Tessa Stiles is One !

Happy First Birthday to my Thanksgiving baby!

Sun River 2014

We LOVE Sun River!  Ever since Bruce and I (including Ben, McKinley & Piper) took the girls cross country team to Sun River for some team bonding, our family has been coming back.  Mainly in the fall, though, when rates for rental houses are crazy low.   My parents have accompanied us, but this year we planned our mini-vaca during Ahmma & Dumpa's visit to Oregon.  We spent three nights in a three-bedroom house a quarter-mile away from Fort Rock Park.  We swam at the SHARC and rode bikes every day.  Benji & I even got to sneak away during nap time, and pedaled to Benham Falls with Dumpa.  Tessa played in the pool for the first time and loved it!  She was so fearless!  On our drive home, we stopped in Sisters to walk around.  We ended up finding a shop that sold nuts, olives and oils and splurged on a bottle of white balsamic vinegar infused with strawberry.

Three sisters @ the Three Sisters. (South, Middle & North Sister mountain peaks in the background.)

Tea For Three

When I asked Piper what she wanted to do for her birthday, she quickly stated she wanted a 'pink' party and wanted Faith & Sophie to come.  I suggested a couple of ideas, and she chose a tea party.  I also thought it would be fun to make flower crowns and candy necklaces to wear during the tea party, and she agreed.  I think one of her favorite things about the tea party was the rosy raspberry punch.  Infact, the kids polished off the entire bowl of punch!  Later in the evening, as per Piper's request, she had pizza and mac & cheese for dinner. Then Dumpa made some delicious strawberry cheesecake sundaes for dessert.  Overall, I think she had an amazing day.  So much, that when we told her that her birthday was over because it was bedtime, she dropped her head and said in her cute, little, pouty voice, "Oh, that's sad."

The kiddos model their flower crowns and necklaces before lunch was served. 

Marissa had to leave early for gymnastics class.

Piper and Sophie.

The partygoers pose for one final picture before leaving.

The birthday girl!

Piper opens up her presents from family.