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Last Big Hoorah - Part III (Japanese Gardens)

Our last big hoorah trip concluded as we traveled back home and made a stop at the Japanese Gardens in Portland. The gardens were beautiful and serene, and it made for a terrific spot to stretch our legs and and take in some peacefulness. There were two zen sand gardens and lots of bridges and water areas. We grabbed lunch and took a quick stroll through the rose gardens as well which was right next door.

Last Big Hoorah - Part II ("Big Rock")

Continuing on our trip from Portland, we went northwest to Astoria. Astoria is a cute coastal town on the very tip top of Oregon, with a bridge that takes you into Washington. After lunch we walked around downtown and picked up some caramel corn, which Mateo thoroughly enjoyed...

On Matt's wishlist was to find the house that the Goonies was filmed at. We found it!

We continued south to Cannon Beach, home of Haystack Rock, which was just steps from our hotel room. I loved the place we stayed at, Surfsand Resort, and recommend to anyone planning a trip there. They had warm chocolate chip cookies and milk when you checked in, free movie rentals and popcorn, and our room was super nice!

Here's a belly shot - I'm about 33 weeks along.

Mateo donned the hotel bathrobe that was just his size. Super cute!

With daddy in the pool.

Evidence of those chocolate chip cookies. Yum!

We had such a nice stay at Cannon Beach and I hope we can get back there annually. The town itself is super cute and looks very Cape Cod-ish. The people are nice and there were a few restaurants we didn't get to try yet. Overall a terrific beach trip!

Last Big Hoorah - Part I (Oregon Zoo)

Matt and I planned out a "last big hoorah" weekend trip before baby number 2 (and all the madness) arrives. We decided on the weekend before Memorial Day to avoid the crowds and summer season prices. Destination: Cannon Beach, Oregon. It's a small coastal town about 2 hours west of Portland and 4 hours northwest of Eugene. Matt's parents (aka Nona and Papa) drove up from Stockton to join us. Since it was such a long drive, we decided to stop at the Oregon Zoo along the way and spend the night just outside of Portland. The zoo had a really great set up and I've never seen so many animals actually out for viewing. We had moments of sunshine and rain, but we all perservered, including Mateo who didn't seem to mind getting wet.These sea lions were AMAZING. It was floor to ceiling glass and these gorgeous animals put on a show by swimming up and down right in front of everyone.




In many pictures you'll see what a bad mama I was by the cuts on Mateo's face. The day before Mateo tripped while coming out of the car and I wasn't paying attention. I felt so bad! :(

You can't really tell in this picture, but on the other side of the glass was a giant alligator!

Matt couldn't resist capturing the two hippo bottoms.

There IS a glass between this jaguar and Mateo.

The capper at the end of our zoo trip was the 30 min. train ride that took us on a round trip from the zoo to Washington Park. Um, have I mentioned how much Mateo loves trains. He does. A lot.

Matt's favorite: the goats!

After a long afternoon Mateo had fun lounging in the hotel.

Stay tuned as our adventure continues to Cannon Beach!