Oregon

July 2 - July 11

Friday July 2 - One of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world. We arrived here about 7:30 pm after a very long car trip from Utah, let me just say it was worth it. The lighting was perfect for pictures and Ella and Madeline were in awe of this natural beauty. Nice way to start out our vacation in Oregon. After spending an hour or so we were back on the road making our way to our hotel in Portland.

Saturday July 3 - Most of the day was spent sight seeing in downtown Portland, we attended the waterfront's Saturday market, and the farmers market @PSU. Ella had to have some fresh raspberries and blackberries and needless to say she and the rest of us devoured them before leaving the market. We stopped at the famous Powell's Books. Madeline picked out a great graphic novel and Ella picked up the last book in the Sister's Grimm series she has been reading. Making our way back to the train station we stopped at one of the city parks and took a little break. Portland has so many great city parks. It's nice to see the green spaces incorporated into the city landscapes. Later that evening we had dinner at this cute little restaurant called Pastini Pastaria, the food was fabulous, the atmosphere was great (very busy), and the staff were stupendous (Nicole I think your twin was our server).

Sunday July 4 - This was museum day. We spent the better part of the day at OMSI - Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. We called it the Exploratorium for Oregon. The girls had fun doing all kind of experiments from chemistry to physics. They both really enjoyed the chemistry. They learned what chemicals are used in making the colors in fireworks and what type acid works best on Dad's gas. After the museum we drove around the different areas of the city, just kinda checking out the different landscape and architecture. Later in the evening we decided to scope out some places for fireworks so Madeline wouldn't miss the 4th of July. Needless to say we could have paid to get into professional show but amazingly enough the fireworks show in the Delta Park East were as good or better than what we see at Payson's city fireworks display on Labor Day and it was average citizens who had purchased fireworks at the local stand that were letting them off, had we known we would have done the same, they were amazing. What a way to end a great day!

more later......