We are finally home from a whirlwind adventure in one of the most beautiful places in the world - Hood River, Oregon. Eric, Tay, Carter and I flew in to Portland monday afternoon, we wound up being on the same flight as my sister and her friend and so there was plenty of conversation in the airport to keep us busy until the plane left. Carter had a bit of a rough flight because he was so tired but other wise it was an enjoyable flight! Once we got there and said our hello's and hugged a few times we were off to pick up a car rental for Eric and I and then from there we were more or less on our way to the family reunion held at the Panorama Lodge in Hood River. after settling in and getting the run - d0wn for t
he week, we headed to bed. The next day we woke early and left for Bremerton, Washington, where my great-grandma lives to visit her and have a picnic. the drive there was around 5 hours and was the longest carter had ever been in the car at one time and it was a frustrating drive because he was so miserable but we were able to see a lot of beautiful sights along the drive and remember things like stopping in Kelso as we did nearly every time when my sister and I were kids. After the brief visit with Great grandma, we left for Tenino, WA where my Jenn's parents live. It was wonderful to see them 
again and to introduce them to Carter but the best part was something little that they said to me as we greeted - "welcome home" for whatever reason that really struck a cord with me. We had a wonderful time and Lew made an amazing dinner for us, and we got to take Taylor and Brenna out on the 4-wheeler they keep for Brenna. Taylor was a hoot because she wouldn't look where she was going and would accelerate awkwardly. afterward we made the last leg of our trip back to Hood River. the next day we went on a hike as a family to a waterfall, and it was FREEZING but some of the prettiest greenery around. that night our family made dinner with Eric manning the grill, and the next day we spent time at my grandparents house and in Hood River, wandering the town like tourists. Eric absolutely loved it there and the weather that day was much warmer. The following morning we packed up and headed for home. The trip was such a whirlwind adventure that its all blurred together in our minds but I am so glad to have had the opportunity to reconnect with my family!
