A Week In Oregon

Two days after returning from our trip to the South, Tiago and mommy re-packed their bags to join daddy on his pilgrimage up north.  The Pacific Northwest.  First, we drove to Grandma Naomi's on the coast.  Tiago tried his hardest to stay awake for the entire trip, but after car-sickness (both child and dog), a massive rainstorm and the longest 12 hours of his life, he fell asleep at 10pm--just an hour before arriving in Newport, Oregon.

 I really couldn't blame Tiago for wanting to make the never-ending car ride a little more bearable.  And with a THREE-trailer truck--resembling a train--passing us during a thunderstorm, why NOT roll down the window?!  

(The dog, found the trip to be stomach churning and hair raising.)

 The next morning we took a hike down to the beach and enjoyed a cool, damp fog (slightly different from the scorching hot week in North Carolina)... But at least, Tiago, er, I mean BATMAN, got to put on his rain coat and check out both of Paul's very cool motorcycles.  That's right, Paul (also a Gemini) has TWO bikes.  Our little Dark Knight couldn't have been more pleased.

 On our way from the coast towards the mountains, we made a quick stop in Corvallis (Nate's hometown) for a romp at Avery Park.  And, wouldn't you know?  Tiago loved the park which contained Nate's childhood favorite: the old Georgia Pacific locomotive!

 Finally, we arrived at daddy's favorite place to recharge his batteries: Willamette Nat'l. Forest

 (and there was even a double rainbow over Clear-Lake--just for dramatic effect--as if it isn't breathtaking as it is.)

 We hiked, we rowed boats, and we roasted marshmallows with Grandpa Josh, Lana and Tasha

 The kids had a blast.  The dads had a blast. The mommies...well...we enjoyed seeing our families happy...and a glass of wine didn't hurt...

...But we really enjoyed the hotel in sunny, Bend, Oregon, at the end of the trip!  Tiago swam confidently in his new floaties (brought back from North Carolina).  He and Tasha swam like fish until their eyes burned with chlorine!

Then, back at the rooms, they burned off any left over calories by jumping on the beds.

 It was a trip worthy of many naps.  So, naturally, Tiago skipped all of his naps and saved up for the long, sunny, drive home!