Almost two months after the fact, I am FINALLY getting pictures (watch out -- there are lots of them!) from our trip around Oregon and to the Redwoods before Grant's graduation. And yes, pictures of his graduation are coming soon! I've been too intimidated by this post because 1) there were so many pictures I wanted to post, and 2) the pictures make me miss Oregon too much, so I've been purposefully putting it off! Enjoy. We really loved this trip and would be happy to share recommendations with anyone who ever plans to visit any of these places. The pictures don't do justice to so many of the wonders of nature that we saw.
Crater Lake & Cabin
We couldn't believe how much snow there was at Crater Lake in May! Eliot and his cousin Madelyn didn't mind one bit -- they just dove right in!
We couldn't have loved the cabin we stayed in near Crater Lake, Lonesome Duck, more. It was quiet and had lots of fun things to do outside like bird watching (we saw bald and golden eagles, along with the hundreds of beautiful finches and other migrating birds), rowing on the lake, horseshoes -- It was a perfect post-finals/packing breather and so fun to stay with my sister Mary, her husband Louie, and their darling Maddy!
Medford Temple
The perfect place to stop for a picnic lunch in between Crater Lake and the Redwoods. Small and simple but beautiful, especially against the background of deep green trees.
Redwoods
Although I guess not technically part of Oregon, we could not live so close and not see them! I'm so glad we made the extra effort to go see this (even if it meant camping in a pretty sketchy KOA-style campground to do it!) -- the Redwoods are incredible!
Where we stayed near the Redwoods. Cabin not too bad. Neighbors and being right across from the restroom/public showers, kinda scary. :)
Lighthouses
My sister Sherri LOVES lighthouses, so visits were a must on this trip. We saw Yaquina Head (all but one of the photos below) and Heceta Head (the other photo below) lighthouses for the first time, and they were breathtaking!
Picturesque Heceta Head lighthouse near Florence,
and my mom and dad at Yaquina Head.
Below, many of the beautiful details of Yaquina, which is over 125 years old!
(Bottom left) Louie was kind enough to strap on both kids' packs while the rest of us climbed to the top of the lighthouse, where neither small children nor their packs were allowed!
(Bottom right) Grant and Eliot looking for Tufted Puffins (Grant's obsession while at the coast) through Grant's spiffy new binoculars, bought especially for this trip!
Beach House in Depoe Bay
My dad found a great place for all of us to stay!
It was great to take walks along the coast, cook fresh
salmon, and play games and watch movies together.
(Top) Me and my sisters Sherri and Mary. So glad they could make the trip! We sure missed the rest of my family that wasn't able to come. (Above) Me with my sister Sherri, and Grant with Eliot at Depoe Bay. (Below) Eliot enjoyed watching sports with his "Peppy" and playing with Maddy's cool toy tops, thanks to Uncle Louie, who patiently shared.
Newport docks and bridge
Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport
It was great to have family with us to explore for the afternoon!
Eliot especially enjoyed having his special buddy
Aunt Sherri to push him around in his stroller.
Multnomah Falls & Portland Temple
The Saturday before Grant's graduation, a bunch more family flew in, so after we picked them up at the airport, we showed them some of our favorite places around Portland, Multnomah Falls and the Portland Temple grounds. We really lucked out with weather over the week of our vacation and Grant's graduation!
Me with my oldest sister, Sherri, who made extra effort to come by sacrificing a week away from her very busy schedule and five children. It was so wonderful to have her come for Grant's graduation and to experience Oregon.
Eliot at the temple grounds and with Grandma Dickinson. I love these photos of them together. Thanks to my sister-in-law Gaylyn for taking them and letting me use them.
We are so grateful we got to take a much-needed vacation and see so many beautiful sights before we left Oregon! Not only did we need a serious recharge before our summer prepping for the Bar exam, we are so thankful we got to see more of beautiful Oregon. We were so blessed to live in such a gorgeous state! We miss you, Oregon!
3 comments:
Wow! Wow! Wow! Those pictures are amazing. And I can't believe you packed so much into just a few days. Oregon really is beautiful and I REALLY hope you guys come back and visit often. I think my favorite picture of the bunch is the 3 of you in the row boat. For some reason it just made me smile :)
Wow....looks like you had a great time! Awesome pictures too. I'm so glad you able to enjoy a nice vacation after 3 years of law school....you all deserve it! I will miss Oregon too, it is beautiful here.
I'm so glad you've updated your blog! We miss you! Great photos and no doubt great memories to leave with.
PS. Keep blogging :-)
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