getting to papa's for the holiday

Becca, Kristen and I left on our great adventure on Friday (12/19) in what appeared to be the only window between storms. School and work had been closed most of the week before due to snow and ice, and I had been getting around only in the 4x4 Jeep (way to go Paddy!). 16-hours later, two intense white-out snowstorms, 10 degrees in Burley, snow-packed freeways and 4-wheel drive all the way through Snowville and we arrive safely at Papa's. Hoffman girls RULE!



It was an adventure to remember - one I would not like to repeat. Portland is buried under 18" of snow and ice at the moment and expecting more. The Columbia Gorge has been closed for the last couple of days with 2-3 feet of snow and ice.

Missy stayed in Portland to work and has been snowed in, her poor little car Sue-the-Banana buried. The Clackamas Town Center was even closed on Sunday due to the weather. We miss you Missy!

Rick is in Washington, D.C. until Christmas eve. He has been plotting our alternate return route, watching the Blue Mountains and the routes around Mt Hood or north through Yakima to Seattle if the Gorge does not re-open for us to get home.

Meanwhile, the household has been rocking with children and grandchildren. A brave photographer herded the clan (only missing Rick and Missy) into a big family photo in the rotunda of the Capitol building. Followed by dinner at Papa's and the Hale-Christensen-Burnett-Hale-Rolfson Players presented the Annual Nativity Play, including piano, flute and violin performances. Uncle Brad called it organized chaos, but I think he was just being nice.



Nichole's flight was canceled yesterday with the Portland Airport closed to all flights. She is rescheduled for the evening of Christmas day.

Outside, more snow. Back home, more snow. Unbelievable.

Sherri