Some might think that Portland isn’t a ski town…and those people are probably usually correct…but not this year! Portland has received a foot of snow in past week. I know, this sounds minor for any ski town. But in this port ski town, they don’t know what a “snow plow” is, they aren’t sure how to use the 4-wheel drive on those SUVs they are driving, and really, when it warms up just right, and that snow turns into freezing rain, those snow covered hills around the city are more accurately described as “ice covered”….which will give any car, truck, or van with chains on, in 4-wheel drive, a run for its money. …Like the double-trailer-oil semi that was jack-knifed in the road outside our apartment window yesterday morning. We should have charged for seats in our apartment window yesterday which looks out onto a more major thoroughfare on a hill. However, along with all of the hazards of snow and ice in Port Boat Springs, come some beautiful sights that not many eyes get to see in a lifetime. Snow in the rainforest…pretty incredible. People skiing through downtown…hilarious. And, the wonder in people’s eyes…every conversation you overhear, the topic being the weather…and of course, LOTS of people missing lots of work and school, being advised to stay home. You gotta love it! Chip put together a little video featuring the skiing he/we have gotten in during the past week. At this point, my biggest concern is whether (no pun intended) Mindy and mom & dad DuRoss are going to be able to make it in for the holidays. We wish safety and patience upon everyone traveling!
There were many reasons we made the trip back east again this year. First, the obvious- Thanksgiving- a perfect holiday for hangin out with family- especially in our home town. Chip and I had a moment to get breakfast with a friend from high school (great to see ya, Brad). It was so fun to run through so many memories, trying to recall exactly where all those streets are he would mention and that we knew so well as teenagers, but now can hardly piece together in the mind's eye. It is a mind blowing experience- looking at pictures of his new baby and glowing wife....the same guy who caused plenty of irresponsible raucous with us in our little home town...I know we are older (and wiser, and more beautiful), but sometimes it just really stares ya in the face and causes this explosion of mindful awareness about me, us, time, and life.
Another draw was the celebration of Chip's mom's 60th birthday. As you can see from the balloons in one of these pictures, we didn't stop the feasting and celebrating on Thursday, but kept on partying Friday night too! We enjoyed an amazing dinner cooked by Hope, more cake (yes, also had cake on Thanksgiving celebrating Gammy's birthday too!), and decorations for the event. Everyone pitched in to make it a special event.
The DuRoss' also put a beautiful new kitchen addition on their house that has been in the planning as long as I have known them. Their open hearts and home are constantly entertaining family and friends for dinners, birthday celebrations, or just general communion. The addition is well deserved and was christened in good form with the crowd using it heavily, testing it's abilities and capacities, and loving every meal and moment in it.
And a final highlight for us- getting to hang out with our niece and nephews! How sweet are they?! It was so fun to watch their interest in each other grow over the four days.- Just another reminder of how time flies. I feel like it was just yesterday that Evan and Madeleine were these ages.
We are thankful for the time we got to spend with not only the kids, but the amazing people who created them, our siblings, and our own parents. Thanks to all of the DuRoss' for making the trip. We love you lots and look forward to the next reunion!
"Gratitude is the heart's memory."
- French Proverb
Some might think that 
