Anniversary getaway

This past week Greg and I went to McMenamin's Edgefield for two nights to celebrate our 11th Anniversary. Wanda was gracious and brave enough to take both kids... which was much, much appreciated. We had a fun and restful time together. The first night we got there I slept for 12 hours... it made me realize just how tired I have been. The next day I was ready for adventure. We went  out to breakfast at the Multnomah Falls restaurant and then hiked our way up Angel's rest. It was a new hike to us and absolutely beautiful.

A forest fire came through this area about 20 years ago and in the background of this picture you can kind of tell. Since a lot of the tall older fir trees are now just dead standing trunks, more light can filter through to the forest below. This means smaller deciduous trees and wildflowers have a better chance.  It also means there are more viewpoints along the way.

I made it to the top... just barely. If it had been any farther, or any steeper I may have given in before we reached the top. But it was well worth the view. Here I am showing off my 30 week baby belly.

We spent the rest of our time eating good food, relaxing in the heated (think hot tub temp) soaking pool, and doing some shopping at the outlet malls. Then we headed for home where we were still kid-free for another night. We were able to get quite a bit of work done (we've been moving into a new house on campus). All in all a great 11th anniversary getaway.

After the busy-ness and stress of moving, pregnancy, and parenting it was good to relax and take a breather together. It reminded me just how much I like this man I married 11 years ago. Thanks Babe, for all you do for me and our family. I love you so much! 

Chinese Garden Adventure

Today we went to the Chinese Garden here in downtown Portland. The brochure said it is the most authentic Chinese garden outside of China... I don't know whether to believe the brochure or not. But nonetheless it was beautiful and tranquil. It was like stepping into another world. I kind of forgot we were still downtown, except that every once in awhile over the tops of the curved roofs I would catch glimpses of skyscrapers. 

The garden takes up one city block, but it's amazing how much they fit into that little space. There are paths leading through it different ways, and different vistas from each angle. The sound of a waterfall blocks out the city traffic noise. It really is quite a calming, tranquil experience. Except, I suppose, for the sounds of our children. 

 The kids loved watching the big Koi.

They liked using the "flower" doorway as a slide.

The kids had a really fun time. When I told her earlier in the day that we were going to a Chinese garden Leesi said, "That doesn't sound very fun." But in the car when we were leaving she said, "I didn't think it was going to be fun, but it was fun!" I was glad she had amended her opinion.