In light of our imminent move to Mexico, I've been inspired to get out the house these past few weeks and really explore our area. It's always been my goal to have almost weekly field trips for the boys as we homeschool, but life always seems to get in the way, and we don't adventure as much as we should. But, this month, we've been much better about it. Maybe it's also because our sunshine has been so infrequent we practically sprint out the door anytime there is a non-rain opportunity. We've been cooped up!
Anyways, that's quite the introduction for our little outing to the Hoyt Arboretum in Portland a couple weeks ago. It was such a fun day. Ben met us for a picnic lunch and as the local kids had the day off school, we were joined by our friends the Kessi family as well.
The Arboretum is absolutely gorgeous: full of large, old growth trees. We really only explored a fraction of the trails and it's our goal to get there at least one more time before we leave. (The boys and I really want to see the Redwood Grove!)
Here's some pictures from our time:
(FYI, if you want to visit the Arboretum, drive past the Oregon Zoo parking lots and go further up the hill. We parked in the wrong spot to begin with, and although we found this large beautiful tree, it was not the right spot to begin the trails of the Arboretum and we had to pack all 7 kids back into the vans and drive to the correct spot).
Seth, Grace and Kate climbing a tree
Daddy and Josh...they love each other
Sam was way too high for my comfort on this tree!
My friend Mary and her daughter Annie. Annie and Joshy are quite the pals.
Such a good daddy.
All the kids. We're going to miss these friends while we're in Mexico!
From the Holly Grove
After the Arboretum, we drove down the hill to an amazing play structure in Washington park and to run around the Rose Garden a bit. I love that garden so much!
Turning the kids loose on the paths of the rose garden.
There were a few roses left to sniff
Sammy
I love how each rose is so perfect
The kids all made it down to the bottom of the amphitheater...and then had to come up. It was muddy and tiring at the end of the day, but oh so fun! I cannot recommend the Hoyt Arboretum enough (and the Washington Park play structure and Rose Garden as well!)
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