Oregon Trail: Tillamook Forest Center and Cheese Factory

On Sunday we drove to the Oregon Coast, stopping at the Tillamook Forest Center for some fairy house lessons from Mr. Lichenbeard.

A very fun and free place to stop along the way.

And at Tillamook Cheese Factory for ice cream, grilled cheese, and cheese samples.

Oregon Trail: Downtown Portland

We had a super busy day in downtown Portland.

Portland Arial Tram

 We have a family tradition of walking across a bridge, if possible, when we visit a new city.  Tilikum Crossing is only for pedestrians, bikers, and public transport.

Food trucks for lunch! We walked over to Tom McCall Waterfront Park for an amazing view while we ate.

Voodoo Doughnut

Babies asleep on the tram.

Japanese Garden at Washington Park

We met up with my cousin Laura here.

Oregon Trail: Bagby Hot Springs

Bagby Hot Springs is a lovely 1 1/2 hour drive out of Portland and an even lovelier 1 1/2 mile hike off the road.

It was so green I couldn't even stand it. The pictures, naturally, don't do it justice.

There were some glitter bombed fairy houses along the way.

Exactly three years before was our adults and babies only hike to Vernal Fall.

Some Oregon wildlife. Flat-backed millipedes and an enormous slug.


After the hike, we hung out at the farm house the Prestons were staying at. It was some great relaxing time for the kids.