Three Women and Thirteen Kids Take Portland

July 7-9

Laura and Emily brought their families to visit us in Portland when we finished celebrating the Fourth of July in Hermiston. Since our apartment is so small, just a few of the kids stayed with us and then Laura and Emily got a hotel room nearby.

On Monday we went into the city. We stopped at the Portland Rose Gardens first. They were beautiful!

All the kids (except Nayeli refused to get in the photo)

We then went to the Pittock Mansion. We toured the house, which is gorgeous, and enjoyed the view. It has a beautiful view of the city and Mt. Hood.

While in the city people kept staring at us- presumably to figure out if we were a family or a daycare. I'll admit, we were a spectacle. It's rare to see a baby in Portland, let alone 13 kids. In fact I think it would have been more normal if we had been walking around with 13 dogs. Welcome to Portland.

Then Tuesday we decided to go to the coast. We first stopped at Tillamook for the cheese factory tour and lunch...

And then we went to Oceanside Beach. The weather was the best I had seen on the coast, but of course Emily and her family (who just moved here from Florida) were in a bit of shock. This is a beach?! I now know to explain beforehand that the beach in Oregon is more of an outdoor experience, not a beach experience. Nevertheless we had a great time.

Eleanor and Laura holding Teddy

With two of my wonderful sisters. Can you see the resemblance? :)

After the beach I sped home to be with Ben since it was his 27th birthday. However I got caught in traffic and didn't get home until late. Poor Ben, his birthday consisted of working, coming home to an empty house, eating leftovers, and no cake. I made it up to him later in the week.

Wednesday was the day Laura was driving back to Emily's so we decided to see the Gorge on their way out of town. We first went to Vista House, a beautiful lookout over the Columbia River.

Vista House. Ben was working.

We then took the old Gorge highway to see the waterfalls, including Multnomah Falls. It was a zoo, like always, but it was so beautiful I'm glad we went.

Laura, Emily and me at Multnomah falls.

From Multnomah Falls I said goodbye to Emily and Laura and their kids. It was so much fun to have them come visit me. Apart from Ben, my parents and siblings are my very best friends. We always have a fun time together.