Road Trip: OMSI, etc.

We got to go to OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry...I think). What a blast!

Actually, the big exhibit was Space!

 We found some silly astronauts...

There was a big room filled with various vacuums and hoses and foam balls that the kids really had fun with.

Also a water section where they could build boats to sail or build shelters to try to withstand a simulated tsunami- the twins say this was their favorite.

A very cool marble roller coaster.

Some fun engineery sort of things. I think this one was learning about gravity or magnetism or something. 

 A cool mirror where if you stand just right it makes you look like you're floating.

A robotic camera where you have to pick up a metal ball and deposit it into a chute, only using the cameras and controls- no peeking at the other side allowed! 

 This was a pinball game that was supposed to teach about nutrition. I think it pretty much just taught them how to play pinball.

 These two!

They were quite proud of their bridge!

 We got to spend an afternoon with another cousin from my mom's side of the family in Portland. The twins wanted me to take a picture of them and their dog. And apparently I was enjoying talking too much with my cousin that I completely forgot to take a picture of her family. Boo. 

Fall decorations, au natural

 All packed up and ready to head home!

 Sunset over the beautiful farmlands of northern California!

We stayed with our friends the Kepners and again forgot the camera.

Then the next night (election night) we stayed with my uncle and aunt and had a great visit with them and my cousin and a couple of friends. And again, we were having too much fun talking to take pictures. Except this one.

 I love how they sleep!

And that's all! A lot of miles, a lot of family and friends, a lot of really great memories.

Road Trip: Destination, Oregon!

The main push of this trip was for our kids to meet my cousins' kids, who are all similar ages. Christian also was able to meet some of that side of the family (Vaughans) for the first time. Warning: there are going to be a LOT of pictures here. I think I'll actually split it into two posts.

Hanging Out. After the initial awkwardness, the kids all had a blast. Weinie roasts, skipping rocks at the river, Mafia in the dark, sleepovers, etc.

 Oh, so much green! It was so good for my soul. 

(I will say it's nice to be home, though, where things that I hang out will just dry on their own!)

 These two. After emailing each other for a year, they finally got to meet. :)

Multnomah Falls! I don't think any in our family except Christian had ever seen a real waterfall in person!

 I just love photobomb pictures! Ha!

 These lovely 30-ish" salmon were just sitting there making Christian wish he had his fishing pole.

 The cousin crew! 14 kids, 3 cousins (though I can't see a couple?). We're a productive lot. :)

 It was fun being an auntie/first cousin once removed!

 The two Elijahs

 On the hike

 From the top

Road Trip, Leg 2

Our second day had us driving north, close to my (Aimee) old stomping grounds to visit my Grandma, Aunt Sue, and cousin Rob. We then spent the night with some old friends from Africa days and visiting with even more friends. We were apparently too bushed to pull out the camera, doggone it.

 Re-introductions! The last time the twins had seen Grandma was when they were 4 months old at my Grandpa's funeral. :( 

 My grandparents babysat me a lot in my pre-school years (and also later, as my parents traveled a lot on furloughs), so I've always been close to them. It was really special to be able to spend this time catching up a little.

 All the ladies

 

 Christian and Rob had quite a bonding experience over a clogged toilet. :)

 Aunt Sue and I

Just such a special visit.

Road Trip, First Leg

The Youngs hit the road! Hope you enjoy seeing some of our adventures, though we definitely didn't get the camera out enough, even with the plethora of pictures that are coming!

Our motley back seat crew did an admirable job travelling! Thanks to Boppa who sent along some fun road games, the library for a LOT of audio series, and the Wilsons who let us borrow their DVD player!

Our first stop was to our favorite Cardenas family, with whom we got to join in their church's trunk or treat night on Halloween. Our kids got to help pass out candy to the neighborhood people who came through, as well as collecting their own.

 They have the cutest little Yoda there is, for sure.

 Our two rangers (from Ranger's Apprentice)

 Argh! 1st Mate Berea

 And Princess Tirzah

 Princess Tirzah lost her tooth while eating candy. Hmm.

 It was COLD in L.A. that night! My poor pirate was ill-prepared.

Two happy, sugared-up girls. :)

Happy friends, though visits are still too far apart!