Vacationing in Central Oregon Part 1 of 3

At the start of July, we packed up and drove to Oregon for a glorious 2 week vacation with extended family.  The first week was spent around Central Oregon, while we stayed in Sunriver with my family, enjoying all sorts of adventures together!

Hanging out in Grandpa's truck, waiting for cousins to arrive!

We played a rousing game of "Pie Face," while we waited for my sister's family to arrive.  It was our first round with whipped cream, and it was highly successful....highly successful at getting us all sticky, that is!

This kid could not get enough of the whipped cream -- and he was the one who was never sprung on!  He wanted it so badly, that after the game was over, he just sat there, clicking, and clicking, and clicking until it  finally sprung cream in his face!

There it is!

She wasn't thrilled, but was a great sport!

Hardly even got her!

Definitely the winning splat of the night!

That's how you do it!

Part of the charm to Sunriver is the glorious pathways that weave all around the property, and along the Deschutes River, giving way to wonderful walks and bike rides.  Morning walks are always a great way to kickstart a new day.

We enjoyed a great walk with Dad and Tucker. 

And the deer came out to join us.

Isn't it pristine? I can't even count how many pictures I've taken of this scene over the years.  It always captures me.

Enjoying an afternoon in the Village, with my sister (and our hubbys, too)!

We made a trip over to La Pine, where my dad's sister's family was vacationing and doing some work on the cabin.  My kids had never been there before, and it had been several years since I had been, so it was special to visit and introduce them to this special place that Pop-Pop built.  

Everyone loves a Dilly Bar, especially on a porch swing!

My sister and I used to wander the land when we were kids, collecting pine cones.  I loved watching my kids go exploring with their cousins.

Maddie (7) and Ellie (7 3/4).

I'm crazy about him.

Playing "campfire."

When I was walked up, I asked them what they were doing.  They simply told me that they were orphans who were eating s'mores in the woods.  Makes sense to me!

My sister, Joy and me, with our Aunt Susan (my dad's younger sister).  Great to catch up, even if briefly. 

That evening, we met up with some dear friends from college, who we just happened to run into on the pathway during our morning walk!  We haven't seen them in years, and had an amazing time picking up right where we had left off.  I love it when that happens!

Brant and me, with Tim and Ashley.  So fun to be together again!

...stay tuned for part 2 of our Central Oregon vacation!