Chicago Trip

We spent last weekend in Chicago visiting my Aunt Phyllis (GAP) and Cousin Kate (CousAunt). Despite Cooper getting strep throat the first day, our trip was awesome. We got him on antibiotics and he rested Thursday and was back in action for the rest of the weekend. We went to Legoland Discovery Center, Museum of Science and Industry free (thanks to our Oregon Science and Industry Museum annual pass), Eataly, and we saw The Bean. We also played many games of Rummikub, had delicious food, including Chicago deep dish pizza, Portillos, Eataly cannoli and espresso, wine, cheese and meats, and so many good homemade foods!

GAP and CousAunt Kate were great hosts, we had such a lovely time.

Portillos!!!

GAP's Backyard

Legoland Discovery Center

Museum of Science and Industry

We could easily stayed here all day, it was an awesome museum.

The Bean

Eataly 

Sharon chopped her long hair off on Sunday morning. Long hair experiment over!

Sledding down our street.

First day of Kindergarten!

Reading Lego Batman

Tennis camp

The boys

Easy Climb

We found a great mountain biking spot in Cascade Locks. Our friend from the Lumberyard takes his kids here and it was awesome. There is not a lot of elevation and there are fun downhills and jumps. We had a blast. A couple of Cooper quotes, "this is so fun, isn't it Mommy." And "can we come here everyday?"

Starting the trail




One view, we could see Stevenson, WA and lots of trains across the river.








He had so much fun




Riding up a hill.


As we did the loops, he got stronger and stronger. When we started he walked his bike up most of the hills. By the end he was riding up them (except for one steep climb). It was great to watch him progress in a short time.

Powell Butte

I took the kids on a close-in hike on Easter. Cooper brought his bike too. It was a good climb, saw the Cascade Mountain range from the top and I had a good talk with my niece. It was great, until the descent. That was a bit of a disaster.












Cooper remained in happy spirits!
The other two were not happy.




There's our car after a 2 mile walk!




We probably hiked a total of 6 miles. 1 of those was up the mountain looking for a trail. 2 were getting back to our car. Can't wait until the construction is done up there.

Frogs!

We all went to the Sandy Delta (1000 Acres) today and hung out the whole afternoon. We found a nice quiet spot to let Luke play on the water, even Wyatt got out to play with the sticks. After playing at the water for 3 hours we hiked some more and found tons of frogs!





















We also saw many slithering snakes, a newt, a slug, tadpoles, two hawks and a heron.

Spring Break Cousin Time

Chloe and Noah are visiting this week and we are having a great time.

Hanging

We had another beautiful and sunny day this week and I took Cooper to a playground before swim class. He showed me the spider hang.



We also did lots of gymnastics and running around. It was so nice to be outside!

Road Trip Pictures

Cooper was playing with my phone on the drive home from Bellevue this week. I remembered he mentioned taking pictures for Uncle Jeff. Well here is some of what I found.
























There were about 12 pictures of the rainy drive!