Portland, OR

These 3 are seasoned travelers by now. They know the agony and joy

that is a 15 hour road trip. They are quite familiar with driving for hours on end,

finding new things to "I spy" when all there is to spy is blackness outside at 1am...

They gasp along with us at the gorgeousness of the turquoise lake and the

snow capped mountains in the middle of summer.

There is crying, don't get me wrong. Charlie tested our patience beyond words.

My little home-body doesn't like to stray far

from the familiar in his life: his bike, his home, his friends and most importantly, his daddy.

He made sure to let us know of that every chance he got.

Oregon was gorgeous. The sky was a different kind of blue.

The trees were vibrant and lush...very green.

These 3. When they get along, it's such a beautiful thing.

Powell's Book Store.

Lunch at Gruner
Best burger EVER. Wild mushroom and nuts... so good.

This is where my baby girl, Kate's chubby, dimpled, little fingers first learned how to write her name.
Isn't that the most beautiful K you 've ever seen?

Washington Park

VooDoo Doughtnuts

Bacon maple donut... interesting combo.
I didn't try this one but Jaclyne says it wasn't that bad.

Portland has a very slow-paced life.
It reminded me of the south a little bit.
It has that same charm and beauty.

I'm thrilled the kids got to visit this beautiful state...
We left Portland and made our way to Seattle, WA,
whose beauty surpassed my expectations.
I truly am a city girl at heart.


Stay tuned... more from our summer vacation coming soon.