Camping in Bend, Oregon

So first of all, it is never easy to camp when you are eight months pregnant. I had a pretty easy time of it because my husband is such a champ and helped a lot with Jesse- as well as my parents and my sister and brother. This trip was planned MUCH in advance and we looked forward to it for several months. Camping in Bend has always been somewhat of a tradition and I love it there...We stayed at Paulina Lake about 30 miles or so out of Bend and it was pretty! The only down side of the entire camping trip was the MOSQUITOES!! They must have been lacking for company for many months because they came at us like starved beasts....and never let up! Anyway here is Andy and Paul getting ready to do something, I can't remember what.

The first day we were there we decided to go visit the obsidian flow/fields. They are really spectacular if you haven't seen them before and Andy was quite taken with all the obsidian everywhere. This particular flow comes from the Newberry Volcano, not far from where we were camping. Lots of interesting geological history in Bend!

You had to climb quite a ways to get to the top and Jesse was such a trooper! With the help of Grandma, he probably walked about a mile and a half on his own!

It was very sunny (and very hot) so Andy said he couldn't keep his eyes open. But his hands are resting on a large piece of obsidian. This was towards the top of the stairs and further up the view just got better.

Here is the ever helpful and patient Grandma helping Jesse (even though she is loaded down with many things herself!)

The same day we visited Paulina Falls. It was beautiful and something I am not sure that I remember seeing before.

The great guys in my life...

Jesse at the camp site. I didn't have the heart to pile on loads of clothing because it was warm during the day so unfortunately Jesse was bitten about 20+ times by the mosquitoes. He still enjoyed playing and hardly noticed the little pests.

Second day we went out with my parents to do some caving. It was quite a nice little drive, for the first cave that we looked for was closed down due to vandalism. Jesse was quite the sport- and how could you not be with Grandma sitting next to you entertaining you with her phone!

We finally found a cave to visit... The Lava River Cave. We watched a video at the visitors center and it was nice to learn a little about what we saw inside. This is at the top of the trail....

And this is descending into the hole! Notice we had coats on because the temperature dropped about 30 degrees or so. BRRR! Our noses were read and runny when we finally came out of the cave. Andy really enjoyed it because his family was big into caving when he was little. This was a type of cave they didn't visit often (being from Utah and all) and so it was an adventure!

Walking down the steep stairs. Look closely at Jesse- the black band on his hat is a flash light! He insisted on having one just like papa and dad. :)

We had a great time regardless the discomfort of bug bites and sleeping on an air mattress. I would do it again if it meant some well spent time with my family! Ps I now only have 6 WEEKS left and am counting down the days! Until later!

To see more pictures (from a better camera and more experienced photographer aka my mum) click here.