Christmas in Spring - A Must Post For Me

The Snapdragon Inn has been doing better all the time.  When we learned that we could maybe help during the Christmas/New Years season, Paula and I decided that we would spend this year's holidays in Windsor.  It was truly memorable.  But first we had a fun gathering with the crew in Scholls.



Upon arrival in Windsor, we were surprised to see almost no snow, and the lake not even frozen over.  However, within a couple of days it got really cold and in one night Runnameade froze solid enough to bring out the ice fishermen.  It was funny to see the Bald Eagles stealing the fish!



In the days leading up to Christmas, Grandma was in rare style cooking with the Grand kids.  She even bought each of them their own rolling pin to make cookies with. 



One of the traditions that we have always loved is caroling our friends and neighbors.  With plates of cookies, and warm hearts, we struck out on this years caroling event.  I suspect no one thought the Tabernacle Choir had shown up, but we had fun.





We surprised Bill and Donna, our backyard neighbors.



And even managed to catch Bob Haight and his huge hound dog at home!



It was finally Christmas eve, and we had a bunch of really excited kids.  All the cousins gathered for a talent show which was hilarious.  We even saw BaliWood!



And then it was Christmas morning complete with pajamas.





Anders got the coolest outfit, custom built by his Grandma Larson.  He was pretty excited!





Ok let's throw in a mystery critter(s) contest here.  You must accurately identify both of these Owls to win.





Before we came home, we had the chance to go with all the group over to White River Junction to go bowling.  This was a memorable event!  We have some pretty talented kids!





























And the winner of the best form contest is Chris!



But before I close this one I need to tell about Chelle and Brig's new bed.  Paula and I picked up a used bed that was probably 10 years old or so when Chelle was about 10 years old.  She slept on this bed, sometimes sharing with Tiet, Alicia or Hai.  When they came to live with us in Oregon, she got it back, and ultimately took it to Vermont with them.  By this Christmas, it was maybe half it's original thickness.  It was way past time to replace it.  On a trip down to Deja Vu, we found a really nice bed, and arranged to pick it up a few days later.  But on the day we arrived with the trailer, we couldn't find Maddie.  Looked all over for her only to find her under the old bed.  With a bag of fish crackers.  Hilarious. 




It was truly a memorable Christmas in 2011.

The Promise of Spring

It is amazing how quickly spring can arrive here in Oregon.  One day we are on the verge of a flood, and the next day we are enjoying the day with doors open. 



The birds are busy building nests.  Just here on the loop I counted 34 species on my walk last week. Here were just a few:



Our ubiquitous Western Scrub Jay

 

 A Momma California Quail who I saw with a bunch of babies in this same spot last summer.



And one of my favorite little birds, the Bewicks Wren



Paula may be a grandma, but she seems to get as busy as the birds this time of year.  Last Saturday the 8th we had the 26th annual Primary Easter Egg hunt at the farm.  We have been doing this ever since we moved into the property in 1986. 



A bunch of kids on the lawn is the most beautiful thing in the world.



Later that day we were invited to the first birthday party of Jayden Van.  Hai Lien and Hai Kyle (yup they both have the first Viet name the same!), had a party at their house.  The first birthday is a big one for the Viet culture. 



We got to meet Kyle's parents.  They are very accomplished.  They started from scratch the most successful chain of Vietnamese restaurants in Portland a number of years ago, and today Pho Van is an institution in the area.



An of course there was an Easter Egg hunt for the kids as well!



The next day, Sunday we had a family egg hunt and another Birthday celebration for Jayden.  Funniest person of the day was Linh who found the Golden egg this year.  She won a 2 foot tall chocolate bunny, and you would have thought she had won a new car she was so excited!



The kids made a huge haul! 



Jayden was a great little birthday guy. 



Whose momma could not have been prouder.



And who is already growing up by the minute.



As usual Grandma has stuff for everyone, this time including hula hoops. 





It was a great time with a great crew.  We are really lucky to have so many children and grandchildren close by!



Paula is the president-elect of the Scholls Womens Club.  This is an old and veneralble organization that gives scholarships, supports the needy, brings in food at funerals, and generally is a really great group.  This week, the group was gearing up for the annual plant sale.  All week long Paula and others went to nurseries and gathered inventory for the set up at Groner School.  The whole family got involved, and by the time they were set up Nate had made many trips with trucks, trailers etc, including delivering the travel trailer for the office/security sleeping station.  It was exhausting just to hear of her escapades each evening.

 

To top it off, she had the retreat for some of the club members up at the Lodge.  They gathered on Friday night, 8 slept over, gathered back in the morning and even had a yoga class!  Whew!

                   





So if you are keeping track, Paula has worked all week to get the plant sale ready, hosted the women's retreat, and then at noon came home to Rainbow to do piano lessons.  Chinh and Tammy were here from San Jose.



It was a beautiful day. And we spent a lot of it outside in the sand box. 







This is beautiful country.



And what my dear Grandchildren is this mystery bird.