Spring Break 2017

A trip to Portland was LONG over due for us. We haven't been there since Jimmy's wedding before Jae was even born! We made the 18 hour drive out there with Vega in tow and despite the forcasted rainy weather, had a great week!

As we drove into Portland on Sunday, we stopped at Bonneville Dam to check out the fish ladder. The weather was really cold and rainy but I think the kids enjoyed seeing the dam and ladder. The Columbia River is pretty impressive to those of us in the desert. Then, we went to Multnomah Falls and hiked to the very top. Again, it was pretty cold and rainy but the water fall is impressive and we were tired of being cooped up in the car so it was a nice outing. 

Monday, we checked out OMSI and had lunch at Deschutes Brewery. We spent some time at Powells Books and scored some free donuts at Blue Sky. We finished off our downtown PDX outing with lattes at Stumptown Coffee before heading back to Mike and Jill's house for dinner with Grandma and Grandpa Clayburn. 

Tuesday, we lucked out with some drier weather. We went on walk through Tryon Creek State Park and did a little shopping. I took Steve and the kids on a little tour of Lewis & Clark College. Kellen was very confused by the idea that I lived there for 2 years and went to school there. Campus has changed quiet a bit since I was there but not much since the last time I visited. No views of Mt. Hood but still got a great picture by the reflecting pool. The kids thought the Manor House was pretty cool and I had fun showing Kellen the swimming pool I practically lived in. Tuesday night we went out to dinner with Mike, Jill, Grandma and Grandpa. 

On Wednesday, we headed to the coast and met up with Monica, Aaron, Liliana and Adie in Astoria. We toured the Columbia Maritime Museum and ate dinner at the Fort George Brewery. Then, we drove to Ocean Park, WA to stay for a few days. Despite the cold and windy weather, we HAD to check out the beach at sunset. 

Thursday morning was spent playing in the sand on the beach. Vega even got to run around, playing chuck it and frisbee. She wasn't too sure of the rough water though. After some lunch, we headed to Long Beach, WA to play at the arcade, see Jake the Alligator Man, and wander through the shops. Thursday night, we had an early birthday celebration for Jae (who has a birthday very close to Adie and Monica). The kids got to watch Trolls before heading to bed. 

We spent more time at the beach on Friday morning and then packed up to head back to Portland. It was a gorgeous day and we had views of Mt. Rainier, Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Hood on our drive back. We got to see Monica and Aaron's new(ish) house and the kids had fun playing at the playground. We were all sad to pack up on Saturday to head back home. The drive home was pretty uneventful and we were all happy to be out of the car on Sunday. We can't wait to go back to Portland, there is so much to see and do. We had a great visit with my Uncle Mike and Aunt Jill and Grandma and Grandpa Clayburn and the Petersons. We are thankful for everyone's hospitality.