Trains, Planes and Automobiles (Part 2)

Sunday morning we woke up to more snow! This was exciting but, we were a little fright full of what it would mean for our travel plans home. We were to board the train at 9:30pm that night. If you have ever rode the train, you know that it doesn't take much (weather wise) to delay it. We knew that the train originated in Chicago and that area was also pummeled with a big winter storm so we had a suspicion that our train would be delayed. And it was.

9am delayed 2 hours with an estimated departure of time of 11:30pm (not too bad we could do a two hour delay)
10am delayed 4 hours
Noon delayed 5 hours (not a good pattern)
2pm delayed 6 hours. A estimated departure time of 3:30AM!!!

At 3pm Russ went down to the train station to figure out if there really was going to be a train for us to get on to. The gal at the counter informed him that the train was likely to depart Whitefish around 3:30am and could probably get us to Spokane, WA but then from there we would probably be put on a bus. Apparently  due to all the rain some of the tracks between Spokane and Portland had been washed out. Spokane is a 6 hour drive to Portland, and I did not want to find out how many hours it would take on a bus in the snow.

Thankfully we didn't have to. Russell's company provided us with airfare home. We were beyond thankful for that!! So in one trip Blake had his first train ride and airplane ride. We had a great time in Whitefish and I can't wait to visit again!

Planes, Trains and Automobiles (Part 1)

December River Design Group, the company that Russell works for, has a Christmas party in Whitefish, MT. The party is in Whitefish because that is were the main office is located. Every year we talk about me going but for one reason or another it has never worked out. After two years of talking about it, I finally got to go this year!

Airfare from Portland to Whitefish is pretty spendy so we decided to ride the train. We boarded the train in Albany, OR around 1:45pm and arrived to Whitefish, MT around 8:30am the next morning. Yes, we were on the train the whole night. I was a little nervous about how Blake would do sleeping on a train because we did not get a sleeper car. But to my surprise he did great (I think the motion of the train and the rumbling sound it made helped him sleep). He slept in his car seat pretty much the whole night, I think he got better sleep then Russ and I!

Having fun on the train!

He loved looking out the window

We had a great time in Whitefish! Friday Russ had to work some so Blake and I hung out at the house, which was the perfect cottage in the snow!

On Saturday we went exploring around Big Mountain and had a fabulous dinner at the Kandahar Lodge   where the Christmas party was. 

There were beautiful homes on the mountain!

First time touching snow! He didn't know what to think.

Check back later to find out how the rest of the weekend went and to hear about our adventure home!

6 Months!!

Blake is 6 months today! Wow! I can't believe I have a 6 month old! If the next 6 months go by as fast as the last 6 month he will be one before I know it! 

Some Stats:
Favorite Foods: Sweet potato and butternut squash
Favorite Activities: Playing with his feet, grabbing everything, talking, baths, sitting (with the boppy)
Blake will be taking his first train ride when we visit Whitefish, MT later this week!

Civil War 2010

For the 114th time (the 7th longest rivalry in college football) the Beavers and the Ducks met at Reser Stadium to battle it out. There was a lot at stake; if the Ducks won they would be going to the National Title game and if the Beavers won they would become bowl eligible, and have the bragging rights of, let's just say, a lifetime. It was a big deal. Such a big deal that ESPN's College GameDay  came to OSU. Sadly the outcome was not one that Beaver fans were hoping for. Even though the Beavs didn't pull out the upset they sure did put up a good fight! And even though at the end of the day we were sad Beaver fans we had a blast until then! Here are some pictures from Civil War 2010!

 The filming of College Gameday. Filming started at 6:00AM!! And of course Russ was there. In fact he left the house around 2AM because the parking lots on campus opened at 3AM and he wanted to make sure we got our usual tailgating spot!

 Michelle and I showed up with the boys around 8:30am

 Sleepy Tristan all snuggly

 The crowed from the MU

 GO BEAVS!!!!!!

 College Gameday bus

 After filming my mom and Michelle and I stuck around. We really wanted to see Erin Andrews. We didn't think we would but....

 We did!!!! If you don't know who she is, she is a reporter for ESPN and was on Dancing with the Stars a couple seasons ago. All the guys were a little jealous of us haha! 

 Such a cute/tired Beaver

 Tailgating breakfast style again!

 Kendra and Whitney even joined us this time!

 And just like that the tailgating is over :(

 Quick pic of sisters!

 Anxious. Nervous. Excited. Beaver fans walking to the game!

 Ready to watch some football!!!

 My mom, Michelle the boys and I headed the Hammagren's to watch the game.

The group.

The season didn't go as well as we hoped. But I guess you win some and you lose some and there is always next year. So we'll see you again next season Beavs! 

GO Auburn!