Beginning to look like Christmas in Bend

Walking in Drake Park on a cold winters night. Just below 20 degrees and fresh snow.












In downtown Bend, the Christmas is up and fully lit. Much more natural compared to Rockefeller Center's Tree. But it's a nice touch for the square behind the Tower Theater and the Dechutes River.



And in the same square, resides Mirror Pond Gallery. It's one of the remaining historic bungalow houses in Bend and has since been used as a Gallery these past few years. We really should visit it one of these days.

Drake Park is a gorgeous, historic park located right in the center of town. It's a great place to walk, picnic, and enjoy the simple life of Bend. And we found some holiday lights gracing the houses along the park. Some in simple elegance and other providing a message.

The Blended Family

Kit biting Rebecca's ponytail.

Zent's First Thanksgiving!

Both Larry and I have much to be thankful for. We were especially thankful that Gail and Billy were able to come to Bend for a short visit. It was great to see them both, and of course little Kit! Kit is their seven month old American Eskimo puppy.
This Thanksgiving, it was our first attempt to cook a turkey and actually host the holiday. It was exciting! Our 15 pound turkey was moist and perfectly golden. We tried a new stuffing recipe and Larry made the best mashed potatoes using Rebecca's KitchenAid. Bravo Larry!



We dined on Rebecca's grandmother's china and used her festive red glasses too. And it wouldn't be Thanksgiving with pumpkin pie and homemade whipped topping. This year, we're celebrating a bunch of "firsts" and making new traditions for us as a couple and our family.

Though we have to mention, we do miss celebrating the holidays with our friends and family in CO! The celebrations and meals we've shared with all of you over the years has impacted us. We miss the joy at each gathering, and the fun we had playing cards, swinging from chandeliers, and trying new tasty holiday treats.

Winter has arrived on the Pass

Last weekend we went to Portland, OR for a shopping trip and to experience on of the McCormick restaurants in town with Craig and Kristin. Some of the shops we miss being approximately 4 hours out of the "big city" are Kohls, Trader Joes, and Uwajimayah. Needless to say, we had fun shopping for some needed items and our favorite food!

The pass to and from Portland had experienced their first snow and we caught some of winter wonderland's best on film.

Kit - Gail's Dog

Over the summer Gail fell in love with an adorable white fur ball, named Kit. His official name is in in Japanese and means White Fox. Here are some puppy photos of him on a trip with them from August. We'll see them next week for the holiday, and we're sure he's gotten bigger.