Home for the Holidays

One of the great things about being a traveling PT is getting time off every 3 months between assignments. As it worked out this year, our contracts ended in mid-December; just in time to enjoy a grown-up Christmas break. Since we spent last year in New Mexico, we headed to Oregon this year for the holidays.

In true Dodean fashion, we hit the ground running as soon as we arrived. First order of business- finding the perfect tree to kick off the season. 

Bringing a little New Mexico to Oregon with luminarias

Once the tree was trimmed and the halls were decked, we settled into a daily routine of friends, family, and food:

We squeezed in a snowboarding trip

Brandon's first time boarding at Mt Hood

Enjoyed plenty of family time

Dinner at Timberline Lodge

Had some fierce game nights

Us girls took a day trip to the casino, did LOTS of cookie-making and pastry-baking, and took as many walks together as our restless legs desired

The boys had some quality time too. They got together for their annual sausage-making fest and initiated Brandon into the carnatz club. And then watched a lot of basketball. 

The laborers

The office work. Reserved only for seasoned veterans

Brandon learns the ropes of making carnatz

Smokin' em

Then to cap off our trip, we spent New Years at a beach house in Girabaldi. 

New Years day nap for all

We couldn't count our blessings this season if we tried, and feel quite grateful to have had this time to spend with loved ones. Our only regret:

Canasta Champions

I guess we have to let them win once in a while. 

It was an amazing holiday, we made it back safely to Alaska, and now we are getting ready to go back to work tomorrow. Happy New Year all!!