Ric, Derek, and I have been having a wonderful time together while I've had off for mid-winter break. One of the highlights was going to Kopachuck State Park. What an amazing place, where we were able to observe nature, throw rocks in the water, and take a hike on the pebbly beach! Also, we spent a great deal of time at Pt. Defiance Park where we watched the sun set through the trees. On one occasion I told Derek to look at the orange through the trees, and I said, "AWESOME!" Derek replied immediately with "AMAZING!"

Ric surprised me with a special birthday trip to the McMenamins' Grand Lodge, which is located just outside of Portland, OR. We had a blast as a family, though we all got colds! I would highly recommend all of McMenamin's hotels, where beautiful art work adorns every inch of the place.


Here's what our room looked like!




We found a GREAT park nearby!








A perfect ending to a perfect trip!