playing and biking in Bend

We stayed a little closer to home on Sunday -- in the late morning, we took our assorted sports equipment to a local field and played baseball, disc golf, and some soccer, and then walked over the bridge to Drake Park and downtown Bend for lunch and gelato (not in that order).

We took turns pitching and hitting, with Jasper as our trusty fielder.

And then in the late afternoon, Steve and Liesl went to practice some soccer skills (high traps, penalty kicks) while Sebastian and I went biking. We started off on a paved trail but then found some awesome dirt trails to follow, and an area with jumps and skids to play on. We had a great time riding our bikes on the dirt trails in particular, and can't wait to return tomorrow.

 

Misery Ridge hike at Smith Rock

We went for an amazingly beautiful hike this morning up Misery Ridge at Smith Rock State Park. We've done the hike once before as a family, but it was in April 2016, so only Steve and I really remember it. The hike is about four miles, with a steep uphill start, a short (and today, very windy) walk along a ridgeline, an equally steep descent, and then a long meander along the Crooked River to complete the loop. Jasper loved it, the kids did great, and it was another really sweet adventure together.

horseback riding

We went trail riding today at Brasada Ranch, outside of Bend, on some beautiful horses. It was a gorgeous afternoon to be on the high desert and we had a wonderful time. Liesl and I were really excited to try out our newfound knowledge on an actual trail ride, although the differences between English and Western saddles and bridles was larger than I expected, and the horses were so well trained, that it made little difference. Sebastian was not initially thrilled by the idea, but he was a good sport and ended up having some fun.

Liesl on Laredo, Sebastian on Pepper

My horse, Sky, and Steve's, Scout.