NW Kid Chaser

Our family made a quick beach-run a few weeks ago. It was a good way to beat the summer heat of the Valley. Here's a map that shows you a few of our favorite spots in Newport:

Open to all ages.... Salem Sunday Streets is a fun, free, community event designed to promote healthy and active living by opening up city streets for people to play and explore together. This year’s event will feature: food carts, farmer’s market, music on a pedal-powered stage, interactive art projects, hula hooping, disc golf, yoga, and more...
       

For years, we've heard about the Valley of the Giants outside of Falls City, Oregon. This summer, we finally dedicated one of our days to visit this close (but oh-so-far location) and found that the adventure had mixed reviews

Pros:
1) Big trees. Huge trees. Place-your-child-next-to-it-and-wowza trees.
2) Crystal, clear, beautiful water.
3) 387 shades of green: Moss, Ferns, Lichen, Ground Cover, Trees...
4) A well marked, easy to hike trail.
5) The middle of nowhere: No traffic sounds. Lots of bird songs.

Cons-
1) The same beauty found in other (easier to find) Oregon locations.
2) Very muddy path (for approx. 50 yards in June).
3) Seriously long drive on a very bumpy gravel road.
4) The middle of nowhere: Come prepared.

Once on site, my family enjoyed the hike and marveled at the large trees. The path winds among the Douglas Fir trees - sometimes over fallen logs, sometimes under, and (at one point) squeezing right between two sawed-halves. It really was a fun path. However, the momma in me shuddered when my youngest asked (for the 2nd time) why it took two hours to get to this coast-range location, when it usually takes us just over an hour to drive all the way to the beach.  One good look at the map answered that question and confirmed that my boys continue to like the "doing" more than the "seeing". We won't be making a return trip - but I'm glad we took the adventure.

You can receive driving directions to the Valley by calling the BLM (503-375-5646). I see now that they discourage "passenger cars" on the road. Oops! The area is certainly remote, so I would definitely recommend having a spare, being very clear about your return route, and not relying on cell phone service.

      Each year, as we prepare for the new school year, my boys and I have a tradition. We go school shopping one-on-one. A rare chance to be alone with Mom, my boys choose their supplies and then have the rare treat of 'going out for a doughnut'.

I'd like to say they love the one-on-one part, but I'm pretty sure it's the doughnut part that they find most exciting. Either way, we get a chance to talk about the year ahead; their concerns, their hopes and expectations.

We started this tradition in preschool and I've cherished it every year. As the years pass, the crayons have been replaced with a compass and protractor, but the marking of another year gets me every time.

I'm woefully behind in blogging about Spring Break 2014.
It really was great fun. We traveled to Odell Lake and learned why so many Oregonians love the area for recreation.

We traveled to Odell Lake Lodge & Resort with our neighbors and enjoyed canoeing, hiking, and cross country skiing. One large cabin was just the right size for three families of adults & children. The kids piled into one room with bunk beds. Families took turns preparing the evening meal. We all stayed up late playing games & talking.

This is a national program, so check for a location near you.
It promises to be a perfect air-conditioned activity for hot days.