7/15-Foodie in OR

Travel through Oregon, and you need to see what foodie adventures are available. I'm one of those people that likes things off the beaten path, and will stop a take a peek-so that's exactly what we did. 

One stop was Butte Creek Mill

We showed the boys an old refrigerator, their first words "Wow, it's small!"

From The Food Network, The Rogue Creamery. I really wished it wasn't 100+ temps facing us on the way home, because there was so much cheese and dairy products I wanted to purchase, but would have spoiled on the drive home. We settled for samples and a self guided tour of how cheese was made.

Lillie Belle Farms Artisan Chocolate was across the parking lot from the Rogue Creamery. 

We drove from Oregon to Sacramento on the way home-we weren't quite sure how it would go, but we decided to stay in Sacramento and visit with family there longer than stay in another hotel for a night or two. The kids were awesome travelers, as many hours as we went, and places we explored, they adapted well. While sometimes its hard traveling with a big family, this trip was one of those memory makers that I remember the good stuff, and the bad, well, it just makes for some interesting family stories.

OR 7/14-15

We spent many hours exploring Oregon. The kids weren't sitting in their seats for long before we would stop and explore something new. It was breathtaking views, and clean, fresh air. I didn't want to leave. We went on trails, and saw winding rivers up close. These pictures are from the time we spent exploring nature in OR.

We went to Crater Lake National Park, and it was beautiful. Cold, crisp air, and snow- in July! Incredible! We spent time walking around the rim of the lake, went to the visitor's center, and let the boys play in the snow. A fun time was had by all. 

Off the beaten path was a local mom and pop ice cream shop. The ice cream was locally made, and was all natural. The bowls of ice cream were huge and the banana splits were ginormous. It was also at least 25 degrees warmer from when we were at Crater Lake just an hour before, so this was a welcome treat :) We may look tired and ragged, but it was a good exhaustion, from all the sightseeing we had just completed.

Back at Uncle and Aunt's house, the boys played in the front yard.

The brothers relaxed on the back porch.

We all took turns on the tree swing, wheeeeeeeeeee!!!

Everyone wants to stay here, its beautiful at night, and during the day. Ideal for raising a family. The seed to perhaps move to Oregon one day has been planted.

Ashland, OR 7/13

Remember that Association of Science and Terchnology Passport we bought in Sacrament0? Bcause we bought the membership pass there, we were able to get into ScienceWorks Hand On Museum in Ashland. It was a lot of fun for the kids, and was something different for us as a family. Robert was again very happy that I bought the pass, seeing how many places we can go, and will be able to go with it. We will definitely return there, hopefully in the spring. 

 

 The boys all had the opportunity to make slime! Gooey, gooey, slime!

 Time to play with bubbles!

 

 There was a super fun toddler room, it was just Rebecca's size. She was happy to roam around with Robert or myself while the rest of us explored the museum. There was definitely something for all ages at this place!

 A trip to Medford, OR is not complete without a tour of Harry and David. Moose Munch, truffles, fresh fruit, oh my! The kids were fantastic on the 1 hour (yes, that was a long tour!) of the factory. We were surprised that Rebecca lasted w/o any meltdowns, considering the full morning at the science museum. I have to admit, it was hard to practice restraint when it came to the gift shop-the 108+ degree weather back at home though kept me from overbuying sweets and chocolate treats. This is definitely a "must see" when passing through OR.

 Finally, we went to meet Robert's brother, Ed. Three years apart in age, its been far too long since they've seen each other. Ed and his wife Norma welcomed us into their home for dinner and conversation, and we spent the next few days spending time with family.