Nana and Papa's House

After our visit with Grandma and Grandpa, we took the train down to Oregon. We like taking the train because it's much more laid-back than air travel, and being on the train is quiet, roomy, and comfortable. The tracks follow the Puget Sound all the way to its southern end so it's a scenic ride, and they pass right underneath the Tacoma Narrows bridges.

The stations are also scenic of their own right.

From the station we went to OMSI for some science, like levitating balls and some chemistry.

The kids always enjoy playing in the little stream and pond at Nana and Papa's house. Though while most kids just put their feet in the water and play with the rocks...

Caleb had no problem getting all the way in.

Caleb loved his corn on the cob.

While in the area we were able to attend Cousin Issy's first birthday party.

Caleb got some help from Cousin Mark on the rocking horse.

He also thought it was a hilarious joke to throw water on Mommy.

Another day we went to a splash park. Caleb loved it.

Celia was a little tepid about getting water in her face.

And Sabrina seemed to like to take the jets right in the bum.

We then went out to the beach for a few days for the Fourth of July. When we first got there is was grey and cool, which is fairly typical...

But on the Fourth it was hot and sunny.

We got to march with our cousins in the local parade.

And the kids got to participate in the reunion pageantry.

Caleb was really interested in Cousin Ivory's pacifier. Since he stopped using a pacifier before he was one, it was new to him again, so the whole time he played with her he gave her this confused look.

We spent a lot of time down at the beach, playing in the sand.

Caleb ended up messier than the rest.

After nightfall the kids got to stay up and watch the fireworks. We had a great view from our cousins' rental house. All these fireworks were lit from the beach where "Fireworks Prohibited" signs are displayed prominently at the entrance, so local law enforcement apparently turn a blind eye to these large, conspicuous displays on Independence Day.

After the Fourth it was time to head back home to Alaska. There was much grief expressed on the internet over the replacement of the Portland Airport carpet. But maybe in 30 years our kids will be just as upset about the replacement of the new carpet.