Flat-lander tobogganing

Our southeast Eugene neighborhood has most of the ingredients for Winter fun -- we live on one of the best sledding hills around, the vehicle traffic is sporadic, and there are lots of young children living close by to share in the fun.  The only problem is that our happy little valley seldom sees snow -- which is generally considered essential to Winter fun.


Over the New Year's holiday, we made our way back to Pendleton to visit family and loved ones.  Good fortune smiled on us in the form of fresh snowfall.  The kids were undeterred by the daytime highs that hovered around 17 degrees and the fact that Grandpa Duane's flat pasture land presented little in the way of gravity assist for their sled.

But who needs a steep grade when Grandpa has a Kubota tractor?

With Grandpa at the helm, the adrenaline junkies made a couple warm up laps around the pasture.  The kids were checked for frostbite, and upon assuring ourselves that they were only light blue Grandpa opened up the throttle.

The riders didn't seem to notice that their runny noses had frozen -- they were enjoying themselves too much.  It had been a long time since they had experienced snow.  You'll notice that Karsten is wearing Melissa's winter gear.  He donated his snow suit to Taegan.

Melis' donned her father's insulated coveralls, which left Langy with his sister's old snow gear.  While he stayed toasty warm -- the boy never really warmed to his lilac fashion statement.  I have a feeling this picture will make an appearance at his wedding reception some day.  You're welcome, son.

Happy New Year and Happy Tobaggoning!