank shot landed on Lucas by his sweet mother....after receiving about 5 face shots herself!

Check out Grandma, nice shot!

Axel realizes he had been hit. Then retaliated on the wrong grandparent....Grandma is just cracking up!!

Sorry Grandpa but it looks like you had no problem holding your own!

Time and time again!

One last one for the road!

It was a perfect ending to a great day of skiing!

Check this out...

 

Lucas on 1st Day Skiing Jan 2009 Mad River, OH

Axel on 1st Day skiing April 2013 Mt. Bachelor, OR

Vacation!!! Destination: Oregon

When Daddy was in Afghanistan, we would dream of climbing vacations. We discussed numerous locations but one seemed to be just right for us...and Uncle Mark...and Grandma & Grandpa A...and for an ultra super secret 40th birthday party for Uncle Dan. 

OREGON it was!

Before we knew it, it was time to stop dreaming and get packing!

We scored a great rate at Eagle Crest Resort which is located just outside Redmond, OR. Redmond is north of Bend and about 25 minutes from Smith Rock. We found a three bedroom condo which was gorgeous and turned out to be just perfect for the 5 adults and 2 kids spending a few weeks together.

Here's a little view of the place. 

Homework!

Master bedroom.

So sweet!

Sweet for future girlfriends to see...heeheehee

This became a familiar sight, Mark and Daddy working on their book. The book is in its final stages which means long lists of details that have to be addressed and dealt with. This was the perfect opportunity to get some work done without needing Skype or a cell phone.

Lucas day dreaming and super relaxed!

Grandma A brought the boys so fun toys so Axel was using his building skills with the Constructs.

We had 14 days to play with before the big surprise party in Portland. To maximize our climbing, we decided to climb every other day. On our "rest" days, we hiked, took photos and let the boys climb. It turned out to be a pretty good balance but by week two, our bodies were exhausted from the one day on, one day off schedule.

Climbing with 3 adults (who had all very different objectives) became a true science in scheduling, timing and teamwork. Uncle Mark had his sights on "Just Do It" a 5.14c on the famous Monkey Face which required a long hike. Getting an early afternoon to warm up meant catching the cool afternoon shade. Daddy was working "Scarface" a 5.14a on the front side Smith which was also shady in the afternoon. It worked out because the longer it was in the shade, the cooler it was. Cooler rock is always much "stickier" and definitely preferred. Mommy found a climb called "Full Heinous" a 5.12c right next to Daddy's climb which also fell in the shade afternoon.

Our typical climbing day would start with a lazy morning around the condo. Around lunch time, Uncle Mark and Daddy would hike over to the Monkey to help Uncle Mark climb. Then, everyone would meet up later, the the front side, so Daddy and Mommy could climb. It actually worked out pretty well but required a lot of hiking. We don't get much hiking here in Florida so we weren't complaining.

The boys got to spend time with Grandma and Grandpa at the condo playing at the park, splashing in the hot tub, challenging each other in various board games and getting a little homework done along the way. On the days Grandma & Grandpa has to be back in Corvallis, the boys would hang out with Mommy until it was her and Daddy's turn to climb. We made sure to squeeze in some hiking, library time, relaxing at the condo and numerous trips to the local ice cream shop. :)

Grandma A joined us for some rest day activities...

Here Axel learns all about Smiths pockets and knobs. This volcanic tuff is truly unique!

You go Axel!!

Grandma & Daddy watching with proud smiles.

The jagged edge seen in the back ground is the iconic "Chain Reaction." This is a beautiful climb Mommy belayed Daddy on years ago in our pre-kid phase. :)

Huge smile!

Lucas testing out his new rock shoes.

Another smile!

He did a great job of watching his feet land on all the cool knobs.

Axel trying another climb near by.

Mike and his Mom in Bend enjoying a real rest day.

My little ham!

Lucas?! Where are your sunglasses?

Tumalo Falls is just outside Bend. It's barely a hike, huge and gorgeous!!

A quick hike brings you to the top.

Lucas loves learning about science so he was intrigued by the interpretive signs. Axel missed out, he opted for a nap in the car. Luckily, he was awake last summer when we first discovered Tumalo Falls.

Here's the car, a sweet mini-van. We fell in love with it and if they got better gas mileage I believe we would own one.

Lucas and Mommy in the "back of the bus" hanging out.

Grandma suggested we hit the Pine Tavern for dinner. A little nostalgia for Grandma, she came here with her parents as a little girl. The boys could hardly believe that there were two real trees inside the restaurant. And the food? AWESOME!!!

Grandpa A, Axel and Lucas enjoying time together back at the condo.

More to come...