Samantha

Tumalo Falls

This week's hike took us to the picturesque, 97-foot Tumalo Falls located just outside of Bend. Robin's family was in town to join us as well as Grandma and Grandpa Liddell and Lonnie and her kids. We were grateful to have all the hiking company. Our expedition party totalled 17 persons! The biggest yet! Now all we need is matching backpacks for everyone.


At the one mile mark which happened to be our lunch destination and turnaround point we peered over a 200 foot unrailed cliff to look at Double Falls...Yikes! Enough to give everyone the Heebee Geebees for sure! All the kiddos did well and I think everyone had a good time. I think it is fun to hike with such a large group...more people to pose for photos!

Somewhere Over The Rainbow

This week's adventure took us over the mountains about 30 minutes to a scenic waterfall loop trail. We started at 100 ft. Sahalie Falls and hiked down stream to 70 ft. Koosah Falls. After a lunch break we hiked back up on the opposite side of the river and crossed a footbridge back to our cars. It was a little bit chilly at the start but by lunch time the weather was fantastic. We were happy that Peter and Lonnie's family joined us for the extravaganza! The hikers did really well and the distance was just perfect for all involved.





Peter demonstrated first hand the effects of "Mr. Toad's Wild Ride". For details contact the teacher.

Lookout!!!

We decided to be adventurous this past week and spend the night in a Fire Lookout! We found one close to home that we could rent for the night. We had no idea what to expect but upon arriving we were in awe of the spectacular view and amenities provided. We soon realized why it is such a popular place to stay. The lookout sits upon on a ridge facing west toward the cascade range at an elevation of 4600ft. The 180 degree view of the surrounding mountains is incredible. The 14' x 14' single room cabin came with a propane heater, refrigerator and stove. We did have to use an outhouse but it had a spectacular view as well! The location was close enough to home that we invited my parents up for dinner. We all enjoyed the view and company for the evening. We had so much fun staying overnight at the lookout that it is on the books for a return trip next year!!Mt. Hood
For those of you who have visited the fish hatchery here is a shot of it directly below the lookout!
The place was even stocked with a nice pair of binoculars that Josh could not put down.

South and North Sisters Mountains
Mt. Jefferson
Three Fingered Jack
Our futon bed with a view.

Peterson Ridge Ride

Josh and I have found a really great mountain bike ride close to home. It is perfect for the two of us as it is all downhill for the duration of about 9 miles. It sounds like a long distance but it only takes us just over an hour to complete. The first part of the trail rides along Peterson Ridge which offers spectacular views of our surrounding mountains and valcanoes. Then it gradually drops downhill all the way back into town and close enough to our house to ride home. We love it!!
We could not pass up the chance to get a photo of Josh with his favorite volcanoe in the background.

Blessing Day

Samantha was blessed in church on Sunday. She was all "gussied up" and looked absolutely adorable! Shirley in the branch offered to make her blessing dress. After a few sleeve alterations it fit quite nicely. She was a happy baby on Sunday and didn't even cry...does she ever cry..mmmm not much. It was a great day and we had someone in the branch snap a family picture afterwards.

Pink Crocs and More!

I could not resist the urge to practice family photography as Trisch practiced primping Samantha's hair.

Brooke is turning into quite the model as she requested I go outside with her and take some photos. She guided me around the back yard and informed me of where I should stand and take pictures of her. Very cute!

Horsin' Around

Here is a couple pictures of a Friesian horse just a few days old. We went out with the kids last week when we heard of the birth to take a few pictures. I am on photo assignment this week to get some better shots so hopefully we can get a few and they will be posted here. I am not the expert here on these horses but it (he) is huge and much bigger at birth than I expected. Trisch put it well as she said it looks like a "starved zebra". Very cute and very cool none the less.