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BEWARE THE “MEGAPIXEL MYTH.” Even compact cameras now eclipse the 20-megapixel mark. Cer-tain types of photography do benefit from more mega-pixels, but most people do not need more than 10 or 12. The more megapixels you have, the larger and slower your image files will be, requiring larger memory cards and taking up more space on your computer.uter.

SIZE MATTERS. Image quality is determined more by the physical size of a camera’s sensor rather than the number of megapixels on that sensor. Generally, big-ger equals better. But larger sensors mean larger camer-as and larger lenses, and are also much more expensive. You have to weigh the benefits of quality, portability and price.

THE ZOOM FACTOR. A common misconception is that bigger cameras (namely interchangeable lens cameras) have greater zoom power than smaller ones. Typically, the opposite is true. Due to the small sensors in point-and-shoots, such cameras can fit much more zoom power into a much smaller package. There are pocketable cameras with zoom powers up to 30x, a feat that would be impossible on most interchangeable lens cameras.

NOT ALL MEMORY CARDS ARE CREATED EQUAL. Cards come in different sizes and speeds. A faster memory card can improve the performance of your cam-era and speed up file transfers to your computer. Depend-ing on your needs, it may be better to invest in a faster card, rather than a larger one.

CHOOSE A CAMERA YOU WILL ACTUALLY WANT TO USE! None of the above matters if your camera stays at home in its bag.

Take a Break by the SeaSpeaking of renovations, one place we strongly encourage you to check out is the recently refurbished Coho Oceanfront Lodge in Lincoln City. This is a kid-centric property that takes family-friend-ly to a fabulous level. The Coho Oceanfront Lodge is also an exemplary hospitality model for service, comfort and beauty. The property itself is nestled right on the beautiful coast with endless ocean views and access to great tide pools. The location alone is perhaps one of the best you will find at reasonable rates.

Recent hotel renovations really hit the mark on style and con-temporary-infused accommodations. Ranging from studios to full family suites, there is a perfectly sized room for everyone. The rooms are modern, with earth-toned colors and environmentally friendly products such as naturally antibacterial bamboo-blended towels. The Coho Oceanfront Lodge even has family suites with separate fun-themed kids’ bedrooms, featuring bunk beds and Wii or PS3 game systems.

TAKE SPECIAL NOTE THAT THE LODGE VILLAGE SUITES, popular choices for families, have been recently renovated, though much of the Sunriver Resort is under-going upgrades. They are well-equipped and gorgeous! At over 900 square feet, they are spacious and have all the cozy comforts of home, including a continental kitchen with a four-burner stove, small refrigerator and microwave. The upstairs loft living area has a king bed (or two queen beds), a bathroom and a TV with all the chan-nel bells and whistles. Open beam construction makes these lodges light, bright and very welcoming.

Aside from being generous in size, the renovations are also quite lovely. We were impressed with the quality craftsmanship that went into the furnishings and finish-es of the lodges. Leather sofas and bar stools, granite kitchen counters, fine wood cabinetry and earth-toned pillows and rugs convey the comforts of a contempo-rary Northwest home. The Lodge Village Suites are a great choice for a family, a couples retreat without kids, or girlfriend getaways.

A Place for all Seasons

by Janna Lopez

Certain destinations remain tried and true favorites for fami-lies. Sunriver Resort is at the top of that list. Perhaps it’s the breathtaking Central Oregon scenery, the never-ending options for family-friendly activities, the diverse range of accommoda-tions for all needs and budgets, or the wonderful hospitality and unique seasonal experiences that allow guests to enjoy Sunriver Resort year-round. Whatever the reason, Sunriver is the com-plete family-travel package. As you make plans for fall and winter, spring break or even next summer, here are a few quick, not-to-be-overlooked tips about Sunriver Resort.

SUNRIVER RESORT:

COHO OCEANFRONT LODGE

MAKE SURE YOU TREAT YOURSELF TO THE SAGE SPRINGS CLUB & SPA for some form of pampering ser-vices. The Sage Springs Club & Spa has one of the most extensive menus of wellness, beauty and healing options. From head and scalp treatments to anti-aging care for hands, feet and face; body treatments with lavender and sage scrubs to exfoliations, you will be given first-class care, whichever form of relaxation you choose. What’s also awesome is that they have specialty treatments for men and couples, too, so it makes relaxing twice as nice. Sunriver Resort’s Sage Springs Club & Spa is one of the highlights of a trip.

AT SUNRIVER RESORT, THE FEELING OF WINTER IS VERY DIFFERENT THAN SUMMER. Consider going not just once or twice but several times throughout the year to experience different seasons. Snowier months are like a beautiful fairytale winter wonderland that can’t be beat. “Traditions” is the annual resort celebration that begins after Thanksgiving and runs until January 1. There are sleigh rides, gingerbread house displays, holiday lights, ice skating at the village rink, Christmas carols and music at the Lodge and many other holiday-themed family activi-ties. It’s enchanting.

In the summer, you can experience the warmth and sun-shine on the back of a horse, on a bicycle, on the golf course, or splashing around one of the many recreational pools. You can also rent kayaks or canoes and coast down the river or listen to music in the new outdoor park/picnic area.

Fall and spring offer their own beauty, with gorgeous col-ors on all the trees and flowers. Sunriver also celebrates the seasonal bounty through several signature events, such as the fall festival which showcases golf, wine and cheese, or the month of chocolate in February. The goal is to encourage you to consider experiencing the spec-trum of seasons at Sunriver. It’s amazing how unique and different they each are!

Just over three and a half hours away by car, you and your family will find many fantastic memory-making experi-ences during your stay at Sunriver Resort. If you’ve been there, we suggest you go back for a visit soon to see all that’s new, or make plans to visit during a different time of year than you’ve been before, to discover the natural beauty of a changing season. www.sunriver-resort.com.

Photos courtesy of the Sunriver Resort except where noted.

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The Children’s Gym503.249.5867

1625 NE Sandy Blvdwww.childrensgym.com

Inspiring Children for a Lifetime Since 1984

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Janna Lopez is the mother of a 13-year-old daughter and a 9-year-old son.

The lobby is like a luxurious boutique gathering space, with the smells of home-baked chocolate chip cookies and freshly ground coffee to take back to your room. Right next to the lobby is an on-site indoor heated swimming pool, Jacuzzi and sauna. Mornings you will be treated to a delicious continental breakfast.

One of our favorite treats was the Coho Oceanfront Lodge’s beach bonfire kit. It in-cludes firewood, fire starter, roasting sticks, s’mores kit (graham crackers, marshmal-lows and chocolate bars) and a beach mat, all in a handy beach bag. The bonfire kit was offered for a reasonable fee, and the kids loved it!

For unbeatable hospitality, location, fami-ly-friendliness, class and value, we were im-pressed with the Coho Oceanfront Lodge in Lincoln City. Visit their website for all the details, photos and options for a memora-ble stay. www.thecoholodge.com.

Photos courtesy of the Coho Oceanfront Lodge except where noted.

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