Cheese Factory and Home

Tuesday we got up to more overcast weather. The clouds thinned a bit before we left the hotel and we were able to get a peep at the cliffs that bordered the beach. This view was just outside our hotel window. The beach in front was where we had a campfire with s'mores on Monday night. Thanks Lorna for bringing all the needed supplies!
We headed farther down the coast to the Tillamook Cheese factory. It was fascinating to watch the pounds and pounds of cheese being cut and packaged. Hannah is watching everything from Poppi's arms. The other side of this big room had vats of the cheese at the earlier stages. We were also able to sample a variety of cheeses including cheese curds... YUMMY!!! I had never tasted them, but had heard about them from the Little House in the Big Woods book. I believe they are the step prior to pressing and aging the cheese. They really do squeak in your teeth! We also got to eat some of the Tillamook Ice Cream... creamy and VERY tasty!
After the cheese factory, we headed back to Beaverton to pack up (sigh) and get ready for our LONG flight back home. We were up at 3:30 am for a trip to the airport. Hannah didn't sleep much going back and she was VERY restless on the flight from Salt Lake City to Boston. We didn't have the room to let her get her wiggles out or to stretch out for a nap. When Amanda picked us up at the airport, Hannah could barely keep her eyes open. By the time we got home, she was so overtired and hungry we couldn't do much with her, until daddy laid her on his chest and she FINALLY fell asleep.

Reminds me of another picture after a "long" trip home:-)!

She was a trooper, but vacations just aren't the same with a little one. Thanks Waite/Hess families for your gracious hospitality. We look forward to more visits! How about the east coast?!?

Seaside and Cannon Beach

Our first stop along the Oregon coast was Lewis and Clark's last stop... the beach town of Seaside. This was my (Dana) and Hannah's first look at the Pacific Ocean. The weather was overcast and cool, but we saw the water.
We spent a couple hours browsing the shops and had lunch at a local pizza place. (left side of the table) David, Zeny, Hannah, Daryl, Shawn (right side of the table) Jon, Mo, Dad Hess, Mom Hess, Lorna.
My favorite stop here was watching Hannah ride her first Merry-go-round. She was very restless waiting for the ride to start, but once it got going, she really enjoyed herself. It was funny watching her looking for me and my parents each time she went around.
Our next stop was Cannon Beach. Goonies fans, you may recognize this rock. Cannon Beach was the location of the last scenes in the movie.
Hannah made her mark! She loved being chased by the waves. Poppi kept her out of the COLD water, but I think she would have rather dove right in.

The best activity on Cannon beach was renting the fun bikes. It took a little while to get use to them as you had to steer by leaning, but once we got the hang of it, we were off! It was a great way to explore the beach.Nana and Poppi racing down the beach.
Hannah even got into the action. Look closely, this was her reaction to the trailer. Poor Poppi had to listen to this down the beach. She was tired and hungry... probably not the best time to try a new adventure. Daryl pulled the trailer back and she finally fell asleep.
That night Jon and Mo treated the family to a seafood dinner at Moe's. It was delicious. After dinner we traveled farther down the coast before spending the night at the Sunset Motel... another special treat from Jon and Mo. Thanks for the meal and lodging. We REALLY enjoyed ourselves. Perhaps next time we will see the sunset!

Sunday ~ Exploring Portland

On Sunday, we headed into Portland for lunch. There was a Saturday market (why it is called a Saturday market... I'm not sure as it was still going strong on Sunday) with all kinds of food and craft booths, which were very interesting to explore. Daryl, Hannah and I meandered through the booths and then headed to the river front for a walk. There we found a public fountain where kids (and adults) were playing. It was a great place to cool off for a while.

We headed back towards the market and met up with the others in our group. While waiting for everyone to arrive I had the unfortunate experience of standing under a pigeon's bathroom. Gross!!

Some of the gang... (front) Aunt Mo, Uncle Jon, Hannah, Nana, Cousin Laura... (back) Poppi, Daddy, Colin (a friend of Jon's from High School) and Alan (a friend of Jon's from St. Louis). Zeny and David (Mo's parents) are missing from this picture.
That night we returned to Mo's family's house for supper and cake (very yummy again). Tomorrow... on to the Oregon coast!

Rehearsal and Wedding Day

Friday was HOT!!! Portland was having a record breaking heat wave on the night of the rehearsal and during the day of the wedding. Despite the temperatures, it was wonderful to meet Mo's family and to celebrate Jon and Mo's special day.

