A Portland Christmas

We recently returned from our Christmas vacation in cold Portland, Oregon. This year, we were joined by my older sister, Carla, but unfortunately Karen and Andy were not able to make it. Of course the star of the show was little Nate, who worked on being as charming as possible while fighting a cold he likely picked up on the flight over.

Here he obediently waits with his mouth wide open for Aunty Carla to shovel in some rice cereal-yogurt-applesauce mushy delight.

After a day of rest, we headed to the fascinating Evergreen Air and Space Museum, where we saw the famous Spruce Goose and lots of other really cool planes, helicopters and even spaceships.

Nate "flying" a helicopter, with a little help from Mom.The next day, Matt, Dad and I went tubing at Skibowl on Mount Hood, then sledding in a big meadow. Nate stayed home to hang out with Nana. Here's Matt on a sweet run.

Matt and my Dad conquered this unbelievably huge hill on sleds later that day. I am surprised neither of them broke their necks. Here they are, covered with snow after crazy landings.
On Christmas Eve, we had the Mackays over for a delicious lunch.

Opening presents with Aunty Carla. Nate: "Hey, this dog looks like that crazy chihuahua we have back home!"

My Dad has read us "The Night Before Christmas" every year since we were little. This year, Nate got to be in on it for the first time.

Christmas surprise: Portland Trailblazers NBA tickets for the Christmas game. SO FUN! A super exciting game, and Portland won! Plus free chalupas...

Nate's Halloween costume was so cute (and warm), that we brought it along so he could show it off in Portland.

Matt and I enjoyed an awesome day of skiing at Skibowl on the slopes of Mount Hood. We only get to go once a year, and we missed it last year because I was pregnant. So this year we REALLY appreciated it. What a rush!

Me with Mount Hood in the background. What a beautiful place to ski.

And finally, on the last day of our trip, we got a surprise snowfall! We were even able to go sledding in our neighborhood. Don't be fooled by Nate's smile here - he actually hated the snow falling on his face. It was Pop behind the camera making him grin.