The Beauty and Magic of the Pacific Northwest

The icy splendor of Multnomah Falls
The Bridge of the Gods
Cascade Locks, Oregon



Trees along the trail at Silver Lake
A beautiful leaf I encountered along a trail
Franz Lake on the Washington side of the gorge and my favorite picture
Cascade Mountains across the street from our hotel
Horsetail Falls
Geoff and I at Multnomah Falls
Columbia River Gorge overlook on the Multnomah Falls trail
A pretty stream
Bridal Veils Creek
A Scenic Overlook, Historic Highway 30

Chanticleer Point
Mount Hood

I have always been drawn to the Pacific Northwest and finally got the chance to go with Geoff over Thanksgiving break. I took tons of pictures, about 400 and wanted to share some of my favorites with you. I was blown away by the breathtaking scenery -- the waterfalls, the mountains, the trees. I was in heaven, if only for a long weekend. The first day was cold and icy, so it limited what Geoff and I could do. We explored Multnomah Falls and I was mesmerized by the icy beauty and wonder of the falls. Due to the ice on the trail, we were only able to take in the grand view, the entirety of the falls. On Sunday, we were able to take the high trail and were misted by the cold waters of the upper falls.

The following day, we explored the Washington State side of Columbia River Gorge. We woke up to snowfall -- big, cotton-ball like flakes of snow. I thought it couldn't get any better, but it did! I fell in love with the Evergreen State and would move there in a heartbeat. I am already planning our next trip, jam packed with things we didn't get a chance to explore this time around. We also explored the Mt. St. Helens area. I was disappointed that the weather conditions did not allow us to see the mountain, it was obscured by clouds, but the Silver Lake Visitor Center was amazingly informative and beautiful. I especially enjoyed our little hike along the trail, taking in the sight and scent of the pines and the eerie beauty of the lake. We finally got a glimpse of Mt. St. Helens on Monday, an aerial view, as we ascended the air above Portland, making our way back home to Texas.

Our last day in the Columbia River Gorge turned out to be the best, we saw so many falls and stunning views. The Pacific Northwest has such a magical quality which is in part due to the geography, the mists from the falls, the low clouds and smokiness of the mountains. Some of my favorite places that day included Horsetail Falls, upper Multnomah Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and Chanticleer Point. I also enjoyed exploring downtown Portland, especially the Saturday Market and Powell's Books.

*A special thanks to Grammy and Pa for watching the boys so Geoff and I could make this trip and to Pa Pa (Dad) for taking care of the dogs. We had such a wonderful time and are truly grateful.

Thankful for Fall

As Thanksgiving approaches, my favorite holiday, I have been thinking about all of the things I am thankful for. The reason I love Thanksgiving so much is because it is about being thankful, being with family and those who are near and dear to your heart, the people you love. I have so many things of which I am thankful – my wonderful family, precious boys, amazing friends and the freedom I enjoy here in this great nation.

A long talk with a friend the other day made me think of things I sometimes take for granted, the simple and beautiful things in life:

1. The beauty in nature. This year, I have been on the go so much, so each time I take a step outside and jump in my car, the change in colors dances around in my eyes, filling them with shades of red, yellow, gold, green and brown. The fall leaves are changing and falling all around me. I love this time of year and I think it is going to be spectacular. One day I would love to be in the Northeast or the Smoky Mountains and soak it all in.

2. The crispness of the fall air. Outside the other day, not only did I notice the crisp freshness, but also the smokiness from a nearby fireplace. It brought back wonderful memories of childhood, raking and jumping in leaves, watching my Dad cut wood, riding in the wheelbarrow, fires in our wood burning fireplace, the wonderful smells of fall. It makes me think of home and family.

3. The beautiful sky. Sometimes gray, sometime blue, sometimes overcast, but always enough to boost my mood and bring me some much needed energy. A big, gorgeous Texas sky. A week ago, my spirits were down. I was thinking of my grandmother who passed away a year ago and wishing she was still here. Tuesday was her birthday and it turned out to be a rotten day for me. As I walked outside to wait for Tyler’s bus, I looked up and the sun shined down on me. It was an automatic mood booster. Then, a ladybug landed on my shoulder and I knew she was with me. I softly put her in my hand and set her free.

