Ordinary People

Oregon. Who ever would have thought I'd have a reason to travel there like once a year? I dragged my feet the first time I went there in 2000, mostly because everyone acted like it was the most amazing place on the planet. They grow berries! (Big deal! Ohio produced delicious berries too.)
I've matured some since then (right:)) and now what I like about Oregon are the berries and hazelnuts that I will be receiving from my farmer brother-in-law's fields and my little sister's company.
So this will not be the last trip I make to the Left Coast.

Waiting for the shuttle that never came at our parking lot. :) It was a shortish walk to the airport although we were somewhat hampered by the luggage and keeping track of the offspring.

Waiting to board the plane at Midway. Exciting times for the kids.

We stayed in Portland overnight when we flew in and went to the zoo the next day. It's a pretty awesome place - the animals were a little sleepy but it wasn't that hot, thank goodness. Kids had a great time.

Jen met us at the zoo and then we went back to their place.

The kitchen in our place at Jen's. Pretty nice digs!

Hazelnut harvest was coming on in the Willamette Valley - I didn't actually get to watch the harvest but some hazelnuts made their way to Illinois eventually.

Concord grapes - they reminded me of Ohio. Picking and eating grapes is one of my favorite childhood memories.

Riley giving Riv a ride in his homemade cart.

Madeira enjoying a ride with Buck in the cart.

We hit up a little grocery store in Silverton - it reminded me of Fresh Market. Which is cool. :)

Grilling burgers one night for supper.

Riv enjoying one of Jen's cinnamon rolls. Poor kid smiles just like his mother...

We went to an abbey in Mt. Angel one morning.

After we were done walking around the abbey, we went into Mt. Angel for the Oktoberfest. This is a big deal, people. Bands come in from Germany, people were dressed like the Sound of Music, it was crazy.

Madeira eating a corn sausage.

We went to this creek in Silverton after the kids woke up from their naps. It was kind of cold.

Uncle Darwin taking River fishing at the pond behind Marian's house. No fish were caught but we still had fun.

We headed up to Newport on Friday with Jen, stopping on the way at the beach in Lincoln City.

I love this picture. Guess which child flew to the water and which one was a little less thrilled?

The seals in Newport's harbor.

Salt water taffy making machine.

Crabbing one morning. Apparently it was not a good crabbing year but we had some fun and ended up being able to take 8 or so home.

We went to another beach, Depoe Bay, on the way home from Newport.

Our gracious hosts. :)

We look...old. :(

Crab boil with what we caught.

Even across the country, I can't get away from making my signature snack.

Trying to take some pictures of my lady like little girl.

Marie's backyard - just beautiful!

Jen, Mad, & I went shopping one day and found a papersource. Just like a half hour from her house. How great is that?

Anthropologie. :)

Lunch at PF Chang's. Mad was taking her coloring very seriously.

A World Market shopping experience.

We stopped by EZ Orchards - cute little place.

We had to stop by Willamette Fruit Company or something like that for pie and ice cream. I think Darwin takes some of his berries there. Could be wrong about that though.