Portland, Oregon!

Monday June 23rd we drove down to Portland, Oregon to visit really good friends of ours. We met them while stationed at Fort Drum, New York. Their two boys became best friends of Walter and Jem. Gil and I became great friends with their parents. They have since left the army and moved to Portland. We could't pass up the chance to visit them when they were so close. We knew the boys would be so excited. It took about five hours to drive there, but it was well worth it. We had a happy reunion. Monday night we went camping and had such a great time. The state park was beautiful and we had such beautiful sunshiny weather (which for Portland is a rare thing). we even stayed in heated cabins. I have decided that is my ideal way of camping. I love camping and being outdoors but really dislike sleeping on the ground and I really don't like being cold. 

Tuesday we checked out and drove to the beach at Seaside, Oregon. It was a little too cold and windy, but the kids didn't mind. They loved the beach. We then drove back to our friend's house and stayed with them one more day. It was sad saying goodbye, but I know we will always be friends and will get together again even if it it is not in the near future. Our drive to Spokane from there was a good trip. We stopped in Pasco, Washington to visit one of my best friends from highschool. She has a little girl and baby boy that I hadn't met yet and she hadn't met Rilla or Shirley. We spent a couple hours there. It was great to visit. They had a great swing/play set in their back yard so the kids had a lot of fun. When we finally arrived in Spokane it was nice because I knew we would be staying in one place for over a week. Plus Gilbert's Dad and Step Mom also hadn't met Rilla and Shirley. It sure is great visiting family and friends.

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