March 31, 2011...Back to Reality

All good things must come to an end, and so, as we de-boarded the train back in Rochester, real life swept back in, reminding me of the responsibilities, chores, and duties I left behind.  First on my to do list...unpacking and laundry.

March 30, 2011...Lazy Day

We awoke to a beautiful sunrise (which was apparently blinding to morning eyes!)

We didn't do much today except hang out on the train, walk to the observation or dining car, and wile away the hours, while watching the world go by. Perfect, if you ask me.

We crossed the Mississippi River a few times and I was amazed at the expanse of it.  It literally IS miles across!

The biggest thing I will bring away from this trip, besides the bonding with Tiff, Brie and the boys, is this look of awe and wonder I saw on my boys' faces every time they stared out the window at all the amazing sights whizzing by.  That is a look I will never forget!

March 28, 2011...Homeward Bound

We boarded the train headed East today.  But not before having a fantastic breakfast at Marc & Lindsay's fabulously cool apartment/house(?)  Just walking through the neighborhood was fun and funky, with beautiful wrought iron fences and houses painted in amazing color palettes.  Gorgeous!

Then we hit the streets to sight see around Portland as much as we could before having to be at the train station to head home.  We stopped at Pittock Mansion which overlooked the city and then hit a couple parks that allowed for great photos.

Then we were off to the train station where we were homeward bound!

March 27, 2011...Going to the Chapel

Today my cousin, Marc, married the coolest chick I know, Lindsay.  I met Lindsay at my cousin's (Marc's brother) wedding in NH two years ago.  She had such a fun and funky charm about her I couldn't help but dig her!  We soon friended each other on Facebook and I have been entertained and amazed by her ever since.  I'm so glad to welcome her into our family and was beyond honored (and blessed!) to be able to be a part of their wedding day!  What a trip/adventure it's been!  I am forever grateful that these two met and fell in love.  I wish them every happiness!  I love you both!

March 26, 2011...Washington Park, the Oregon Zoo, and MORE!

Today we toured Portland.  We woke up and hit the streets in search of breakfast which led us to Fuller's.  They had the most authentic, down-home, fantastic breakfast ever and it was cheap!  (I assume, actually since Billy stole the check to pay it!)  We then hit Pullman's Books which was fabulous (but required a couple less kids and a few more hours of free time to fully enjoy!).  From there we lost Noah and Billy (who were going to meet up with the Bride and Groom for their Pub Crawl festivities) and Tiff, the kids and I headed out in search of the Oregon Zoo.  On the way there we took a side trip of sorts through Washington Park while Alex snoozed a bit.  It was beautiful there!  Gorgeous lush green growing in every direction.  Green moss, green leaves, green brush, green grass...it was just GREEN.  Tiff was calling it the Emerald Forest and that's the best description yet!  It was breathtaking!  

Eventually the kids grew tired of Aunt Tiff (Mom) parking the car and Mommy (Aunt Shana) jumping out to snap photos but man did that feed my soul!  So eventually, we made it to the zoo.  It was an awesome zoo!  This zoo had animals our zoo at home doesn't have and the whole set up and atmosphere is gorgeous.  I had fun snapping a ton of photos there, too!  Eventually we made it to dinner and the kids crashed early (as did Tiff and I, if I recall!)  Busy day of tourist activities but totally worth it!

March 24, 2011...Chuggington

After traveling through Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota yesterday/last night, we awoke this morning in North Dakota and while it was FLAT as could be, the sunrise sure was gorgeous.  

The rest of our travels today took us through the great state of Montana, and ended with a short stint through Idaho.  I was impressed with how far one could see across the lands and particularly loved the icy trees of North Dakota.  

They are covered from top to bottom in the blowing snow over night and just sparkle with ice/snow in the morning.  As the sun rises, the snow melts off and the wonder is lost.  It was gorgeous!  

The kids did great and got to explore the train a little, heading down to the dining car for breakfast/lunch/dinner and staring out the window at the amazing sights whipping by.    

March 23, 2011...Chicago

Today we traveled through New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana and arrived in Chicago around 10 AM.  We got first class shuttle service off the train and were escorted to the front of the line at the check in.  We had a 4-5 hour layover before catching our next train to Oregon but were set up in the specialty lounge complete with complimentary beverages and snacks.  The kids did very well and Tiff was a godsend in the lounge area, entertaining the kids and organizing activities for them!  The train station was gorgeous so I snuck away with the boys to get some photos of the grand hall and let them stretch their legs. Of course, they would have been happy to ride the escalator up and down all afternoon!  

March 22, 2011...Headin' West!

We boarded a train tonight for our cross country adventure out to Oregon!  The train was scheduled for 11:00 PM (and didn't actually arrive for nearly an hour later) so it was a late night for the kids but a screw up in our tickets landed us all in a sleeper car for the night so we got the kids to bed relatively easily.  I awoke the next morning to Nate sitting up in bed, staring out the window, and whispering "Awesome!" under his breath at all the sights roaring by!  What fun we'll have!