I love checking places off of my travel bucket list. Traveling brings me GREAT JOY! This is not new information. That's why I am so grateful that our little family had the opportunity to travel to the Pacific Northwest in October. With a crazy COVID-19 year, we hit the jackpot on flights and places to stay. We also timed it perfectly. Everything was starting to open up and the cases for COVID had gone WAY down for the states on the west coast. We were able to travel a little more freely while of course still masking up and constantly disinfecting for safety ;)
Our original flight was supposed to leave at 11:10am from Sacramento, but due to some flight consolidation, our flight changed to 7am...yeesh! The positive side was that we were able to spend more time in Seattle than we had originally planned. It ended up being the perfect hiccup to the start of an AMAZING trip. We always fly Southwest so bags fly free! We boarded our socially distanced flight and took off to begin our adventure. The kids LOVE flying because they get to play on their Kindles for the duration of the flight, haha.
We landed in the beautiful city of Portland. We hopped in our Toyota 4Runner rental and headed north on I-5 toward Seattle. We enjoyed the cloudy weather and occasional rain shower on our drive up. Oh, how we miss the rain. There was plenty of fall foliage and evergreens often lined the roadway. It was beautiful!
I chose an Airbnb right in the center of downtown. A condo with gated parking and walking distance to all of the attractions we wanted to see. It ended up being exactly what this crew needed.
Our first venture was a short walk to the famous Pike Place Market.
Seeing all this produce made me wish I lived close by. I would visit frequently to get my fresh produce.
Loads and loads of fresh seafood.
The Ferris Wheel was closed but still fun to see it.
We loved walking down along the waterfront, stopping on occasion to pick out a souvenir or two and exploring some more.
Pit stop to take it all in.
Of course we had to stop and take a minute to check out the notorious gum wall. It was absolutely disgusting, yet fascinating to see.
These three were amazed by this wall. Luckily, no one had the desire to touch it. However, there were a few requests to add to it, haha. We did not concede to that request.
Me and my love in front of the heart shaped gum design.
We then went to the well known Pike Place Fish Market where they toss fish into the air for their customers, but unfortunately it was closed. I talked with another vendor close by and he informed me that they no longer do it. Due to COVID, they try not to touch the fish as much. It was the only thing on our list we didn't get to see, but we were ok with that.
Before heading home, we stopped at Pike Place Chowder for Pres and I to try out Yelp's most popular dish in America. While we waited for our clam chowder, we grabbed a slice for the kids to share from the pizza joint close by. Even Jack got in on the chowder...he was so proud of himself. Spoiler alert: It IS the BEST chowder I have ever eaten!! Insanely delicious!
On our walk home, we stopped to take in the view. It was such a beautiful day!
On Day 2 in Seattle, we took a drive around the Seattle area. Such gorgeous fall colors filled the trees.
Seattle is like the city of bridges. There were so many bridges everywhere. Loved it!
Driving near UW Campus.
I LOVED THIS CITY!
This was a MUST visit! We had to see the Freemont Troll.
Such a cool piece of art to find under a bridge. This thing was enormous and magnificent. The kiddos loved climbing all around him. One of the cool things about traveling this fall was that it was never crowded any where we went. It was perfect!
A pic of just him.
Pres, Les, and a troll ;)
Quinnie wanted a pic with her Dad...such a sweetheart.
The Space Needle!
After we saw the Freemont Troll, we headed back home. We were also a few minutes walking distance to the Space Needle and the Chihuly Garden & Glass Museum. We parked the car at the Condo and walked over to the museum.
I absolutely LOVED this museum! The art that was created in the process of blowing glass was unbelievable. I took loads of pics in this place. Another highlight was that I wasn't the only one completely captivated by this guy and what he had created, the kids loved it too.
There was a massive wall just covered in these woven blankets. It was so pretty.
Yes, that is all GLASS!
This was the ceiling in one of the rooms. It was like being under a coral reef. Gorgeous!
Such vibrant colors. I was so happy the pictures turned out.
So many different pieces to look at.
I love the colors!
Those globes of glass were particularly fascinating. It just blows your mind.
Mixing colors.
This was one of our favorite rooms. How spectacular is that?!
There were two canoes. Each with it's own design.
Chandeliers
Glass bowls. These were stunning. When you turn your phone light on and put up to the bowl it would change colors. The artist used every color in the spectrum, but you can only see it if you use a direct light. It was so trippy and cool.
More bowls.
They have a quaint café inside that you can grab a little treat and drink. This was the ceiling in the café!
A closer look at these glass flowers.
The outdoor garden was blown glass that looked like different types of flowers within the garden.
The kids were mimicking what they saw in the design ;)
A "rock" structure. They look like giant pop rocks, haha.
The glass tree. Absolutely beautiful!
We decided these were snakes, haha.
Pres was a trooper ;) I just love that man.
