Wordless Wednesday from the Deschutes River Trail

Emmie Comes to Town!

This has been the best week filled with family! Since last Thursday, I have only spent two days without a member of my family, thanks to my trip to Maryland and Emmie and Parker coming to visit this weekend! 

I found out on Friday morning that Emmie was coming to town to hit the slopes with Parker. I was so pumped since we hadn't seen each other in many, many years and I had never met Parker! 

While Parker showed off his skills on the slopes on Saturday, I showed off my skills at the bowling alley with my lax team. 

I bowled an 87, even better than last time! Pro Tour here I come! 

After a long day, Emmie, Parker, and I headed to Brother John's for dinner then turned in early to get a good night's sleep. While Emmie and Parker slept in a bit, Henry and I headed to the river for some early morning exercise and sunshine. 

 Henry was having so much fun. Gosh, I love this dog so much. 

Can you believe this was our view this morning?

Mt. Bachelor is oh so beautiful. 

Before driving home, Henry and I had a staring contest. He won.

After the river, we met up again to take in the sights at Lava Butte. Unfortunately, access to the top was closed for the season. We were so bummed because the views are just so incredible. Since we didn't want to waste the trip, we walked around and explored from the bottom. 

After Lava Butte, we drove down to McKay Cottage, the best breakfast place in town. They were so packed inside that we opted to eat outside by the fire. We felt like tough Oregonians since it was only in the 30s. They even gave a us blankets and hot chocolate to keep us warm. 

After the delicious breakfast, we decided to do a little exploring in town. 

Parker, the little adventurer that he is, was having a blast! 

Emmie and Parker were so sad to leave and I was definitely sad to see them go. Emmie is just as in love with Oregon as I am, so it's nice to explore it's beauty with someone who is also constantly in awe of this place. The good news is they have a season pass to Mt. B and only live a few hours away, so we will hopefully see a lot of them this winter! 

Liz and Sam's Wedding Weekend

I traveled all the way back to the east coast this past weekend to attend Liz and Sam's wedding. 

Despite waking up early, I actually love the crack of dawn flights from Bend because the view is so spectacular. I wonder what the people sitting next to me think as I snap a million pics out the window...

Liz's wedding was held in the beautiful town of St. Michaels. 

When we arrived at the hotel, the cutest little welcome bags were waiting for us. They were packed perfectly for a Maryland wedding. Crab chips, Berger cookies, and Old Bay! What could be better. 

It was so awesome to hang out with my old friend, Christine, all weekend. We went to Boston University together and then lived in Boston together for a couple years.

In fact, all of the bridesmaids were pretty awesome. Such a fun group of girls!

Here's the bride and I getting ready in the Bridal Cottage before the wedding. It's crazy to think we've been friends for over 20 years. Man, we're old! 

Me and Christine pre-wedding. We decided that we won best bridesmaids for the weekend. 

 There was a cute little barn right behind the bridal cottage that I was obsessed with. 

The wedding was awesome for many reasons! 

1. The ceremony was short and sweet, just the way I like it.

2. I got to see my parents! 

  3. And I got to see all of my old friends from high school! It was as if no time at all had gone by. Not sure how I lucked out with such good friends in my life...

The next day, I stopped off in Annapolis to see Caitlin. Another friend I've had for over 20 years, I think we've actually been friends for about 25 years. It's so wonderful to have besties that have known you and been there for you for pretty much your entire life.

I'm a lucky girl. 

Sunset Stroll

Jeannelle, Raylee, and I decided to walk the River Trail tonight since it was a gorgeous 62 degrees out! Not bad for November, huh?

The sun was just starting to set as we got about half way through our walk and as usual it was pretty awesome. 

I really wish weekends were longer.