Sunriver 2009 - The Year of the Mosquito

We had another fantastic week in Sunriver with Aaron's family. This was the year of the mosquito! We've been going to Sunriver since before Ellie was born, but for some reason this year the mosquitoes were bad! Here were some of the highlights of our yearly trip.

~Lots and lots of time in the pool, practically every day! It was amazing to see how much the kids had grown in one year and could touch in the big pool, boosting their confidence of where they could go and what they could do. We spent most of our time in the big pool and less time in the kiddie pool. Easton's ears have been giving him some trouble, so we had to be diligent about using ear plugs and wearing a super fancy swimming headband. Thankfully he was a good sport! Aaron and the kids enjoyed the waterslide, as well as grandma and I a few times, too!

~Bike rides! We only used the bike trailer once and that was on a return trip from a long ride and Easton had a little trouble going up the hill. Ellie and Easton could handle the trails independently. We love watching for deer and especially babies on our adventures.

~A day at South Twin Lake playing in the water and building castles, then a hike around the lake. Although it was a bit dusty and HOT, the kids persevered and enjoyed talking to Uncle Paul via walkie talkies. We get a kick every year out of the friendly chipmunks!

~Mini golfing for all 8 of us and making it through 18 holes!

~Fort Rock Park! The house we stay in is very close to the park so it's a nice, quick ride. We enjoyed Bocci Ball, but were pestered by mosquitoes.

~Drake Park and feeding the ducks. We usually end up at Drake Park the same evening as the Classic Car Show and Papa enjoys looking at the cars.

~Going to Goody's for candy and a special toy from Grandma.

~Taking turns making dinner and eating out a few nights as a big family. Our last night out became an adventure when a thunder & lightening storm knocked out power as we were munching on chips and salsa in a restaurant. Power came back on after we waited it out, decided to leave and were just getting in the car!

~Late into-the-night card games for the adults. Up late and chatting in bunk beds for the kids.

This year my eyes were opened to how fast Ellie and Easton are growing up. No more naps, no diapers, less tears and meltdowns, both kids bike riding solo, more time in the big pool, reading in bed late into the night, more perseverance through the day allowing us to do more and more activities. More big kid things, less little kid things. We enjoy this week so much and we know these are memories the kids will look back on and treasure. They do grow so fast.