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Marvelous Mary's Peak...

1/25/2015

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    Yesterday's clear skies were the only motivation our family needed to visit Mary's Peak, just outside Corvallis. The views from the 4,097 feet summit (the highest point in Oregon’s Coast Range) were absolutely amazing! Looking across the valley we could see snow capped Mt. Hood, Mt. Jefferson, Three Sisters, and even Mt. Bachelor.
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    There are a variety of "paths" to the summit. We traveled the "Meadowedge Trail" and found it perfect for families. Not too long/not too short (1.8 mile loop), includes both forest and meadow, picnic tables at the ready for snacks at both trail head and summit: Ideal for young explorers and parents.

    To get there:
From Salem, travel time is approx. 1 hour 15 minutes.  Take I-5 South to Hwy 34 (through Corvallis and Philomath). After passing through Philomath, follow the brown information signs north onto Mary's Peak Road. Once driving up the mountain, you'll come upon Conner’s Camp (5.5 mile loop hiking trail to summit from this point). Keep going another 3 miles and you'll see a paved road to your right that leads to the Mary's Peak campground. Once you've entered the campground, take the left loop and you'll see a place to park and a picnic table just right of the trailhead map. 50 feet after entering the forest, you'll see the sign (below).
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        Once on the trail, it is easy to navigate. Take water, snacks, a camera to capture the view and give yourself plenty of time to explore the beautiful trees along the path and the joy of the summit. This trail is a highlight of the mid-Willamette Valley.
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Summer in Seattle...

10/11/2014

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A little more than 14 years ago, my husband and I spent a long weekend in Seattle. It was fabulously fun.
This August we returned, we our two favorite companions.
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Our boys loved the big city as much as we do. Going by train makes it a super easy, close-to-home, family adventure that can't be beat.
Here's a few of our favorite activities:

Love that train ride...

We played cards, read books, ate in the dining car, and didn't worry a bit about traffic. Check the Amtrak website regularly for discounts/deals.
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Fremont District Fun...

The walking tour with superheroes, community art, and heart. Worth every penny to get an insider-view of this uniquely Seattle neighborhood. Great eats nearby too!
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Space Needle...

Buy tickets online to avoid the long lines and dedicate at least an hour up at the top, as there are several interactive displays as well as a great view. Employees will take your picture and email it to you for free, so even Mom gets in the skyline shot!
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International Fountain...

The challenge of this amazing fountain is to touch the center globe without getting wet.
I double dog dare you to try it.
I also advise that you bring a towel. It makes for a perfect way to unwind after a long day and was a favorite location for our boys.
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Glass Museum...

Amazing sculpture displays and garden: Ask about their summer special that gives you access both day and night. Tickets can be purchased with Space Needle tix at a discount. Be sure to watch the movie that shows the artist's process and vision.
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Go Seahawks!

I never, ever expected to attend an NFL game - but my boy loves football! That said, the Seahawks put on a great party. Touchdown City was free and great fun for the kids. Contact Seattle's Children's Home for ticket sales that support a good cause.
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Pacific Science Center...

This museum offers kid friendly fun in the middle of it all. Use your local children's museum membership to get in for free.
DO NOT MISS the high-rail bike.

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Pike Place Market...

The Free Walking Tour was fabulous and family friendly. Our guide was funny, informed, and hooked us up with food samples throughout the market. Hooray!
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Monorail...

Soooo touristy; Soooo fun! There really is no need to use a car in Seattle. You can get everywhere you need to go with trains, the monorail, light rail, and buses. Use the Transit app for automatic updates.
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Klondike Museum...

Just a block from the Amtrak Station, this historical park is totally worth a quick visit. Check out the movie telling of the journey north. Junior Rangers welcome!

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Newport Family Fun...

8/31/2014

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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:

Oregon Coast Aquarium
Hatfield Marine Science Center
Coast Park
Don Davis Park
Mo's at Newport's Bayfront
Newport Candy Shoppe
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Salem Sunday Streets...

8/26/2014

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Salem Sunday Streets is coming to
downtown Salem in September!


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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...
       
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Bonus: You can join a neighborhood bike caravan and get to Salem Sunday Streets in a healthy, fun, sustainable way!
Bike caravan routes lead from four Salem locations.
Routes can be found at http://goo.gl/0QIvXT.
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Join your neighbors and enjoy the ride, Salem!


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Valley of the Giants...

8/16/2014

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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
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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.

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Back to School Traditions...

8/10/2014

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      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'.
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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.
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Odell Lake ...

8/4/2014

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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.
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Here's the gang - looking out over the Lake early one morning.
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.
Boat and ski rental is available from the Lodge. A number of trails depart from the lodge into the forest. Sadly, when we were there, there wasn't enough snow to ski. However, just a short drive down the road, we found plenty of snow (and a great family trail) at nearby Gold Lake Sno-Park.
The main trail at Gold Lake is a straight road lined with beautiful trees. Best part: The kids can ski ahead and still stay within sight. Half a mile from the gate is a gentle slope: easy to climb and fun to descend. Turn right at the top of the slope and you'll make a medium-sized loop back to the road. This is a great location for those new to cross country skiing and learning to glide.
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We'll be back!
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Volunteer Start...

7/17/2014

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I imagine this may be the last summer that my youngest son is happy to hang-out with Mom ALL day.
I'm enjoying it while I can.

We've been bowling, riding bikes, playing tennis & enjoying lots of board games. We've also started volunteering at the Marion-Polk Food Share.


My husband and I have long been active volunteers in the community.
We want to 'do our part' - whether that's through trail maintenance, organizing projects, serving at school & church, or sitting on advisory boards. The Food Share Warehouse is the perfect place to start upper-elementary school aged youth in this same spirit.

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Working two hours a week this summer, my son and I have sorted canned-goods and packaged peas, cabbage, grapefruit, and onions. Doing the math, my son believes he's moved almost 3000 lbs of food.

Working at the warehouse has been a great 'moving around' activity that has required my boy to read labels, sort categories, measure boxes, calculate weights, and interact with other volunteers in a helpful manner.  Our time at the Food Share has also sparked some great discussions about volunteerism, hunger, jobs, gardening, and food choices. That's great summer learning - for boy and Mom.

If you're interested in signing up to help - it can be done completely online. Work every week, once a month, or on just one occasion in order to gain experience. The help is always welcome and the opportunity always available.
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Terrific Track Meets...

7/10/2014

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Awards for July 9th Track Meet Participation
Attention Salem Kids (Age 1-13):
Don't miss the summer All-Comer Track & Field Meets!


These annual Wednesday nights in July are a fun evening outing.  Plan on bringing water, hats, sunscreen, and a blanket to sit on (between races). Many families also bring a cooler with picnic dinners - to enjoy as the evening goes on.

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First Day of Summer Vacation...

6/9/2014

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Today was my youngest son's first day of summer vacation.
I promised him a day of mom-and-son-time
dedicated  to his every wish!
So...
we slept in,
watched old home movies,
had pancakes for LUNCH,
rode bikes,
played tennis,
AND
went bowling!
It was truly a fabulous kick-off to Summer 2014.


 BONUS: While at our favorite bowling alley,
we also learned that bowling is free for kids this summer!
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This is a national program, so check for a location near you.
It promises to be a perfect air-conditioned activity for hot days.
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