Patiently waiting for Mom.
Can you tell what is glass...and what isn't?
It started to rain when we were ending our tour outside.
These were Beckham boy's favorite. He asked me to take a picture of him so he could remember the cool blue glass ;)
Heading into the gift shop.
For our next stop, we decided to call for a Lyft. The kids were so patient while we waited for our ride.
The kids thought that riding in a Lyft was the coolest thing! I had to get a pic.
After some research, we decided to check out the Smith Tower instead of going up in the Space Needle. Unfortunately, it started to rain pretty hard but that didn't stop us. We had a lot of fun at the top of that skyscraper.
Views from the top!
Downtown
Century Link Field where the Seahawks play. And just beyond, T-Mobile Park where the Mariners play.
Where the ships dock to load and unload.
The other side of Seattle.
Columbia Center, the tallest building in Washington State
King Beckham
We were pretty dang wet after this adventure. Once we got back home, we made sure that the kids were wearing rainboots for the duration of the trip :) They were wet and tired troopers after this one.
I just thought this was cool.
One more time to Pike Market and we headed home for the night.
Our final day in Seattle, we headed out to Snoqualmie Falls.
Gorgeous day and a gorgeous waterfall.
The waterfall was falling ferociously enough that we were all getting wet from backsplash on the observation deck.
The drop down from where we were. There was another little fall beneath us.
Once we took in as much of the falls as we could, we loaded up and headed west. Our next stop was Tacoma! We had one place we wanted to see before heading to the coast.
"You're too good to be true. Can't take my eyes off of you..."
Yes, we stopped at the "10 Things I Hate About You" stadium where Heath Ledger once sang his heart out for Julia Stiles. RIP Heath. I couldn't believe people actually go to High School here. The campus is STUNNING! What a view over the bay!
What a cute couple ;)
This is the High School...jaw dropping!
And just like that, we are off to the coast!
The highways were literally lined with trees. It was so peaceful.
We made it to the beach!!
As soon as we got off the plane in Portland we stopped at a Walmart on our way to Seattle to get a few things. I decided to get each of the kids rain boots just in case and I am so grateful I did. Best purchase from the trip. They were worn every single day after the Smith Tower rainy day.
Long Beach is true to it's name, the longest in the USA. It seemed to stretch on forever
Listening to the waves crash in was absolutely what my soul needed. I love the beach.
My cute, cute girl!
I told Pres that I found our house....haha.
Fun at the beach. Man, I love these people.
My cute Beckham boy in his rain boots. This just melts my heart.
Looking for crabs.
It was pretty chilly and windy, but these three didn't care. They just loved seeing what they could find and running from any incoming wave.
Love
After we walked the beach, we grabbed some dinner and headed to our next Airbnb. We LOVED this house. It checked every box on our dream vacation spot.
Puzzle time with Quinn Marie
Kindles and games for the boys.
She did it!!
One of Jack and Beckham's absolute favorite things to do is play games with their Dad. I love the bond that is constantly growing between these three.
The next day we took a quick hike to check out a lighthouse.
Along the hike, we found this abandoned military area. Not really clear on what purpose it served.
View of the ocean from the lookout point for the lighthouse.
The trail to the Cape Disappointment lighthouse was closed due to weather damage, but they let you go up to a view point to check it out from a distance.
Raising back to the car.
Quick family photo op :)
After the lighthouse, we headed to Astoria which was just across the bridge.
This ended up being one of the longest bridges I have ever been on. It is the longest continuous truss bridge in North America. Definitely a little eerie every time we crossed.
Astoria from a distance. Home of the Goonies!
From Astoria, we traveled over to wreck of Peter Iredale. This ship wrecked in 1906 and this is what has remained. It was really cool to see. The beach itself was absolutely beautiful. We timed coming here well to catch an ideal sunset. The kids loved checking out the remains of the ship as well as the landscape around.
Everyone wanted a turn in this piece left over from the ship. It was the perfect size.
This beach is EXACTLY what I thought Washington/Oregon beaches would look like.
Pres took the kids for a climb up a dune.
Hello up there!
A view from the top of the hill.
The coastline. Such stunning views.
On one side you had the beach. Then there was this large hill covered in the most beautiful tall grass. On the other side was this forest. I couldn't get over the views here. Absolutely breathe taking.
We even saw a fox on our drive through these woods on our way home.
The sun was shining right in our faces, but I am so happy we got this shot.
Such a fun day with the people I love the most.
Beckham raced down the hill.
Jack in the tall grass.
The Columbia River
Ships on the water as we travel back over the bridge.
One of the reasons I booked this Airbnb in Long Beach was for the hot tub! I planned out this trip with the intentions that our coastal stay would be our relaxing portion of the trip. We hot tubbed, played Kindles and games, read books, watched movies and popped popcorn. We splurged at the local bakery (two mornings in a row) and ate at a delicious restaurant our last night. It was the absolutely perfect stay.
