Julefrokost 2011

Pictures don't really do it justice, but we had a really hyggeligt og sjovt julefrokost this year :-)

Christmas Tree Fram Trip to Sauvie Island

For the past few years we've been getting a Forest Service permit and finding our own tree in the woods. Since we didn't head down to Southern Oregon for Thanksgiving, we needed a new Christmas tree source. So, we headed to a place on Sauvie Island (about a 1/2 hour from downtown). We were both a disappointed that they were so groomed, but we finally found a beautiful noble fir.

We had both had the Friday off, and literally spent the entire day running holiday errands, then picked up the kids from school for an afternoon trip. By the time we found the "perfect" tree the sun was setting over the west hills, and by the time we had finished sawing it down, a full moon rose view a clear view of Mt  St Helens. You couldn't have dreamed of more beautiful winter evening.

It was the thickest trunk I've ever had for a xmas tree, and we took turns sawing, working ourselves in a sweat. My knee needed some serious ibuprofen that night, but it was worth it. Then we headed to St Johns McMenamin's, and toasted to our tree :-)

Photo shoot before St Nicholas Festival

I took these photos hoping to get one worthy of including in our annual holiday family letter...alas, I got a comical series where each kid is being themselves...

Visit with baby Stella

A belated post...baby Stella is already walking!!  The kids LOVE Stella, the baby girl of a dear childhood friend of mine, Sequoia. She seems to think they are pretty fun too :-)

I just love those fat baby knuckles!!!