Oregon

Jason and I really wanted to take a little vacation just the two of us before my chaotic nursing school schedule began and to celebrate our 9th wedding anniversary. Jason went to Portland last year for a conference and loved it and I have always wanted to see Oregon. And with the deal we could get on expedia.com it was a destination that could fit into our budget. Our first full day there we took full advantage of the amazing public transit system they have. We took the train into downtown Portland and walked all over, hitting every brewery along the way. After visiting the famous Powell's Bookstore (it's three stories and takes up a whole city block, I was in heaven) we went to see Indiana Jones and headed back to the hotel. Day # 2 was our driving day. I got to take in the beauty of the back country roads while Jason was able to stop at several wineries. We drove through lots of quant little beach cities making our way up the coast we toured the Tillamok Factory and ate a crab dinner in the town of Garibaldi. Our final day was spent at the Columbia River Gorge and eating lunch in Hood River. Enough commentary, here's the pictures.

The Tillamok Factory tour was great. While you have probably seen their cheese and butter in the grocery store, they also make ice cream (my favorite part)!

Looking south along the Oregon coast just below Cannon Beach! Being a California girl and only really visiting states in the southwest I was amazed at how green everything was. Maybe someday they can share some of that water with their neighbors to the south.

I love the show Little People, Big World and through Jason's amazing sense of direction we were able to find the farm. Really! We had no directions to the farm or anything, Jay just thought it might be off this road.

Overlooking the Columbia River Gorge from the Vista House built in 1917.

The Vista House

At the bottom of Multnomah Fall. This is the second highest year round waterfall in the U.S. We took a mile long hike to the top and it was well worth it!

The view from the top of the falls looking down was breath taking.

From the top of the falls looking across the Columbia Gorge into Washington state.

Sequoia National Park

Last month we took a trip to Sequoia for a reunion of my Dad's side of the family, the Bechtel Family. In all we had nine out of ten families make their way up the mountain to enjoy unseasonably warm weather, hiking, and family. You might ask, why Sequoia? My Dad, along with one of his older sisters, was born and raised on the mountain. My grandafther was the head ranger for many, many years and the park always seems to feel like home. Below are some pictures of our weekend. I don't have many pictures of my extended family posted because we typically went on our own family adventures during the day and met up in the evenings for dinner.

The top portion of the General Grant Tree.

When Emily was a baby we picked out a baby Sequoia next to Tharp's Log in Cresent meadow. We revisited it this year and found another baby right next to it. Now both girls have their own trees and will really be able to track their growth as they get older.

Here is the old picture of Emily when she had just celebrated her first birthday.

With Papa on our hike to see Roaring River Falls. The Sierra's had a pretty good amount of snow this season so the river and all the falls were filled with water, so beautiful!

Jason and I at Roaring River Falls

My Dad's oldest sister Pat, my cousin and partner in planning this reunion Michele, my Dad's other sister Lyndia, Me and Dad

Elizabeth and Emily

Jason and Elizabeth take a break on the Cresent Meadow trail.

My Mom and I at Grizzly Falls.

A Golding Girl Sandwich

Lunch before our hike up to Panaramic Point.

The view from Panoramic Point.

Jason and I in Cresent Meadow.