Boo!

(don't be scared...it's just me :)  

I just had to try out some spooky Halloween effects! Actually looking at this picture is totally creeping me out....I don't watch anything scary and object to t.v. networks showing scary movie previews when I'm minding my own business watching my non-scary t.v. choices.  I'm that person who always has their eyes and ears closed with their head down if I sense any inkling of something being scary.  

Martin knows that part of being my husband is to tell me when the horribly terrifying scenes are over so I can open my eyes...
The only thing I look forward to most about Halloween is that I can officially start listening to Christmas music tomorrow and no one can object.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN! 

Newport

Our next stop was the city of Eugene.

(nothing cures a headache and achy body from driving all day like pizza...and we were pretty psyched about watching cable t.v.)

Instead of spending the day in Eugene, we decided to take a day trip to Newport so we could see the Pacific ocean. It didn't really look like the same Pacific ocean we saw in Hawaii, 

but apparently it is. 

It was cold, rainy, and windy until we came to the beach. 

Then, as if on cue, the sun came out and the clouds cleared for a brief moment. 

*magical*

Portland

We started our trip in Portland.

Portland is beautiful...it had such a small town feel to it.  

We walked around the city...got soaked to the bone by the rain.  Next time we visit we're bringing rain boots and an umbrella.

(Willamette River, Portland)

My favorite part of Portland was the Rose Garden. 

Martin and I couldn't get over how something so beautiful was free to the public and smack dab in the middle of the city. I think I would spend all of my free time there.  Think lush, perfectly manicured, English gardens. 

Oregonians For a Week

(Portland)

Can you picture us living here someday?

I can. 

We loved it.

It reminded me so much of Colorado.

I felt at home and safe there.  

But Oregon also has so many unique things about it that we don't have here that I loved...mostly the rain :) 

I've never seen so much rain in my life. And the trees are amazing! They are literally dripping with moss.  It is so beautiful there. 

It's like a fairytale forest.

And the leaves...wow some of those leaves are like Jurassic Park leaves...as demonstrated by my husband's head (this is what happens when you spend over 144 hours straight together) 

Can't wait to share more of our adventures with you!

Now I'm off to catch up on all of your blogs....a week without a computer makes me feel so disconnected to the world! 

Things you get to do if you're a Kindergarten teacher

Play fun Halloween songs on the piano

Watch Barney's Halloween special

Wear dorky Halloween socks 

(one of my students asked me why I had pancakes on my socks...umm you mean pumpkins?)

Today was the last day of school before we go on Fall Vacation...
Now a week of rest. 
Just me and Martin. 
Enjoying beautiful Oregon.
I can't wait to share our trip with you when we get back!
See you in a week!