PORTLAND TO SAN FRAN

After our stint in Seattle we drove to Portland. It was super rainy so unfortunately we did not get to explore too much. We planned only one night and after being there I wish we built in an extra day. When we arrived we ate at Tin Shed. It had quite a wait, but was oh so delicious. Was super laid back. They even served dogs. Not as in eat dogs, but as in offer them food and water while they lay beneath the table or sit in the owners lap. My southern self took it all as quite a surprise. HA. My personal Portland perk was going to School House Electric. It's even more amazing in person and officially have my list in hand. The Mr found New Cascadia, a gluten free bakery, that was DELICIOUS! Even the kids loved it. The morning we were to leave we made a quick stop at apark that winded through some beautiful neighborhoods. Unfortunately we can not recall the name. It was breathtaking! A quick google search can lead you too many beautiful view points around the city though. We then proceeded down to San Francisco through the Redwood Forest National Park. We had only had a few hours of daylight left so we tried to make the best of it, but that left out any time for hiking. Along the way there are plenty spots to stop and be in awe. We did manage to drive through a redwood in dark which made it all the more exciting for the kiddos. We went through The Shrine tree and was so very thankful it was open past dark since the drive through trees are on private property and people lock them up tight at night. There was an honor box for a small payment so be sure not to miss it.  We enjoyed wildlife, trees, rivers and all else nature has to offer. Be sure to pack your own water and snacks before heading out as there are not many places to stop like that. Also be sure your gas is on full. That drive can be long without any civilization.

STAY:

Hotel Modera. We loved it. The suite had a separate space for the kiddos and us. Again we booked though Hotel.com for future free nights stay.

West Coast Trip - Seattle

Every year we try to get away right after Christmas. It's the lull time after a very busy season for the Mr. It's the time we take to re-connect as a family and evaluate the coming year. It's a tradition I have grown to love and look forward to. This year we went to the West coast. It was long trip so I'm breaking it up into cities so every post won't be a mile long. Our first stop was Seattle. This is where we flew into and rented a car. We stayed three nights which I feel was plenty.

One morning we tried to catch the sunrise through the gloom from Kerry Park. Alas we did not see the sun, but the views were spectacular none the less. Kerry Park is on a beautiful street with homes that are are all so different yet all so beautiful. The views were quite remarkable too.

We popped into this fun little antique shop across from the aquarium. It was like a blast from the past with phone booths and all. The kiddos were in awe. Ha.

We went to Ballard Locks with the Mr's family who are from the area and it was so fun. The kiddos were mesmerized by the boats lifting and lowering plus getting to connect with family we had yet to meet was quite special.

Ellie recently did an art project on Chihuly glass so of course it became a must see. I honestly never heard of it before, but so grateful we went. It was quite a dream. 

ACTIVITIES:

Ballard Locks - free but parking is not

Chihuly Museum, Seattle Space Needle, EMP museum and Aquarium were all hits with the kiddos and us. We bought the City Pass beforehand to save money. In warmer weather we may have went to the zoo instead of the EMP and would have tempted the ferry. It was a money saver for sure and gave us small breaks of warmth for these southern bones.

Pikes Place Market was fun to explore. Can't believe we didn't get pics with our good camera, but we got plenty with our iphones.

Kerry Park - Beautiful homes and views. Quite place to take in a sunrise.

STAY:

We stayed at the Hyatt Olive 8. The rooms were a good size and they even brought in a nice air mattress for Ellie. The pool is what sold us. If you have kids you know a pool can become a highlight of a trip. They also had a little morning cafe downstairs that had some delicious GF packaged options. It was also walking distance to Pikes Place but the hills can get tricky. We always book through Hotels.com for savings and build up to free rooms.

EAT:

Cinnamon Works for the best gluten free bakery goods. The coffee was great too.

One of the highlight's of the trip was getting to visit Marianne again. We ate at her favorite spot, Cafe Campagne and is was delicious to say the least. Truly felt like a hidden gem, but not too hidden since reservations are a must.

While Marianne and I ate the Mr took the kiddos to Beecher's and had what I heard was the most delicious mac and cheese ever. You can see them make it so that added to the fun.

There was also a donut stand in Pikes Place that the kiddos and Mr loved. It always had a bit of a line so I assume it is a winner.

With The Mr's family we ate at the Crab Pot. It was super kid friendly which was a hit since we had 9 between us all. It's on the pier which made it a little extra fun. Everyone raved about the fish and chips and our waitress was able to guide me on what I could and could not eat on the menu.

BOOTS | HAT | RAIN COAT LAYERED OVER ANOTHER DOWN COAT

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                          

I'm Back

I know in my last post I said I would be taking some time to regroup and find purpose again for this little ole blog, but I had no idea it would take me almost 6 months to get here! I figured with my 7 year blog anniversary coming up on the 12th then this would be as good of a time as any to get back into the world of blogging. So much has happened and if you have been following me on Instagram then you got a glimpse here and there. The kiddos ended their first year in a new school and have begun a new year as of late. KJ is reading so well now and we in no way regret uprooting and making a new life in a rental to get him into a new school that could help his adversities. Ellie is absolutely thriving in the new school too and has made some wonderful friendships. What more can a mother ask for really. Oh, and she wanted to let you all know that she got braces. Over the last 6 months we had some ups and downs. We had a wonderful family trip to the lake, the spring was filled with so many beautiful weddings to capture, Ellie turned 10 and me 35, Kellen and I went to Australia for the Hillsong conference which truly revived this weary soul, and we are finally feeling settled in our rental. As for the down, I was handed a paper cup at a local coffee shop that did not have it's top on properly. I was awarded with second and third degree burns from my left knee all the way up and around to my bottom that had me on the sofa for almost two months. I'm still a sight for sore eyes, but see the light at the end of a very long tunnel. I'm grateful that it wasn't worse and at the same time not too happy about missing a month of summer with the kiddos. It is what it is. That's a very brief rundown of the last six months and now I officially feel ready to embark on Two Ellie as I envision her... all grown up.

Images from our trip to Australia. It was pretty magical.

sources:

sunnies {found at my local Nordstrom Rack} | the perfect dress for short girls {I'm wearing it here too} | canvas field jacket | purse {10% off if you sign up for emails} | winter coat gifted by my sister | watch by tsovet

However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me - the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace. Acts 20:24