Bend, Or December 2011

Okay, I know I'm a little behind bloggin' but here's some pictures from our trip to Bend, Or back in December. Cyclocross Nationals were being held again in Bend so it was a good excuse to go visit our cousins. It wasn't the best timing to go as the races were being held the weekend just before we were leaving for Europe (we literally got home Sunday night and left the country Tuesday morning) but it was worth it.

Dylan LOVED hanging out with all her cousins! Even cousin Jackson (and mom and dad) came for the big event.

Here's a yummy waffle breakfast ~ miss D loved her waffles and eating at the big kids table!

Here's a shot from our tour of the brewery. Yes, we're educating Dylan early on beer making. Funny enough she can even say beer!

Here's a very cute shot of Maggie and Lucy hanging out together.

Big smiles and yummy food.

Jackson, Bridger, Bryn, & Dylan.

Trip, Lucy pups, Elissa, Ben, Liz, Momma C, Poppa Matt, Dylan, Maggie, Jackson, Bridger, and Bryn.

It was great fun for all, well, until Matt injured his shoulder and wasn't able to finish the race. Thanks Freeman's for hosting another fun filled year! And thanks Ben, Liz, and Jackson for all your help.

Camping With Dad & Maggie

This past weekend Matt had a taste of single parenting. We've had this big camping trip planned with Uncle Ben, Auntie Liz, Cousin J-man, & Matt's Cousin Elissa and family for months. When it came down to time to go Momma C wasn't so well and had to stay home. So Matt braved it, packed up the girl, the dog, the van and headed out to a beautiful lake near Mount St. Helen's. Let's just say he didn't get a chance to take any pictures - hum, wonder why? busy chasing a 16 month old? Here's a few that were given to us. Apparently they all had tons of fun - Dylan got to go in a canoe with her cousins, which she loved, sit by the campfire, AND sleep in a tent with her dad and dog! Good times where had by all and besides a few mosquito bites, a little scrap on d's nose, and a very dusty dog all survived. AND Momma C got to rest up and get to all those little projects around the house that she seems to never have time to get to (helped keep my mind off of all the fun being had without me)!

Nothing like a cold refreshing Hamm's beer after a long day at the lake!

Cousin's Elissa & Bryn.

Bend, Bikes, The Freeman's, & A Bunch of Filipino Aunties

So here's a funny story for our great blog fans. This past weekend we went to Bend, OR for a big cyclecross bike race and to visit our cousins Elissa, Trip, Bridger, & Bryn. It was lots of fun - until Maggie ate 3 pounds of puppy chow but that's another story. Dylan had a great time playing with Bryn and their little wiener puppy dog Lucy. AND loved watching all the muddy bike riders.

Dylan and Lucy dog.

The family all snug in the Eurovan. Have I mentioned how much we LOVE our Eurovan?

Bike races in Bend. Picture compliments of Troy.

Dylan watching the riders go by. She was very into it.

So Friday night we left after work. Since we got such a late start we figured we'd drive 'til we got tired and then find a hotel to stay at. We got a couple of hours under our belt before stopping at a little town for some dinner. The only places that seemed open were a taco stand or a Filipino restaurant - we went for warmth and went into the restaurant. As we sat there we noticed Dylan smiling and giggling at a table of women - and yes, they were all smiling, waving, cooing, and laughing back. It didn't take long to strike up a conversation with them all. Turns out it was a family run business and all these women were aunties, daughters, grand daughters, sisters, and even their 92 year old mom! Next thing we knew Dylan was being passed around the bunch - just loving all her new friends - AND 2 hours later we were back on the road! Only regret was not getting a group photo. Here's a couple of family shots Matt took on his i-phone.