Our Vacation

We had some good friends from Utah come to visit us. It was so nice to see them. They have four kids, three that are the same age as mine. The kids got along wonderfully, and it was so fun to see everyone together!

While they were here we:

• Hiked. We explored some waterfalls, and even got to walk behind one. Very cool.
• We went to Bonneville Dam, and saw the fish swim up the fish ladders. The kids thought that it was wonderful. The kids all fed the trout in the ponds. I paid $4.49 a gallon for gas.
• We went out to the beach for three wonderful days. We saw a jelly fish, and the kids collected sand dollars and crab "arms". They played in the sand and the water. My youngest thought that it was wonderful to cover himself with the mud. My oldest played in the waves for the first time, and my daughter did it all!
  
  
• While we were on the coast, we went to the Tillamook Cheese Factory, which was the highlight of the trip for my kids. We did the tour, and had ice cream for lunch. If you live here, you really must try the Bubble Gum flavor. Excellent.
• We also went out and saw the Octopus Tree. Very cool. Cute little light house out there as well.
  
• We stayed at a great house with great views. We had so much fun. I played with the sunset setting on my camera, and got some good shots.

When we got home we couldn't quit having fun so on Saturday we took our kids to see Kung Fu Panda, which was cute and funny. And on Sunday we drove up on Mt. Hood and explored the lakes and did some more hiking.

It's hard to get back to reality today!

Thanks, D & K, for making the trip here! It was so great to see you all.