Oregon- Snow Day at Mt. Hood

We woke up on Sunday with beautiful, cold weather. It was the perfect day to head to the mountains and snow. Many of the locals told us that we had the best day to be at Mt. Hood. It had just snowed the night before and today it was clear. The last time we were in snow was Mt. Baldy three years ago. There wasn't much snow- mostly ice. The boys have asked each year to go to the "snowy mountains" and finally got their wish. What an amazing day we had!!

Up ahead-Mt. Hood

The fun began in the parking lot!

Snow Angels

Inner-tubing is so much fun!

"Have we had enough fun in the snow yet?"

Oregon- Evergreen Air & Space Museum

This morning the boys went out for a bike ride. We did carry those bikes all the way up here so we had to use them. I chose to stay home in the warm house instead of facing the very cold weather. Dan, Dave and the little guys rode down to VooDoo Donuts (a popular "pink" place in Portland).

When they got back we packed up the cars and headed West to McMinnville. This is where the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum resides. We could see evidence of future buildings (a lodge and chapel) as they are gearing up to be a tourist destination. There is also a killer indoor water park on the property, but that will have to wait for another visit.

First we visited the Space Museum. This was incredible. It was a walk down the timeline of the race to space between the Russians and Americans.

Now over to the Aviation Museum which is home to the famous Spruce Goose. The Spruce Goose was designed and built by Howard Hughes and is made up of 95% wood. We paid extra to visit the flight deck/ cockpit area. Boy, was it worth it. Dan and I had both seen the Spruce Goose as kids when it was housed in Long Beach, but this was an experience we will always remember!

 A replica of the Wright Brother's airplane

Oregon- OMSI & more

On Thursday, our first full day in Portland,  we went to the OMSI. We walked to the bus stop and took the bus and street car there. Using mass transportation is one of my favorite things about being in a city like this. It helps that Uncle Dave works for the TriMet and gets us bus passes for FREE (yeah).

 

brrr...cold!

We took a guided tour of the USS Blueback Submarine. This was really neat to do and something that we missed the last time we were here.

 On Friday we went to a popular breakfast spot called "Slappy Cakes". You make your own pancakes on the hot griddle that is part of the table. We got there early- good thing since the place filled up and had a line out the door by the time we left. YUMM!!

Christmas Vacation- On the road to Oregon

This year we decided to go on a little road trip for Christmas. Dan's brother and his wife live in Portland, Oregon and invited us to come up for the holidays. We thought it would be fun to surprise the boys with the trip and destination.

We woke up Christmas morning and had a simple breakfast. We told the boys that we were opening presents in the car and going to someone's house (little did they know it would take two days to get there and many miles on the road).  Needless to say, they were quite surprised and happy when they found out where we were going. The biggest attraction? The OMSI- Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. This place is incredible and Nathan and Jason have wanted to return since we went 2 1/2 years ago.

We stopped in Redding on Christmas night and stayed at a Travelodge. Nothing was opened for dinner so we dinned on what we could find at a 7-11. Oh what memories!!

 "Stockings" and presents!

Mom and Dad taking turns driving!

  The boys chilling on the ride

 Beautiful snow heading into Oregon