We had such a great long holiday weekend! Sam's boss had family in town for the week so we got to spend a lot of time as a family which was a great change. Wednesday we took the boys to the $1 movie and saw "Arthur Christmas." It was actually a very pleasant surprise. Sam had to go round in morning so I hauled all 3 boys to the movie, we originally planned to see "Despicable Me 2," but when we got into the theatre the ticket man said: "Hey just so you know it is really full in there so you won't be able to sit together." Haha, ok I may need to sit next to my 4 year old and 2 year old. Then, he quickly told us that the another movie was playing, and we can just go in that one. So, we obviously opted for that choice. Sam met us in the movie about 20 min in. It was Josh's first movie, and he sat through a little over half of it, and then got a little antsy, but still did great. Rowan was awesome, just sat on my lap, and was the best little baby ever. We went over to REI in Old Mill District afterward, and then enjoyed the rest of the day as a family.
On Thursday we had decided to go on a hike to the Blue Pool Trail. We have this book called Bend Overall and it a great guide to all the hikes in and around Bend. It lists the popularity of the hike, the miles, a detailed description of what it entails, and it also has a list of kid friendly and favorites. The Blue Pool trail.. was not one mentioned on kid friendly. However, when I read about it I knew it was an easy hike, and wasn't very long. Which I learned it was not very long for 2 grown adults. It was a little over 2 miles to the pool, so over 4 miles total. The boys did awesome! They did not complain at all. Kaj did ask a few hundred times if we were there yet, but I do not consider that complaining. Josh's legs were tuckered out about halfway through to the pool, so then Sam was carrying Rowan in the baby bjorn and had Josh on his shoulders. You may also take notice that in all of the pictures Kaj is holding out his one hand in a very tender, fragile, like his hand is broken manner, his hand is not broken, but on Monday he did cut it pretty good at the splash pad, and it is still taking a lot of reminding to please act normal with his hand.
We finally got to the pool in 2 hours! Yes! 2 hours! We did take more pictures and moseyed on the way there, but right as we felt like we were nearing we ran into a biker "oh you are probably 15 min away." I made a mental note, and thought: ok then a half hour. A moment later someone told us 20 min. I felt like our time had just doubled. I even wondered many times: are we there yet? But, when we did arrive it was beautiful! It was the bluest water I have seen next to Norwegian water. Sam and I would have definitely scrambled down and taken a swim if it had just been us, but it was such a great hike. It was easy, right next to the river, shaded, so great, one we would certainly take visitors too. On the way back we wanted to make time, so we got back to the car in just 1 hour. Holy Moly! The boys both took some spills on the way back, also. Josh landed on a rock with his head, but was ok, and Kaj scraped both legs, and his elbow, but everyone was fine. Needless to say, Josh was again on Sam's shoulders, and Kaj was on mine. I was really happy I could trust Sam not to fall. I kept thinking if he fell with Rowan in front...oh my goodness.
On Friday, which was the 4th, we went to the pet parade in downtown Bend. It was super busy, but pretty fun. Next year, we need to allow ourselves more time to get a good spot and set up, this year we got there 5 minutes before it began and ended up standing. We ended with a little hike, where Kaj fell yet again and split back open his hurt hand, had a water balloon fight, and a BBQ with friends. It was great to spend all this time as a family. I am very lucky to have my little boys. I love them so much, and I am constantly seeing little things reminding how they are growing into amazing men.
