Last of the West Coast: Washington Wonders

Two years ago we drove the Oregon coast from the top down.  This year we started from the bottom up.  Now all that's left is the middle.  As much fun as it would have been to drive the entire Oregon coast, we cut up to I-5 at Newport to save time.  We planned on stopping in Portland for some handmade ice cream at Salt and Straw per Christy's recommendation.  Looking at their menu, I was pretty intrigued by the Buttermilk Pancakes, Bacon & Eggs flavor.  Unfortunately downtown Portland was shut down due to protests, plus traffic was at a standstill.  Even so, we enjoyed our glimpse of the City of Bridges.

It was bedtime when we finally arrived at the Wilhoits. Come morning, the kids were eager to bounce.  I think the fact that both Callie and I have trampolines for our kids shows how much we enjoyed our own tramp growing up.

As far as sliding goes, we upped our game with a trip to Point Defiance.  Think Chutes and Ladders on steroids.

Even the deer enjoyed it.  (I love Brooklyn's face here.)

With the opening of a new pedestrian bridge, we were able to walk from Point Defiance Park out to Point Ruston.  Along the way, we discovered that this giant bell makes for a pretty great photo backdrop.

Or jungle gym.  Whatever your preference.

Lunch time!  Three cheers for chicken salad picnics.

After lunch, the kids were delighted to discover two seals basking on this log.

As the sun peeped out from beneath the clouds, we rented a double surrey that could actually seat eight.  Who needs a mini-van?

Callie and I are the best at getting into all sorts of shenanigans.

Cousin love in the front basket.

Anders and his momma.

Check out the sheer bliss on Talia's face when we gave her control of the wheel.  Too fun!  Well-worth the splurge.

Back at home it was time for some ukulele lessons.

Jason and Adam embarked on an ambitious project of installing a utility sink in the laundry room.

Anybody think it's going to work?

Kudos to the gentlemen!  They got the sink installed in record time.  It works too!

Meanwhile, the younger men took the Tesla out for a spin.

Anders is seriously impressive behind the wheel.

We went for a spin to check out the remodel of the elementary school behind their house.  It looks great!

Only annoyance: the geese.

On Sunday we took a drive out to Mt. Rainier National Park.  Obviously we weren't the only ones with this great idea.  Even if a bit busy, the mountain was stunning in her snow-capped glory.

More picnic deliciousness.

After lunch we headed for a hike along Sourdough Ridge.

Anders was a bit cranky so we tried turning that frown upside down.

Did I mention the stunning views?

Our short hike was a bite-sized taste that left us excited to come back and explore more.

Alas, all too soon it was time to head back to Salt Lake, but not before saying goodbye to Zoe.

Love this pug!  Love our cuz!

Callie, Adam, Eila, and Anders, thank you so much for making us so very welcome, especially right before the stress fun of a new school year.  We love you guys to the moon...

...and back.  Yes, back we drove and drove.

Along the way back we detoured through Thousand Springs State Park, also known as Niagara Springs.  It'd be fun to go back and explore this beautiful section of the Snake River a bit more.

Our favorite stop was in Rupert, Idaho to see Great-Grandma Hansen.  Annie entertained her with her bow...

...and Talia with a song.

Love all around!  And there you have it--the conclusion of our whirlwind tour of the West coast.  Until next time!