Over the river and through the woods, to Christmas Eve breakfast we went!
Rather than cook Christmas Eve morning, we all piled in the cars and went out to breakfast at a beautiful lakeside lodge not too far from home.
Call me selfless.
I will share the beauty….
There are lava beds under all of that snow.
Yep – we are in volcano country!
You cross a little one lane bridge…
And this is what you see from one side…
And this is from the other side.
Looks like a postcard doesn’t it?
Next year, I think we will spend the night in that cabin and then walk to breakfast!
Via snowshoes, of course
Don’t let anybody tell you Oregon is running out of trees.
Because of how cars were parked and the depth of the snow after the parking lot was plowed, I could not get a good picture of the lodge. I will be sure to get one when we go back.
The boathouse restaurant is right on the water.
This was our view from breakfast…
My family…including the son-in-law and the boyfriend.
I don’t even try to get a smile from Joey anymore…
They just have to come naturally.
And what 11 year-old wouldn’t smile naturally when waist-deep in snow -
– anticipating a large snowball hitting the side of his head while mom takes his picture?
My sister-in-law, niece and nephew.
Go Ducks!
Cousins.
Icicles.
It was a beautiful morning to kick off the excitement of Christmas Eve.
I think it may just have to become another Griswold family tradition.
By the way, yesterday I showed you 15 of my most popular DIY projects from 2012. If you missed it, be sure to head over and check them out!
Be inspired,
Linking to:
Wow Us Wednesdays at Savvy Southern Style
Turning lifetime passion into livelihood. It's about time! I'm Shari. I am a 40-something wife, mother, corporate professional turned design stylist, avid sports fan, and usually exhausted 24/7 keeping up with it all. I love my family, my home, my work...and the chaos that comes with it. I also happen to adore my beagle, Scout. 
Love the pictures, especially the one from the restaurant. That is an awesome view. Oh course the naughty face not so bad either…..awe family!
Gorgeous photos Shari! Happy New Year!
How simply beautiful. I would love to take a drive like that and enjoy breakfast with that view.
Have a very Happy New Year!
Beautiful pictures! We’ve spent a lot of time around there. It brings back great memories!
I think it’d be great to spend Christmas Eve there.
Have a great day and GO DUCKS!
Pam
Stunning landscape! This is my favorite time of the year. I love when the trees are covered with just enough ice to make the branches glisten, and the snow is superb for a great walk or in my healthier days….a day on the x-country skies. That was golden.
Would love to see that sort of snow here in Ontario. Where I am it usually blows across Lake Ontario over to Buffalo. (and they think we live in igloos down south – hah)
What an fabulous snowy drive. I’m in FL now but miss the snow of my youth in PA when I see picks like this. Lucky you. I’ve pinned a few to maybe use as inspiration for paintings one of these day.
Thanks for sharing the beautiful photos! I love when the trees are heavy with snow. Wishing you and your lovely family all the best in the New Year!
Your pictures are so beautiful! nature and peeps
Have a great New Year,
Deb@LakeGirlPaints
Absolutely gorgeous photos! Definitely “card worthy” ~
I think it would be incredible to have a meal there.
Off to check out your DIY projects.
Happy New Year!
Pat
My future daughter in law isn’t the one who brought home a boyfriend is she?
Bliss