Seattle Getaway

A couple of weeks ago we took a quick trip up to Seattle. Basically we needed to get out because we were going a little stir crazy in the apartment. We did the touristy things like the Space Needle, Aquarium, Pike's Place, the first Starbucks, The Great Wheel, and even the gum wall. We even got the boys to try calamari at an oyster bar.

Willie Wonka Day

Liam got the book Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory for Christmas. As he was reading it he learned that they open the gates to the factory on Feb 1. He said he got an awesome idea and asked if we could watch the movie and eat some candy since February was just around the corner and we should celebrate. Clay and I agreed that it was a great idea and we of course will do just about anything to promote reading. And then I went a little overboard, lol.

Mt Angel Abbey

So one place that we have heard a lot about but have not made our way there yet was the Mt. Angel Abbey. We decided it was time to change that. First we called some friends that live in Mt Angel and they joined us for lunch at the Mt Angel Sausage Co. Totally worth it. Then with our full bellies the Gilmores descended onto the Abbey. We first checked out the museum. Thinking that it would be mostly relics, boy were we surprised. It was a large collection of, well, stuff. I don't know what else to call it. The boys were fascinated with not just one but with  two conjoined cow twins. We then check out the church and after leaving a priest asked us about our trip so far. He paired us up with a seminary student who gave us a tour of the grounds. The student also told us that the beer from the Abbey was available at the brewery nearby so obviously we had to check that out too. What a fun trip.

Pie Face Showdown

This year for Christmas, my mom got the boys Pie Face Showdown. They have been dying to play it for weeks. However, it seems that every one else also got the game and the stores just couldn't keep whip cream in stock. Let me tell you, this game is a huge hit in our house today.

Pie Face 1
Pie Face 2
Pie Face 3
Pie Face 4

Snow day fun

Snow days in Portland are strange, because after 5 hrs of snow you still only have an inch. Regardless we still took the boys, including Sammy our foreign exchange student, sledding and tubing. We started with our sled, which broke, then the tube that popped, and finally when I broke my finger we called it a day. I don't think Sammy has ever been that cold but we all had a blast.

Pumpkin Time

This weekend we carved our pumpkins.

Cider Press

So what do you do with 55+ lbs of apples? You build a cider press. Everyone had a chance to help daddy build it also. Half is gonna be kid friendly cider and the other will be hard cider for mommy.

Oktoberfest (late post)

There is a small German town just south of us called Mt. Angel. Ever year they host a huge Oktoberfest celebration, so naturally we had to go check it out. It was pouring outside that day so we decided to cram into one of the beer halls to stay dry, to eat, and chicken dance with the kids. We met some interesting people and made lots of memories. Can't wait til next year!