No sun? Frozen river? No problem!

A couple weekends ago, Em and Greg hustled down from Seattle after work on a random Friday. We met at a Fred Meyer parking lot, hilariously merged belongings into Taylor's car and set off for Sunriver. We knew it would be a quick trip, but we were determined to notch a getaway together before Taylor took off for Tax City, population CPA.

The plan--just like our plan the week before at Detroit Lake--was to ski one day and snowshoe the next. In our haste to get out of town, however, I forgot to phone ahead to Mother Nature and tell ol' girl to cooperate.

Much like our backpacking trip back in the fall, we didn't need perfect weather conditions to concoct a mighty fine weekend. The boys headed out Saturday for some serious fly-fishing, while Emily and I caught up on girl talk, rode our bikes around in the brisk 20-degree mountain air, and perused the new shops at the village mall. We also decided to do a little Sunriver bar-hopping, taking advantage of all happy hours we could find. This all before a serious halibut feast, courtesy of the Lagreids, and some out-of-this world duet action a la Doll and Dirt. 

Emily's suitcase. Legit. 

When it's pouring rain, the thought of organizing is a bit much.

Photo 1 in a series of 2 dedicated to Emily's favorite pastime. 

Hey Dirt, want to sing some Johnny and June?

Saturday breakfast...the exact moment Emily decided she's not a vegetarian, and in fact, has a true passion for turkey bacon.

And pumpkin waffles.

Didn't think to ask for a general location of their intended whereabouts...but I did think to get a pre-fishing photo.

These next few photos are from Greg's phone...this is the cabin he wants to buy for Emily. 

I think you missed your calling, Greg. Photography...where it's at! 

Photo 2 of 2. 

She's up! And we're at 'em!

Since Hola at the Marina was closed for the season, we had to settle on margs here.

And beers here.

Prepping the halibut.

The traditional "rock" pic.

How does someone look so good without makeup? Clearly I don't have the same gift. 

The whole gang.

Christmas card redo?

Doll and Doll! 

Shhhhh...these fish are very smart! 

Rounding out the weekend with a trip to 10 Barrel in Bend. How cute is the baby pint glass?

Best friends. Best pizza and beers. Best quick-trip to Bend.

Bring your sister and nephews to work day!

Had a great lunch date with my big sis, Campbell, and Leo yesterday. Campbell couldn't believe we have an arcade game in the lobby at work!

Happy New Year from Detroit!

OK, OK. So, we didn't go to Detroit-Detroit, but we did ring in 2012 at Detroit Lake, Oregon.

Although our initial plans of sharing a cabin with three other couples sort of fell through, we did enjoy a nice long weekend with Chris and Keely. Poor Keely was terribly sick all weekend, and thus the boys had to put up with a tag-a-long...ahem...me. ;)

Taylor even let me reel in some fish! Now that's huge!

Taylor, Chris, and their new friend, "Aaron," at the local watering hole.

Detroit Lake's finest live band...nearing midnight. 

I should mention the three of us ran down to the only bar open in town at 11:30 on New Year's Eve. We took a shot of Southern Comfort (that'll take ya right back to college, eh?), and then we ran back in time for Dick Clark to count down till midnight!

Being silly.

Detroit is festive, right?

Boys.

I couldn't get my camera out in time to capture these guys in front of the fireworks some local was lighting off the side of a shopping cart. Interesting.

Taylor doing work.

And me...reaping the benefits of that work.

He takes care of the hard parts. 

One fish.

Two fish.

So proud! 

The quickest fishing trip ever.

Could that smile engulf any more of my face?!

The sweet cabin.

And a nice little waterfall.

Goodbye Detroit...hope to see you this summer!

Holiday hustle and bustle recap

Christmas came and went so fast this year...I swear it speeds up a pinch every year, and I hate that.

Stefanie and Jordan brought precious baby Hazel up to Portland for her first official visit. Luckily, I had a couple extra days off work, and I got to hold her chunkiness and pinch her sweet cheeks as much as possible. Joe and Sara headed out of town right after Christmas for their honeymoon in Belize. And, rounding out the Benz family visitors, Elizabeth and the youngest two members of Team Heit just made their way to Portland today.

Of course it felt like there wasn't enough time, but thankfully I got to see many friends and loved ones over the long weekend. My mom hosted an impromptu coffee, and Taylor's mom and sister came up, which was so nice since I didn't end up traveling down to visit on Christmas Day.

And drum roll please...I should add: My parents got me a new camera! Woohoo! Hopefully this means no more blurry pics as showcased below.

Sister-in-law's first Christmas as a Benz!

One of two beer samplers Jordan shared with the group during his stay here in PDX.

HD in the light of the Christmas tree at Nana and Big Poppi's...holding her new favorite toy from Unky Joe and Auntie Sara.

Taylor modeling his present from moi. 

Taylor, Bronx, and his lovely tree, courtesy of Nanny! Not sure why there's no smile in this pic???

TG2 at Mariel's and my house.

There are no words for this photo...but I will justify it by saying we went to a "Redneck Christmas"-themed party.

This magical handbag story should be featured on Ellen

I'm just trying out this quick-upload option for my photos. I will try to write this post tomorrow. Stay tuned!