Exploring New Territory









On top of the Space Needle overlooking Seattle

     Jim and I love to explore new places.  One of our favorite things to do is to pick a city or state we've never been to and take a trip there together.  Since moving to California four years ago, we have wanted to visit Portland and Seattle.  So this past weekend, we packed up the car, dusted off the atlas, and went on a road trip.  It was awesome!

Above, Amy and our friend Aimee at The Grilled Cheese Grill

Below, Jim and Amy in front of Multnomah Falls

     Our drive through Oregon was beautiful.  Everything was so lush and green.  The mountains offered majestic views and the valleys were dotted with sheep and their newborn lambs grazing the abundant green grass.  There is something exciting and invigorating about not knowing what is just around the next corner.  In Portland, we visited our dear friend Aimee, and she picked out a unique dining experience for us.  We ate at The Grilled Cheese Grille, one of the many food trucks in Portland.  The novelty about this eatery however, was the converted school bus dining room. 

      The next day, we drove along the Columbian River to Multnomah Falls.  I have to 'fess up that my driving directions took us at least twenty miles out of the way and it took us a while to find the falls.  The great thing about exploring new territory is that even the detours can turn out to be happy accidents.  Our detour took us down to the "Bridge of the Gods."  It really did seem we were crossing over into something close to the Garden of Eden.  After a little more driving, we found the falls and enjoyed an afternoon of hiking and discovery. 

Amy on the Harbor Cruise and Jim in front of the Seattle Aquarium          

                                                                                

     Seattle was also great fun!  We bought a CityPass which allowed us to visit several of the biggest attractions the city had to offer.  We took our time taking in all the sounds, sights, and smells the city had to offer.  We went up in the Space Needle (twice) for some spectacular views of the city and harbor.  Our harbor sightseeing cruise not only provided beautiful views, but also a glimpse into the rich history of Seattle.  For example, did you know that one of the famous hotels on the waterfront used to allow fishing out your hotel window?  We also explored the Seattle Aquarium and saw an octopus being fed and two Sea Otters with hmm shall we say, romantic intentions?    Of course, no trip to Seattle is complete without a visit to Pike's Place Market and the famous fish throwing fishmongers.  Everywhere we turned there was something new to see and experience! 

In front of the river leading into Multnomah Falls

     We really enjoyed our trip!  New memories were created and new bonds were formed.  The trip also reminded us of another territory we are looking forward to exploring-Parenthood.  We can't wait to explore the sights, sounds, and smells (ok most of the smells) that being Mom and Dad will have to offer.  We look forward to little tiny fingers and toes, sweet baby gurglings and cooings, and the fresh smell of our baby after a bath.  We look forward to stroller road trips around our neighborhood, plane trips to see Grandma and Grandpa, and trips to worlds unknown during storytime.  With parenthood, there is always something new to experience. 

     Can't wait to see what God has planned for us, just around the corner:)