10th Annual September adventure, Part 1

September 1st is our anniversary, this year marks 10 years!  When we got married, we decided to take a trip together every year rather than exchange gifts.  We have done some awesome, memorable trips!  This year we went on a camping trip as a family for 10 days as the first part of our adventure. 

As was recommended by many friends, we started at Waldo Lake.  And wow!!!  Why have we never been there?  The place is beautiful with miles, and miles, and miles of trails.  We trail ran, mountain biked, hiked, and played in the lake.  It was absolutely lovely. 

Oscar was not so in to the 'timed shot' here. 

We very reluctantly left Waldo after a few days but only to meet some very good friends at another campground outside of Sisters.  It was a nice but short time and the kids had a great time playing for the short time we were together.

The van, of course, was a big hit!
From here, we went to Three Creeks Lake for a few days.  We actually stayed at the Meadow instead of the Lake, because it was full and it actually ended up being the preferred choice!  Lovely campsite with lots of playing room.  Short hike to the lake.  I ran/hiked up to Tam Macarthur Rim, a peak with excellent views without too much work!

We also rented a boat to try to take a nice stroll on the lake.  Something about being on the lake made Oscar into a total wild man!  You couldn't get me off that boat fast enough.  So Scott and Lucia got to take the nice ride on the lake.  Whew!

He looked pretty cute in the lifejacket though!
From this campground, we weren't sure exactly where we were going.  We went to the base of South Sister and thought briefly that we would stay there until the mosquitoes started munching on us.  So we took a couple of shots and got the hell out of dodge!

Before we left the area, we also got to see our friend, Lucia's first nanny, who we adore, Gypsy!!

Gypsy and Rick had just returned from a one year adventure of their own in Turkey. 
So we decided that we would go back to Waldo because we loved it so much!  This time, now later in September, a much less crowded Waldo and just as gorgeous as ever.  Scott got to ride around the lake and do some other mountain bike ride.  I went on a trail run that was lovely, but missed a turn, so 8 miles turned into about 12! 

We played in the lake and we drank some hot chocolate.  I think the kids are pretty hooked on this camping thing.  

 On the way home, we hiked up Fuji Mountain.  A great short hike that takes you up to a peak with panoramic views.  Also a great hike (from this approach) for taking young kids.  They started out hiking but quickly hopped onto our backs as the trail got steeper.  We got a good work out on this one!

What another great trip!  Can't say it enough-- we live in a fabulous place!