Summer 2015

A quick review of our family summer trip to the coast.

A visit to Mt. Saint Helens.

Stopping on the way to Astoria.

Time on the beach.

Family Visit in Summer 2012

Crazy.

That is what it has been the past few weeks.

Crazy busy and crazy nice to have family come visit.

My Sister visited a few weeks ago and then a few days later my folks came up from Texas.

This is what we did.

Went for walks around the block. 

Around our block is a 45 minute excursion at a brisk pace.

But, you can enjoy the scenery and make a few friends along the way.

A word of caution... 

When you come to visit family on a farm or homestead you end up working.

Pitted the mother-load of cherries.

Pops busy poppin' pits.

 

Canned them.

The apples were starting to fall again and they are a bit tangy so...

Apple butter is the product. 

Had to can it too.

Mom busy slice'n-n-dice'n.

Made a bench.

 

Did a ton of shopping.

Had dined every nite on the deck and had food cooked on the grill. 

Deer and bird watching from the deck (throw in one black-bear). 

Then...

My sister is moving back to Texas :-(      BOO!

I will so so so miss her being only 4 hours drive away but, they will be happier back inthe sun and heat, close to family (minus one).

We helped her pack up.

And I spent time soaking in my niece while I could.

 














She did this "scrunchy face" thing. She scrunched her face up like she was gonna bawl and  would try and try to force a cry but wouldn't. Right between grins.





I cant say that I didn't cry a little when I put her down for her nap before we left.

my fam in the willamette valley, oregon

We got back and took a ride on the Mt Rainier Scenic Railroad before the folks returned to Texas.

It was a nice day. A relaxing train ride.


 

They practically stopped the train along the river valley so that folks can take in the mountain view.

We did the BBQ ride with BBQ by Mineral Lake. The lake view wasn't spectacular. They needed to clear off some of the vegetation for a good lakeside view. I thought the BBQ meal was really good. 

mom at the lake

Miss you fambily!
 

Visit to Oregon March 11, 2012

We went to visit my sister in Oregon.
This was my husbands' 1st time to see his new niece in person. I think they got along well.

Along the way, we stopped at the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum in McMinnville, OR.

The only thing we could not see was the Blackhawk. It was under cover in the hanger that was being used for a wine event.
They have a great selection of aircraft and exhibits. The museum is set up well with plenty of 1st class seats to rest in and a nice collection of engines and history exhibits. They also have guided tours for a little extra cash which are well worth the price.
The Spruce Goose is one big plane/boat! Very cool to be able to see this one-of-a-kind marvelous piece of engineering and craftsmanship in person.

If you are anywhere near McMinnville, Oregon, definitely worth the side-trip.
They also have an indoor water park that we opted out of. That parking lot was full.

And had lunch at the Blue Goat just down the road in Amity.

I recommend stopping here. The atmosphere is relaxing, casual and clean.
Food is great and made from locally sourced sustainable farms.
We sampled the local beers at a great price.
We do not care for the hoppy beers - should have expected it since hops is a major agricultural industry in Oregon!

Local Beer Sampler - very Hopsy

Cheese Pizza - yum!

WOW good pulled pork with sweet salsa and fresh fries.

Seasonal Veggie Pizza... in winter... Hmm....

Carmel Lovers' DREAM - Homemade caramel torte with chocolate ganache and sea salt! WOOO HOOO!

UPDATE:

Ohh.... I can't forget the Great Israeli restaurant we stopped at on the way back into WA!!!
I did, because I forgot my camera in the car and I was too busy eating this awesome food to care. Luckily, my hubby has one of those new I phone thingies and shot a pic.

Hummus Bel-Laham -  Lamb - OMG!

We decided to take the loop by the airport in Portland instead of the I-5.
Used the I phone to find a place to eat on the WA side of the river. I found a little Israeli restaurant in a little strip mall right off the highway.
The Jerusalem Cafe , in Vancouver, WA

Everything we had was fabulous. The service was friendly. The atmosphere was clean and the decor was beautiful and creative. The prices were reasonable.
 We have found NO good local restaurants where we live, much less a good Mediterranean place. We love good Mediterranean so, we plan on making this a regular stop whenever we go down to visit my sister.

Christmastime

Mom and Dad

Christmas time with my family. (I have to give credit for some of the pics my mom took.)

Sabrina and a gift from her Uncle Jon and aunt Kristen.

My parents came up and we all went to spend Christmas with my sister and her husband in Oregon.

Bridge in Sumner, Wa

Then we came back and did some touristy stuff. 

Seattle Underground tour was fun. 

Seattle near "Skid Row"

Under Seattle's Sidewalks

Old bank under Seattle

Underground Seattle

On the Harbor Steps

Mom's photo at Etta's

 We ate at Etta's (Etta's was ok - not great) and bought a famous triple coconut cream pie (the pie was wow!)

In the Post Alley

Bought local sustainable Salmon at the Famous Pike Place Fish Market. The mongers there were great! 

My two-faced baked salmon - it is cooked that is it's beautiful color!

Then we made an awesome meal from the salmon (my salmon was way YUM! - much better than at Etta's. - sorry chef, but I can throw down a mean salmon ;-)

 My Two-faced Baked Salmon recipe-ish:click here.

Me & Dad at Rendezvous

Baylor vs. Washington in the Alamo bowl at Rendezvous Wine and Brew in Enumclaw, Wa.

Rendezvous was Great! Great atmosphere. Excellent, friendly service. Good food at good prices. By far the best "local" eatery we have been to yet!