The Best of Oregon

There are just too many darn pictures to post so here are just some of my favorites from the trip. 

Drift Creek Falls - One of the most gorgeous hikes I have ever been on. 

It was so amazing.

The suspension bridge at Drift Creek. 

You could feel the whole thing sway when you walked. 

It was awesome. 

Sisters on the bridge. 

Peace

Whale Watching tour was AWESOME. 

Boats and hoes!

Gary (the boat driver) let me drive the boat. 

I loved the ocean before, but love it even more now that I have been in a tiny little boat out on the waves.  SO FUN!!!

We're hot!

Trying to stay warm at Cape Meares. 

Sisters at Cape Meares

Tidal Raves!

AWESOME food, and an amazing view!

Motor Cycle rides in the rain!

Cold at Mo's.

THE BEACH

I love the beach!

Did I mention I love the beach?

Sisters shopping at Depoe Bay (another great view)

Funny mustache pictures

(I'll give you one guess who's idea this was)

COMING HOME TO MY KIDS!!!

I missed them so much. 

They loved their gifts I brought back. 

It was an awesome trip that went by too quickly.  I'm so excited for our yearly tradition and look forward to next year.  I love my sisters so much.  I feel so blessed to not only have fun sisters but best friends in them both.

Ocean's Edge 5k

The day of the race was supposed to be about 67, with no wind or rain.  We were very excited about that, since it was on the beach and the wind can make the sand a deadly weapon.  We woke up early and ate a good breakfast and headed down to the beach. 

I know, I'm so graceful.  I should have been a dancer, ha ha.

It started to rain just before the race started, and the wind did not really cooperate either.  I don't think Tonya was very happy with the weather, but she did a GREAT job and never gave up. 

Em kept her entertained and motivated. 

For me, getting to this cone (half way) was EASY.  The wind was at my back and the rain was just a drizzle so it wasn't bad at all.  However, as soon as you ran around the cone to head back, the wind was now IN YOUR FACE and the rain started to come down harder and harder. 

I finished the race - in my worst 5k time yet (34 min) and then headed back to meet up again with Tonya and Emilee. 

Tonya had the loudest cheering section of any runner.  She met her goal on both time and in participating in the race.  I'm very proud of her.  We have already made a sister pack to make the race a yearly tradition.  I hope she will continue to work to improve her time and keep staying active.  I love you sis and want you around for all my years!!

SO PROUD OF YOU TONYA! 

Portland

 I love Oregon!  Last year just after my trip out there with my kids, my sister Tonya asked if Em and I would promise to come out again next year and run a 5k on the beach with her.  She wanted to get into shape and needed some extra support and motivation.  We both said HECK YES of course and the trip was planned.  Nothing better than a sister's get-a-way to the gorgeous Oregon Coast. 

We flew into Portland, visited Aunt Pam for lunch, and then took the scenic route to the Gorge, which was GORGEOUS.  We stopped at the Vista House and enjoyed the view.  Then we continued on to the falls and started hiking away.   

I love Multnomah.  The kids and I did this hike last year and it was even better this time around.  (Although I did miss my kids!!!)

My initials (I didn't do it)

The view from the top. 

We rewarded our hiking efforts with this GINORMOUS cookie from the bakery.  We almost thought about just keeping the cookie and taking pictures with it everywhere we went, but it was too delicious and we couldn't resist. 

After a full day of hiking and enjoying Portland, we headed off to Lincoln City to see our favorite Oregonian.  It helped that the view was AWESOME and that we rented a cute Jeep with an awesome Sirius radio system.  The 80's on 8 and 90's on 9 station made for some serious flash backs and fun road trip videos and memories. 

We were SO happy to see our sister! 

 Let the fun begin!

Work with Mom Day

Kylee had an eye appointment smack dab in the middle of the day at Primary Children's.  The best option of how I could make it all work was to just have her come spend the whole day with me at work.  I get to work downtown about twice a week and so it worked out perfect.  She was super excited to get to come "work" with me. 

She spent MANY hours drawing on the whiteboard.  She kept drawing me the best pictures and she kept me very entertained. 

Of course I had to take her up to the top of our building and let her look out at the city.  She loved the view and thought that was very neat too. 

We had such a great day together and she was such a sweet, well-behaved 4 year-old.  I wish I could take her to work with me more often.