A Mini Vacation to Mt Hood

As a Christmas gift to the kids Bob and I rented a cabin in a little town called Rhododendron which sits at the base of Mt Hood. For three nights and 3 days we stayed in this quaint house and had a blast.  We drove further up the mountain 2 of the 3 days and went exploring in the snow. We found an amazing place to snow tube, and the kids, Lily, and Bob ended up spending the better part of our third day out in the cold temps snowing down the mountain while I got to enjoy the day alone at the cabin reading, journaling, and enjoying the woods surrounding the cabin. We took no electronics with us. Just board games, cards, and books. We walked away from that time refreshed and rejuvenated which is exactly what we needed as a family. After being on Mt Hood, I realize that I would not have hated living here so much if I could have lived in a smaller community surrounded by nature. I am not a city girl - not by a long stretch. And my kids aren't city kids either. Neither is my husband. It has been good lesson to learn. Something that we will not forget on any subsequent moves that our family will make.

This cabin and its surroundings were amazingly beautiful and peaceful. I am grateful that we got to spend this time together as a family all having fun.  It was the perfect way to begin 2018. The best part about it all is that we have snow chains for the van now and can go up to Mt Hood anytime we want to snow tube this winter. We cannot wait to go again. 

Hanging out by the fire as it was the only source of heat in the house and it was cold that first night there. 

Playing D&D with her brothers.

This unusable fireplace reminded me so much of the one my grandparents in their home when I was growing up.

Josh was obsessed with this record player. He loved it so much he is thinking about getting one for himself. 

This house was decorated so perfectly for a cabin in the mountains. 

No words necessary...

Lily was so happy we brought her with us. She was definitely in her element. 

Discussing sled riding strategy.

As the day wore on the clouds shifted and made way for a beautiful blue sky. It was amazing. 

A snow fort the kids found. 

The house we stayed at allowed animals, so we brought both Lily and Moose with us. 

Both Josh and Lily were beat after a day of sledding and tubing down Mt Hood. They fell soundly asleep on the hard cold wood floor.