Yellowstone National Park

On our way back from Portland and Seattle, we came home by way of Montana and Yellowstone National Park.  It was a nice break from the long drive and a really cool site to see.  There are so many natural wonders in the park that you could be there days and not see everything.

Space Needle

Our next stop in Seattle was the Space Needle.  For someone who doesn't like heights, this was a big deal for me.  But I made it through and it was neat to see so far out the Puget Sound and see how big Seattle really is.

My attempt at a self family portait...I think it came out nice.

Seattle, Washington Temple

The night before we picked up Dale and Elaine from their cruise, we spent the night in Seattle.  Our first stop in Seattle was to visit the temple and spend some time on the grounds.  Charles has a great story about one of his mission companions whose dad buried his dog on the temple grounds (the companion's dad was a grounds keeper).  

Lila's house

One of the best parts of our trip to Portland was all the time we got to spend with Lila, Charles' grandmother.  I have heard stories about this woman for years from Brooke and Charles, so it was fun to hear her stories and let Sydney get to know someone I know Charles admires.

We spend a few nights out on the deck Charles helped make, eating s'mores and just hanging out.  

Sydney and her "Grandma Lala"

International Rose Garden

Portland is known as the Rose City and after seeing the roses there, I know why.  The climate is perfect for growing gorgeous roses.  We took a trip to the International Rose Test Garden and enjoyed the beautiful and fragrant flowers there.

So this isn't a rose, but it's one of my favorites.

The turkey wanted to make faces when I took her pictures.

Portland, Oregon Temple

On all of our trips, we make a point to stop at any temples in the area we can.  Our trip to Portland was no exception

Cannon Beach and Tilamook

Twilight Tour

So, you can't take a trip to the Pacific Northwest and drive around the Olympic National Forest without checking out some of the Twilight sights. No, we are not "twi-hards", but it was neat to see the real places mentioned in the books and see how these TINY towns used the books for tourism interest. Not to mention the gorgeous, FREEZING beaches and beautiful forest. The forest was really impressive...it felt like driving in Connecticut.

Port Angeles

Forks and La Push

We drive all the way to see the ocean...and all Sydney wants to do is play in the sand, like she could in the playground at our house.

If it hadn't been so chilly, we were really tempted to go camping on the beach. Plus, we didn't have a tent, so we settled for a hotel.