Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Cookie Party

The girls came over for our 16th annual cookie party last night! The format has changed over the years, (last year we held it in a pub because we were snowed-in, but could all walk to the pub!) but it's essentially the same crew and it's a party that we all look forward to all year long. We missed those who couldn't come this year - I was late in sending out the invitations! Pingg to the rescue!

The gift exchange is at the end of the night, when we're all loosened up and spirits are high. Lots of stealing, and side deals (thanks, Joy! I got the vase I wanted thanks to our "arrangement") and we all go home with a fun present and great cookies! Here are a few pics.






























Thursday, December 17, 2009

Fa La La La La

Happy Holidays!!

Here is a short list of things to do while the gang is in town for the holidays and you're tired of shopping, baking, wrapping, eating, or just want to get out of the house! Have fun!!



















Mount Hood Railroad presents — “The Polar Express” Read along with the story as the train makes its magical journey to the North Pole. Meet Santa and enjoy caroling, hot cocoa, a treat and a special gift for each child. Kids are encouraged to wear their pajamas.

Mount Hood Railroad

11/13/09 — 12/23/09

110 Railroad Avenue, Hood River, OR 97031 800-872-4661


Afternoon Trains depart at 5:00pm and return at 6:30pm Evening Trains depart at 8:00pm and return at 9:30pm (evening trains not available all days — check schedule)

$26 for Adults $18 for ages 2 and up







Pittock Mansion presents “Tinsel, Trees & Traditions”

Experience 150 years of Christmas traditions at Pittock Mansion this holiday season. In honor of the 150th anniversary of Oregon’s statehood, decorated rooms in the Mansion will illustrate different traditions of Christmas, including decorating trees, writing Christmas cards, serving holiday foods, playing Christmas music, and giving gifts.


Pittock Mansion, 3229 NW Pittock Drive, Portland, OR 97210 503-823-3623
11/23/09 — 12/31/09
11:00-4:00pm

$8 for adults, $7 for seniors, and $5 for children (aged 6-18); children 5 and under are free.

picture courtesy of Oregonlive.com



Holiday Tea at the Heathman (my personal favorite)
The Heathman’s Holiday Tea kicks off the day after Thanksgiving with three daily seatings from November 28 through January 4, 2009. Reservations will be available starting Friday, November 14th at 6 a.m. for this popular — and cherished — family tradition. With the two-story tall Christmas tree and festive decorations throughout the historic tea court, the Heathman’s annual Holiday Tea is perfect after shopping, with a friend or as a family celebration.


Heathman Hotel, 1001 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97205 503-790-7752
Seatings are daily at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m

Adults are $32 per person and the Peter Rabbit Tea for Little Sippers is $14 per person.













Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall
The Schnitz offers performances including a mix of religious winter holidays, singing Christmas trees and even some sugar plum fairies. New and old, heartwarming holiday traditions.

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas
Since 1984, Chip Davis' Mannheim Steamroller has rung in the holidays with their ... 12/19/2009 Saturday 4:00p



Comfort and Joy
Join us for a program of all-time holiday favorites. Selections include excerpts from Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker, the Pifa from Handel's Messiah and Vaughan Williams' Fantasia on Greensleeves. This is a chance to sing holiday favorites with your family and the Oregon Symphony.
12/21/2009 Monday 7:30p



Portland Youth Philharmonic: Concert At Christmas 12/26/2009 Saturday 7:30p



Oregon Symphony: Happy Holidays
Help ring in the holidays with a celebration of the season's many musical traditions ... 12/31/2009 Thursday 2:00p



Pink Martini New Years Eve 12/31/2009 Thursday 7:00p




Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 SW Broadway 503.248.4335
Schnitz

Peacock Lane


Go see the lights on Peacock Lane and you'll find nothing but good, old-fashioned holiday spirit. Since the 1920s, each house in this quaint southeast neighborhood has been decorating for Christmas. Mostly Tudors, the houses are adorned with not only beautiful sparkling lights, but also nativity scenes, rotating Christmas trees and stunningly life-like replicas of Santa and Frosty. Be forewarned: this is a very popular Portland tradition and the crowds can get quite thick. It is wise to park several blocks away and walk, rather than drive through the area. Better yet, take a ride in the horse-drawn carriage.









Peacock Lane is between SE Stark St. and SE Belmont St. and one block east of SE 39th.
5pm - 11pm
December 15 - December 31










Zoo Lights at the Washington Park Zoo









See the zoo transformed into a winter wonderland, aglow with a million lights.

More than 200 animated animals swing through trees, jump across lawns, hide in bushes and appear in places where they're least expected. Displays include swinging monkeys, leaping frogs, flying bats, diving penguins and a perfect-for-photos light sculpture featuring a dozen animals.

Nov. 27-Jan. 3
closed Dec. 24-25

Sun-Thurs: 5-8 p.m.
Fri-Sat: 5-8:30 p.m. You can stay until one hour after gate closes.

Admission including train ride:
Adults (12 to 64) $10.75
Seniors (65 and over) $9.25
Children (3 to 11) $7.75
Infants 2 & under free



Christmas Festival of Lights at The Grotto













A celebration of Christmas, including a half-million lights, 150 musical performances, puppet shows, petting zoo, carolers & more.

November 27, 2009-Wednesday, December 30, 2009
5 p.m.-9 p.m. with gates closing at 10 p.m.
Closed Christmas Day

$7.50 general admission
$3 children ages 3-12
2 & under are free
Please Bring canned or dry food for SnowCap.

Seasonal food and beverages are available, as well as shopping in The Grotto’s Christian Gift and Bookstore. In our Visitor Complex we offer a display of nativity sets from around the world which are available for purchase.

The Christmas Festival of Lights is a walk-through event. While entertainment areas are fully tented and all concerts are performed indoors, visitors should dress for the weather. The average visit may last 75 to 90 minutes. The Festival is accessible to those with disabilities. Free parking is available.The Festival offers over 140 indoor holiday music concerts. A tentative schedule is available on our web-site.

Festival of Lights Hot Line: 503-261-2400

Wednesday, December 16, 2009