Oregon get-away

Byron was so nice to see that I needed a break and encouraged me to fly somewhere to see family. I decided that I would travel to Oregon where two of my sisters are currently living. I flew out on February 9th and came back on February 12th. It wasn't for very long, but just what I needed.

I started out at Heather's house.  I flew in very late Wednesday night.  It was fun to just see Heather in her home environment.  Rebekah and Elizabeth were working on homework when we got to her house.  It was fun chatting with them for a little bit before they headed to bed. 

Thursday morning the kids all left before I woke up except Rachel who is the only one at the Elementary School this year.  She is in a unicycling club where she practices before school.  Heather & I went to watch her.  It was so fun and fascinating to see these young kids trying or mastering the unicycle.  I remember seeing Michael riding his and can't believe the balance and skills needed.  Rachel was awesome on hers.  She could only start if she was up against a wall or with somebodies help.  Then she was off and did awesome.  The following day she perfected starting on her own and was beaming from ear to ear.

For lunch, we met up with Janessa and cute baby Calvin at Applebees.  We had so much fun together reminiscing and catching up.  I can't think of the last time I had lunch with just my sisters. 

After lunch Heather took me to some Chinese Gardens in downtown Portland.  They were celebrating the Chinese New Year while we were there.  There were very colorful lanterns all over the place.  The grounds are so beautiful.  The details and colors of different things were so pretty.  I loved seeing beautiful flowers in bloom.

These walk ways had the coolest stones with moss growing between them. 

 The Camellia flower was gorgeous!

 I even saw a blue bird that had such bright colors.

We headed back to her house and I enjoyed being with my nieces and nephews.  We have never lived close to the Jamison's so it was so fun to see them in their comfortable environment without any children distracting me.  I was amazed that I never saw them being mean to one another or saying anything mean.  They really got along great and made me yearn to have this same closeness with my children.  Josh and Michael had their first Rugby game that night.  In getting all geared up for it, Josh had his head shaved into a mohawk. 

Heather is such a great cook - we ate some yummy chicken pasta along with homemade rolls. 

We headed over for the Rugby game that evening.  It was pretty cold outside, so we walked around most of the time to stay warm.  Michael and Josh did such a great job.  I enjoyed watching them play.  The only time I have seen a game of rugby is on the movie "Forever Strong."  I loved watching it in real life.  I still am not sure about many of the rules, but had fun watching something so different.

Michael above with the white socks and Josh below.

The next morning Heather took me over to Janessa's house.  We had fun just sitting around and chatting most of the afternoon.  Baby Calvin is such a sweet little guy.  It was so fun to see my sister finally having a boy to call her own.  I loved holding him and being around such a newborn again.

That evening Janessa and I went to a High School production of "Thoroughly Modern Millie."  The director was a man from Janessa's ward, so it was fun talking to him about the play.  We had such a great time together.  The cast did a great job.  I think this was Janessa's first time away from Calvin, which was a much needed break for her. 

On Saturday, we enjoyed chatting most of the morning.  Janessa's girls are fun to talk with.  I love watching them with Calvin - holding him as much as they can get away with.   The whole family and I went for a car ride through the beautiful areas around them.  I didn't realize how unpopulated most of the areas around them are.  It was so fun being with them and their sweet family.  They took me to the airport around 2:30 p.m. for my flight home.

 Lindsay could get Calvin to sleep every time - such a cute sight.

I am so glad I had this fun opportunity.  I loved seeing how my sister's run their own homes and how fun it was to just be around my nieces and nephews.  They are all growing up so much and have such fun personalities.  I LOVED being able to spend quality time with my two sisters.  I love them so much and look up to them in so many different ways.  Thanks Heather & Janessa for sacrificing your time for me!  I love you tons!!!!

I had a great break, but was ready to go back home when the time came.  Byron was so sweet to get some beatiful roses for me that arrived while I was gone for Valentine's Day.  They were the perfect touch to welcome me back home.