Vancouver, Washington

Rob's oldest brother Mike, his wife Terri, and their kids Matthew (20) and twins Madison and Jessica (16) live in the beautiful city of Vancouver, WA.  You think Boise has trees...just drive to WA.  Amazing.  It's like you're driving through the forest and then PLUNK!  there's a neighborhood right there, and right there, and oh- right there too.  We hadn't been up to visit them since right after we were married almost 8 years ago, so we were long past-due.  Our stay was awesome, but a little too short as I needed 2 more days to do downtown Portland and hikes with Mike & Terri (and no kids).  I suppose that means we'll just need to plan another road trip!

We went to the Portland Zoo on the prettiest day we were there- sunny, blue skies and 75 degrees.  The animals were all out and it was fun to see things that we don't have here.  (Elephants- and a baby one! Sea lion, otter, hippopotamus, apes, polar bears, orangutans, etc.)  I think the sea otters were the biggest hit as they were playing with their shrimp shells on their bellies...and how cute is that?

My adorable animals.

We were trying to get Simone to sit by Syd and smile, but she wasn't having it.  In an effort to fix it herself, Sydney goes; "Look Simone!  Sydney has bunny ears!"

Fruit bats.  Bwahahahaha.

There's a beautiful lake called Clackamas right near them that had a quaint playground and an awesome path that supposedly went the 6 miles around the lake.  We didn't attempt it as there was no stroller, backpack or snacks on board.  We goofed around a bit, took family pictures and called it a morning.

Uncle Mike and the ladies.

The girls had so much fun playing with their cousins.  Sydney is infatuated with all things makeup and lipstick and lotion, so she was happy combing through all of their possessions in their room.  Simone attached herself to Matthew, and when he pulled out the matching beanie- she was really in love.  She wore it to ice cream that night and refused to take it off.  They have a dog named Chloe who is a pug-beagle mix and I'm certain that come Sunday he was so glad to see our little cuties wave goodbye from the truck window.  That sport of a dog was hooked to a leash and walked around the house the entire time we were home.  Even further confirmation that we aren't ready for a dog. 

Madison.  Syd totally has the selfie kiss-face down after a weekend with these cuties.

Jessica

The girls babysat one night while the four of us went our for dinner and then visited IKEA for the first time.  Quite an impressive and overwhelming store!  We also go to steal away just the two of us and head to the mall for some afternoon shopping while the girls napped. 

So much fun packed into such a short time.  Thanks again Gerichs Gang for opening your home and your arms continually for our family.  We love you!!!