After the lodge...still day after Christmas

After our hike we decided to have lunch at the Multnomah Falls restaurant.....we were meeting the T's at the grotto that night so we needed to fill our time with activities....why not have some good food?

On the way to the restaurant.

Had a gorgeous view of the falls from our table....unfortunately you can't see the falls from behind the glass.

After lunch we went shopping near the airport while dad to work at Starbucks.  Then it was off to the grotto to see some Christmas lights.

This made me laugh...looks like the shepherds are chasing the sheep.

The grotto all lit up.

Nativity scene from Italy.

Listening to the Carolling.

We listened to a Blues Band play in the church...A monk played the organ before the band...that was interesting.

Petting zoo...a lot of kids thought these Alpacas were camels.

On our way home.

Day after Christmas....second day at lodge

Here is the day to take advantage of all the Lodge has in store for it's guests.  Up at 8 AM and ready to hit the gym...while mom and dad go to the outdoor jacuzzi.

Next, go back to our room to change.  Mom works on her puzzle.  Dad and I decide to check out some bikes and ride to Stevenson to get breakfast.

Cold but it didn't really rain much while we were riding.

River Rock

Bridge of the Gods....

After getting back it was time to start packing up.  Got all checked out.  I would come again...Free S'mores, heated pool, and they didn't charge the extra $20 for the third person in the room.   After getting everything in the car we decided to take a hike around the golf course.

Eat your heart out Uncle S!

Yes, I am cold.

Can't believe mom is hiking!

Such a drastic change from the hike last Thursday at the Trinity River  Center no water, everything was brown...possible dead.....but SUN.

Going to Skamania Lodge...Christmas day.

Christmas morning was up at 6 AM getting ready to take Cuñado, sister, and the kids to the airport.  Poor sister is sleep deprived and sick, Cuñado trying to get the family to the airport in time, Sobrina's dramatic goodbyes to her furbie, and sobrino clapping and ecstatic about going to the airport and flying on a plane.

Off we go to the airport (sister)......wait.....forgot the boots.....turning back around....no boots...(me) I'm still confused.  Off the the airport again (sister)...wait....do I have my phone, charger and camera?  (cuñado) Can't make a second trip back home.

I say my goodbyes, go back to sister's house to get my things, and off to my parents house to prepare for our Skamania Lodge trip.

Took the historical route.

Multnomah falls

There were more falls...but my new camera has a mind of it's own and it only decides when to take a clear picture.

Bridge of the Gods....and lots of SNOW.

We make it to the Skamania Lodge in one piece (thanks to Dad's new GPS system).  And we are off to check in.

We get settled in and decide to figure out what is for dinner.  We call 6 different restaurants in Stevenson in which are all closed for Christmas.  Next, we toured the lodge to find the food in the bar is much cheaper than the $45 dollar Christmas buffet.

Mom and Dad by the gift shop.

Us by the four story fireplace.

Christmas dinner....Pear salad, Chicken nachos, and a Hamburger...in a bar with mom buying a Peppermint Patty after dinner drink.  Strange but we are together as a family for Christmas.

Family pictures after dinner

We go back up to the room to wait for 7 PM so I can go down to eat S'mores....so excited....maybe this will become a new Christmas tradition?  The lodge gave us the S'mores kit for free....I think because he was so surprised someone would want to make S'mores when it is so cold and raining.  It takes the maintenance man 20 minutes to like the fire pit.... but is was well worth it!

They gave you a kit with two sticks, four marshmallows, a full size candy bar, and two small packages of graham crackers. 

Once again...too cold for the chocolate to melt.

But this fire was big enough to keep us warm.

Christmas tree from outside.

When dad and I got back....... mom and I got our swim suits on and headed down to the heated pool.  Mom got in right away...a little too cold for me.  We swam for 30 minutes and then went outside to the jacuzzi......

MERRY CHRISTMAS!  And a little shout out to new traditions?

Christmas Eve Service

Grampa and mi sobrino

I finally got to meet V!  She is beautiful and already loves jewelry.

Yearly family picture.

Sister picture with the little ones.

Christmas morning

First open the stockings.

Hot chocolate...Thanks sister!  Great Christmas tradition.

Sobrino with his new hat.  

Grampa got sobrino Hulk Hands.

Watch out Daddy...sobrino now has Hulk Hands.

Sister and her new rain boots....and ready to join the band KISS.

Got sobrina her first pair of heels.....watch out world!

Going to church as a family

Singing hymns

Picture with Tia!

Great picture of my sister's family.

Rockin' out...future song leaders?