Ahhhh...Sun River

Mom and Dad invited us down to Sun River for a weekend during their after tax getaway. We enjoyed the hot tub, long walks on the beautiful trails and some rousing games of ping pong. The older kids did some bike riding with Grandpa and the younger kids searched for volcanic rock in the back yard. We also managed to see a few dear during our stay, always a high point! On Friday we spent the afternoon with the Ellis family. Before moving to Bend, they lived right next door to us on Parkside Drive. Rick and Richard get a long nicely, they both love to ride motorcycles and shoot guns. A strong basis for any friendship, right? And Dawn is like a sister to me! I just love her and miss having her close! They have two adorable kids, Jordan who is 7 and Jessi who is 2 and a half. Joseph and Annalina love to play with them. We had fun visiting and find that we really do need to get together more often!

On Saturday we went to the volcano since the sign said it was finally open. For years we have gone down in the off season and it is always closed. Richard has long wanted to drive up and see the volcano for himself. We met the Ellis family there and wouldn't you know it, but the road up was closed due to an uncleared rock slide!!! So we went in the lower visitor center and hiked up the mile long trail to a lovely viewpoint. Oh well, another excuse to get back down there again soon! Annalina was a bit fearful of the trail up, which explains her not so happy face in the first photo below. It is a bit intimidating to be surrounded on both sides by sharp volcanic rock. Especially for one who is used to stumbling! :-)

After that we hiked to Benham Falls. It was another mile and a half hike, but on a very family friendly trail. Our little ones did quite well, though they did get to ride on the shoulders of their dad's! All my kids slept really well that night!

All photos are thanks to my Dad! I forgot to bring my camera along, but he was prepared! He got some great shots!