The rehearsal was in Maureen's parents' backyard. The photographer was on hand to get some more "casual" family shots. We don't have many pictures of the evening on our own camera, but this one is a great representation. Hannah was getting a bit tired by evening. She needed a little coaxing to smile for the camera. The Waite's had just the thing... the Owl! Here Hannah is giving one of her great hugs to the creature who brought her such delight that night.
The wedding took place at a local Lodge and Retreat Center. The ceremony was outside, but there was an air-conditioned building for the reception. Here Best Man Daryl and Aspiring Flower Girl Hannah (she didn't quite make the walking requirement to be the official flower girl) wait in the cool for the wedding to begin.
A picture of the family... many of the wedding pictures will have to wait for the official photographer. I can't wait to see them!
Mr. and Mrs. Jon and Maureen Hess cut their wedding cake. Notice the beautifully arranged flowers on top. Mom/Nana Joyce did a wonderful job! The cake was fabulous too. I was glad we had several more opportunities to partake of it over the next couple days. Although I believe both Daryl and Dad/Poppi Dave tasted all THREE layers during the reception.
Mr. and Mrs. Hess danced a salsa for their first dance of marriage. I was very impressed that Maureen was able to dance so well in her dress. It was fun watching them dancing. You could tell that they were enjoying themselves as well.
The ceremony went very well. I (Dana) had the privilege of performing the ceremony with Maureen's dad being able to legally pronounce them husband and wife. It was an incredible opportunity to be so involved this very significant event in Mo and Jon's life. May God richly bless this new couple. My love and prayers continue for them both as they live the adventure called life!

First stop ~ Seattle, Washington

We got up early Wednesday morning to begin our adventures to Washington and Oregon. A 7:00 am flight required a 4:00 am wake-up (4:30 am for Hannah). We got to the airport in plenty of time (thanks to Donna our early morning driver). We took off from Boston a little late, but we were not worried as we had a 3+ hour layover in Salt Lake City, Utah. Daryl and I could each check off another state from our states list. Does an airport layover count?

From Salt Lake City, we flew northwest. Hannah slept through the beautiful view of the Great Salt Lake and Sand flats, but she was looking out the window for the next amazing sight...Mount Rainer!!! The picture hardly does the view justice. God's creation is amazing!
We got to Seattle around 3:00 Pacific time (6:00 pm EST!) We were exhausted! Jon picked us up from the airport. We fed Hannah a little supper and put her to bed. Unfortunately mom and dad (nana and poppi) had to wait until the next morning to greet their granddaughter. The adults enjoyed a delicious lasagna supper, prepared by Jon, before collapsing into bed. Morning comes early when a 1 year old is still on an east coast schedule. Wake-up call was at 4:30 am (pacific time). We encouraged her to stay with us until almost 5:00, but at that point she was HUNGRY! Wake-up Uncle Jon!

Thursday, we got to explore downtown Seattle. Jon took us to Pike's market, which was filled with all kinds of yummy foods and beautiful flowers. We ate lunch downtown and then returned to Jon's apartment before heading to the Locks.
At the Locks, we got to see a boat pass from the Lake to the Sound and then we went to watch the Salmon climbing the fish ladders. Hannah, where did the fish go?
There it is! The King Salmon were fighting their way upstream to their breeding (and dying) grounds. We drew a crowd as we were encouraging and cheering the fish on. It was a lot of work!
That night we enjoyed some lively drumming with Hannah and Jon.
Followed by a walk to a lookout point for the sunset. Hannah had fun playing with Poppi.
Friday, we packed up (wedding flowers from Pike's Market and all our stuff) and headed down to Portland... actually Beaverton, where Maureen's parents live. A 3 1/2 hour trip ended up being MUCH longer due to a RV and grass fire that closed both sides of I-5. Thankfully, we were at a spot where we could turn around and meander our way through back roads to Mo's home. The next post will feature the next part of our journey.

There and Back Again

We are back in Massachusetts after a whirlwind trip to the Northwest. I can't wait to show you some of our pictures from our adventures. We had a wonderful time, although the weather made sure we didn't fall too completely in love with that part of the country (although the time with our family was great!). Record-breaking high temperatures for the first 4 days and rainy, cool temperatures for the rest of the time. Despite the weather, we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Thanks so much Aunt Mo Mo, Uncle Jon, Zeny, David, Nana, Poppi, and of course Oscar and Tootsie. Check back soon for a detailed account of our trip!

The World is Beginning to Change!

It happened briefly on Friday... right in front of daddy's eyes. An ordinary activity and yet... so much more! Hannah and Daddy were playing catch with her ball. She went over, picked it up, stood up with the ball in her hand, and took 2 STEPS before throwing it to her daddy. It wasn't a fluke, because mommy saw the next 2 steps. Then yesterday, she walked 4 steps from mommy to the love seat. Today, she had to show off (or mommy wanted her to show off... :-O )in front of her nursery audience... 3 more steps.

So our world is beginning to change... just in time for Jon and Maureen's wedding. Perhaps our little flower girl will be walking down the aisle on Saturday. We will let you know!