New Year in Bend

We rang in 2015 in Bend with the Allstots this year. Mom and Dad rented a house for us all and we enjoyed 4 days of uninterrupted family time.

When we arrived, Mitch got right to work coloring as we unpacked...

The presence of stairs, ropes and a balcony necessitated throwing over their animals. Contrary to appearances, this was not a lynching but actually a friendly game.

Snow! There is no joy like a backyard full of snow!

They played and played...

got rosy cheeks...

and shoveled, and loved the dogs...

The big kids played in snow, too. Mom, Russ, Julie, Bryan and I spent a day at Bachelor while Dad took the kiddos sledding on a "big hill". Everyone had fun and we were all worn out.

Worn out from snow play means time for the hot tub!

There was also rousing games of fusball, lots of eating, 

(more) present opening with lots of thoughtful and generous gifts, shopping with the ladies, 

a wild game of Redneck Life to send out 2014 (along with lovely neighborhood fireworks), 

 lots of football watching and dog walking at night (the kids were pulled by Booth on the sled - much like a flying reindeer!), 

Bend brewery tours, and a good time had by all.

 

Here is the whole crew at the end of the trip - still happy to be together! Here's to a happier and healthier 2015!