This is the first time we have taken advantage of "Spring Break". Since I got married and had little kids, it has never been a week that really mattered to me. Until this year. The kids are getting big enough that Drew and I have decided it is time to start having adventures with them and make some family memories. So we called Ashley and Jayson and asked them if we could come for the week and play!
Our first stop was Multnomah Falls. It is about an hour outside of Portland OR, and it is beautiful.
(NOTE: This time of year (March) is known to be cold, wet and very rainy in Oregon. With that said, continue...)
After 6+ hours in the car we were ready to stretch our legs so we pulled over. When we got out of the car, the rain stopped and the clouds parted. We strolled over the the lower bridge and then decided to hike the trail to the top overlooking the falls. The weather warmed up nicely and Carter led the way up the mountain.
 |
| Lower bridge is behind us. |
 |
| Standing on lower bridge - The beginning of the trail... |
 |
| We made it to the top! |
On Monday the weather was very wet and gloomy, so we opted for an activity indoors. In downtown Portland they have OMSI. It is fabulous - and HUGE. We started with a tour of a real Navy submarine. I can say with certainty that I will never serve aboard a submarine. The conditions are cramped, dark and much to close for comfort. But is was a really cool tour.
 |
| The Submarine docked in the Willamette River |
 |
| Brycen looking through the periscope. |
 |
| Ava, Carter, Jett, Tucker, Brycen, Dallas & Charlotte |
In other parts of OMSI there were science projects, a physics lab, fossils, and a planetarium. We all enjoyed a video about the planets in our solar system. (I had to close my eyes for most of it. It was making me very motion sick!)
Tuesday the weather was much clearer so we ventured north to the small city of Astoria OR, home of the Astoria Column. This column features the adventures of Lewis and Clark in a spiral on the entire outer surface of the column. It is beautiful. Inside the column is a spiral staircase with 164 steps to the top. Talk about a workout!
After a brief stop for a picnic lunch, we drove a few miles away to Fort Stevens. This fort was used in the Civil War, WWI & WWII. It was built to protect the coastline and the mouth of the Columbia River. It it set behind a hillside, so you don't see any of it from the ocean. They had large canons that would take aim, rise up from behind a wall and fire at the enemy before ducking down again. There is actually a shipwreck still beached on the coast near the fort.
 |
| Shipwreck |
After the Fort we went to Cannon Beach. It was getting a little windy, but the beach still felt balmy and soothing. The kids quickly took off their socks and shoes, rolled up their pant legs and jumped in the surf.
 |
| Drew & Ava |
 |
| Drew & Carter |
 |
| Ava, Jett & Tucker |
Our final adventure for Spring Break was an overnight stay at Great Wolf Lodge. This place is like a mini Disney Land. (sort-of) There are 2 main attractions: The Magic Quest and the Indoor Water Park. Magic Quest is a game where you purchase a magic wand and a booklet that takes you all over the entire complex, I mean every floor! There are treasure chests and picture frames and kiosks everywhere and they all come alive with the magic wand. It's like a huge scavenger hunt.
The water park was OUR main attraction. We played for 2 days in here. There were 6 large slides, a wave pool, playground, and large kiddie area for Carter and Charlotte. It was awesome to let the kids go off on their own (with a buddy) and play!
This was an awesome spring break! We are so thankful for Jayson and Ashley and their hospitality! They opened up their home and their trailer for us and we are so grateful! We love spending time with you and your wonderful kids. Thanks again for everything!
