Oregon

Someone asked me today what we did while we were gone. In a crazy attempt to sum it all up, I will try.
Packing, what a arduous attempt. BLAH! I was able to get everything for 5 people into 3 suitcases for 10 days. And no, they were not huge ones! Each girl had their own SMALL backpack, Chad had the backpack with the DVD player and my trusty GPS, me... my purse! :o)
It was an EXTREMELY early start on the 21st. 0130 was way too early to be awake, but our flight was at 0600 and we needed to get to Baltimore (an hour away), park the truck, catch a shuttle and find the ticket counter. To my surprise we had smooth sailing the entire way.
The girls were AMAZING. The older girls wore their crocs since they can take them off and on themselves. They went through security with smiles and no problems. The flights were all on time and we had just enough time in Michigan to get a bite to eat and do about 10 potty stops. :o)
Grandpa and Grandma were waiting for us at PDX. Hannah played Miss Shy and Madison took off to Grandpa's waiting arms. Hannah finally got to Grandma and I don't think she ever let go the entire trip. Lillian took to Grandpa right away. She had to be held or hanging onto him at all times. She was so attached she heard me calling him "dad" all the time that is what she calls him now... "Dad."
The first day was spent just hanging out. Can't ask for better.
The 22nd was Madison's 5th birthday. We got up and the girls made waffles with Grandpa. Let's just say he is so much better at letting them help with EVERYTHING than me. (Thank you, Dad) The agenda was to head to the Oregon Coast, Seaside and Cannon Beach to be exact. All the girls LOVED the sand and Madison and I ran to the ocean and back a few times just because. Of course we HAD to eat at Mo's for lunch. All the girls shocked themselves and liked the clam chowder. Mo's surprised Madison with a "Happy Birthday" song with an ice-cream sundae. SCORE! Hopefully she will remember her 5th birthday as something special. It was for us.
The 23rd (Saturday) I met up with some high school friends. It was mid boggling to think the last time we all saw each other (minus Amanda since I see her more) we were SINGLE and NO KIDS. Now we are all tied down with children. ;o) While I was gone, Chad took the older girls to the Oregon Zoo. They had fun, but since it is a hilly zoo, Hannah tuckered out! Later that afternoon, Amanda and her kiddos met up with all of us at we went to the Rose Gardens (Washington Park) in downtown Portland. My parents made an delicious picnic supper and the kids ran until they drop from exhaustion.
The 24th-26th we spent in Central Oregon. Prineville to be exact. My oldest brother and his family live there. We spent the days being outside, cooking, eating, laughing, parades, make-overs, hot-tubing, parks, shopping, etc. Now that we are older, I kinda get along with my oldest brother. ;o)
The 26th I hung out in the kitchen with my dad. He taught me how to make chili rellenos and home-made enchilada sauce. YUM! We had a huge feast that night.
The 27th was spent taking a walk along the Willamette River, visiting Dave at work to look at "bling bling" and cooking (I learn so much from my dad). Dave and Rita were over for supper. Madison remembered them and was loving Dave. (Sorry Dave, I know your back hurt... but she LOVES YOU!!!) Auntie Rita showed off her magical powers that the girls STILL think is the coolest thing ever.
The 28th my Grandma and Les arrived. The older girls, Chad and I went to pick them up. Hannah and Madison ran right to them and just started talking and talking and talking. Hannah instantly held my grandma's hand and wouldn't let go.
The 29th was our last full day in Oregon. Michael and April (Dave and Rita's son and finance) stopped by after work. The girls played in the backyard and made mud pies and hide and seek.
Unfortunately the 30th came too soon. It was another early morning, but not as early as the day we arrived. I suppose 0430 is a doable wake up time, when I HAVE too. Once again the girls were in PRIME form for the flights. All the girls took naps, played quietly and our layover in Michigan was just enough time to get "chicken and fries and Ol' McDonald's" (Madison's words) and use the potty about 10 times. :o)
Once we landed our luggage was there in no time, the shuttle to get to the truck was less than a 5 minute wait, the drive home was traffic free and our house was here waiting for us.
Great trip, unforgettable times and memories made.