The day after Christmas we headed through The Gorge to spend a week in Hood River. We got an exceptional deal on a two bedroom loft atop Doppio Coffee Lounge and looked forward to some R&R: leisurely hikes along the CRH State Trail, wandering aimlessly along the downtown streets popping into boutiques and galleries, meeting up with friends on Mt. Hood for a few days of skiing, enjoying great restaurants and bonding as a family.

But the majority of that never happened. We got rained out. The mountain shut down mid-week due to lack of snow.

So instead of playing in parks, running down trails and experiencing the great outdoors the kids watched a lot of movies, played games, rode the elevator, and fought with one another. By the third day we were all going batty.

A welcome break came with trips to the coffeehouse for hot chocolate and coffee {and after being cooped up all day, the site of A Legendary Tantrum}

Then one morning there was a break in the rain. We headed down to Hood River Waterfront Park to burn off some energy and play. Climbing to the top of the rock wall:

Skipping rocks into the Columbia:

Unfortunately the break was brief and by Noon the rain returned. And when I say rain I mean pouring, nonstop downpour. By midweek we had tapped out trips to the book and toy store. Fortunately we discovered the local library, featuring an art station, a play area, and an OMSI exhibit. And our pdx library cards were valid for checking out books and DVDs!

But the best indoor discovery was WAAAM, two hangers full of the largest collections of still-flying antique aeroplanes and still-driving antique automobiles in the country. Carson was excited to stumble upon the Fabulous Hudson Hornet. Things started looking up.

By the weekend, the snow began falling! We raced up to the mountain bright and early and spent the day sledding down hills dodging small trees and avoiding the melting pond at the bottom. But it wasn’t raining and the kids weren’t whining.

Presenting Hadley’s Tiny Snowman Family:

Walking down a trail in search of the hill less traveled:

On Sunday we put the kids in ski school and spent the entire day on a nearly vacant mountain under bright blue skies, ending the week {and the start of the New Year} on a very good note:

Followed by aprés ski drinks at our favorite Hood River watering hole:

Happy New Year Friends!