4. Snuggling with my little men. Tyler has always been a snuggler, Luke not so much. Yesterday, Luke wanted to snuggle with me on the couch under a warm and fuzzy blanket, so I took advantage of this opportunity. I even forgot that we needed to get ready for school and just enjoyed the moment of snuggling and watching Sesame Street.

5. Long and lazy walks. There is nothing better than taking a long walk and seeing all of the beauty in nature. Taking your time, even looking for animals. Little hikes, long hikes, leisurely strolls. I hope that one day soon my boys will love to do this as much as I do, that it will be something I can share with them. Lately, I have been longing to hike through Bastrop State Park, to see and smell the tall pines. Maybe a weekend soon.

I am always thankful for my family and friends, they make my life so worthwhile, but so does nature. I hope all of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and spend it with people you love. I also hope you take time to enjoy the little things. It’s the little things and moments which make me feel alive and plant a smile on my face.

The Big Red Barn

We spent a beautiful Tuesday last week at Crowe’s Nest Farm with Tyler’s Pre-K class. The weather was gorgeous, windy, crisp and cool – it felt like fall. I was a little worried about this field trip. Tyler had gotten car sick a few days prior and I was afraid he would puke all over the bus. I told his teachers to withhold snack and water from him on the bus to prevent such an episode from spoiling the field trip for all involved. I am happy to say that we survived the field trip without any puking.

Highlights of our field trip were the hay ride, milking the cow and the pot belly pig. The hay ride was a blast! The farmer drove his tractor like a Nascar driver, so we had to hold on for dear life. We toured parts of the farm on our ride and saw ostriches, buffalo, ponies and longhorns. Tyler was intrigued with the ostrich egg that we saw - it was huge. He also thought it was funny how the ostriches ate their food – their bobbing head movements made us laugh.

The dairy barn was an adventure. The farmer asked the kids if they liked milk and then he grabbed an utter and squirted the first row. This was gross and funny all at the same time and I had a hard time containing my laughter. Thankfully no children with milk allergies were harmed. After he explained to the children the process of getting milk from the cow to HEB, he hooked up old Bessie and milked her. Tyler was mesmerized – he loves milk – and he especially enjoyed the loud noise the machine made. A couple of times later he gravitated toward the dairy barn, wanting to hear the sound again, but we moved on to complete our walking tour.

The animals were fun to see. Tyler loved the potbelly pigs and my favorite had to be the goats. I like the fact that they are so wild and fearless. One got up in my face and begged for some food. I think he would have eaten my jacket if I got any closer. Goats will eat anything! We also saw ducks, lambs, donkeys, mules, a porcupine, butterflies, snakes and turtles. All in all, it was a lovely, fun-filled and educational day at the Big Red Barn.

Halloween 2010

We had a great Halloween this year! Tyler enjoyed helping me carve our pumpkin while Luke was napping. He always wants a “happy face” pumpkin. The boys dressed up as Buzz Light Year and Woody. They were excited to wear their costumes and go trick-or-treating at their grandparent’s houses. Luke was having an independent streak and did not want me to help him get his costume on, so he was not a happy camper when we loaded up in the truck and headed to Grammy and Pa’s. They looked so adorable, but were not the most cooperative when it came to photo opportunities, which frustrated this scrapbooking mama!

Tyler and Luke got plenty of candy and even some cookies from Pa Pa. I had a lapse of memory and was not thinking about the issue we used to have with Tyler – car sickness. He has not had a bout of car sickness since January. Low and behold, on our way home, we had to pull over and the vomiting ensued – too much candy, a cookie and a happy meal had not settled very well on his tummy. So we headed back home to hand out Halloween candy.

The boys loved handing out candy and telling everyone “Happy Halloween!” While I was bathing Luke, the door bell rang. We had more trick-or-treaters and Luke jumped out of the bath tub. He wanted to greet them while naked. I had to explain to him that greeting trick-or-treaters butt naked was inappropriate. Of course he didn't understand and protested quite vehemently. Even though our trick-or-treating was short-lived, the boys were happy and content, which made me smile. This is what life is all about, simple joys.