Vacation, Part III

Day 8, on to Oregon

Portland, Oregon, City of Roses.


We spent our time in Portland staying with friends Chris and Kinnari--another family with a three year old, Soren, and a baby, Kirin--checking out a very pleasant corner of what was a new state for all of us.


On our first full day there we enjoyed a picnic at a nearby park with other local families with young children. Edith played on the playground and splashed in the Beverly Cleary memorial fountain, where she introduced herself to Henry Huggins and Ribsy. Apparently we were quite close to Klickitat Street.


Chris then gave us a driving tour of the city rife with information and complete with tidbits only a native son would know, which was great. And took us for what turned out to be the best iced coffee we had all trip. Unfortunately, it was abnormally hot, and Edith was a cranky-puss. She was happier chilling out with Soren in front of Sesame Street when we returned to the house.


She also serenaded Kirin in his swing.


What to do with a preschooler who has a disagreeable meltdown during dinner? Reward her with a big cup of abnormally colored ice cream right before bedtime, of course. How's that for responsible parenting?


Day 9, Child-Friendly Portland

On Sunday Chris and Kinnari introduced us to the Portland Children's Museum and a kid-friendly downtown fountain. What could be better?


The construction fairy hard at work: "All this plumbing needs is a little pixie dust."


Talking on their shoe phones


Day 10-11, 21 hours of travel

Saying goodbye is hard to do


We drive back north for our red-eye home via the coast, giving Edith her first sight of the Pacific Ocean. Unfortunately, it's too cloudy to see much else of the fabled Oregon coastline.


Goodbye for now, West Coast. Thanks for the good visit!