Leaving Long Beach for a quick jaunt to Cannon Beach and then off to Portland!
I couldn't get over the trees lining the roads. They were massive. You felt protected.
Cannon Beach
This is the famous Haystack Rock. This quickly became one of my favorite places on Earth. It was one of the most beautiful beaches I had ever seen. The town was so quaint and friendly. We found a number of Ma and Pa shops lining Main street including the coziest little book store. There were several restaurant options and bakeries there as well. I felt like we literally just stepped into a Hallmark movie. I would live here the rest of my life.
We traveled at THE best time. There were very few people on the beach. Pres and the kids looked for more crabs and it just felt as if time stood still for a moment. I wanted to soak up every minute. I wanted to take in the ages of my kids and the fun we were having. I wanted to soak up every blessing we've received and shout praises of gratitude to my Father in Heaven for the many blessings and miracles we have seen and witnessed. Give thanks for this beautiful Earth we have inherited and doing our best to take care of. It was such an ah-ha moment for me. Full gratitude and love.
Looking down the coast line.
Beautiful houses lined the beach.
The water seemed to feel in a rush, while I could have sat there all day, taking in the scenery and sounds.
The other side of the coast line.
I caught these two just staring at the Haystack Rock. I love this picture!
I picked out my house while I was there ;) It's the brown craftsman style house in the middle ;)
After spending some sweet time at Cannon Beach, we headed into town for lunch. We found this cute little restaurant called the Driftwood Restaurant and enjoyed a delicious meal. I had the best fish and chips that I have ever eaten!
While waiting for our food the boys decided to draw what they thought was in the ocean on their kid menus ;)
Jack wanted to take a picture of Pres and I. Funny thing is that it ended up being one of my favorite pics of us ever.
After lunch we were Portland bound!
While in Portland I decided to take some family pictures. I snapped some individuals of the kids.
Jack is growing so quickly! He's quite the talented artist.
Beckham is the sweetest and funniest kid you will meet.
Quinn is the angel of the crew. She can have some fiery moments, but she is is the cutest little girl you'll ever meet.
Clark Family pic of 2020
While we were in Portland, we had the chance to meet up with Julie! Julie is one of Britt's best friends but as most people know, if you are a friend to any Spung, you are a friend to all Spung's. Julie, who we affectionately call Swarlos, took our family pic above. She met us at a beautiful arboretum up above Portland. After our little photo shoot, we treated Swarlos to some tasty pizza from Pizza Jerk. We had such a great time catching up and spending what little time it felt like we had with our Swarlos. We LOVE YOU Swarley! Thanks for making Portland that much cooler ;)
Waiting patiently for our pizza :)
After pizza we headed to Multnomah Falls! You can not go to Portland and not see Multnomah Falls!
This place is breathe taking! We are so happy we stopped to see this epic waterfall.
Taking in the view :)
Pres snapped this one of me and the falls :)
A kind man took a family pic for me.
Clarks and the Multnomah Falls
Hanging out while I grab us some roasted nuts from the vendor at the gift shop.
There was a beautiful gift shop and eatery down from the falls. We picked out our souvenir Christmas ornament and headed to our next destination.
We stopped at Vista Point on our way back home to take in the Columbia River gorge's finest.
This is just east of Portland.
This is Vista Point. It was closed due to COVID but we wanted the views anyway. We didn't mind that we couldn't go in.
Mount St. Helens from a distance
Mount Rainier
One more view before we head down the mountain.
Family selfie ;)
Me and this cutie
We made a quick stop to see the Portland temple.
Beautiful!
After the Portland temple, we trekked to the Pittock Mansion. This home was built in 1914 for the London-born Oregonian publisher Henry Pittock and his family. I love touring old homes and learning how they lived and what they did. I am always amazed by style and how big these homes are for the early 1900's.
The library!
The kitchen that was said to be ahead of it's time.
The main floor consisted of the "functional" rooms while the second floor was bedrooms. They also had a basement that they used for storage. The house had five bedrooms, a smoking room, library, two separate sitting rooms, a dining room, a study, an office, several bathrooms and a basement for storage and the occasional larger gatherings. It was a beautiful home.
The view from the backyard.
The house from the backyard.
After Pittock Mansion we treated the kiddos to the Portland Zoo. They were SO excited!
Taking a snooze.
It literally felt like we were walking through the woods in the middle of the city. Very cool zoo.
There were moss covered rocks everywhere. It was really neat to see.
I'm not sure I have ever been that close to a cheetah!
Pride Rock
We headed home and started packing up for our early departure the following day. We spent the rest of the evening relaxing and packing. I couldn't believe how fast this trip went. Portland was a great ending city to an incredible seven day trip. We ate some amazing food (mostly from food trucks), relaxed at the Airbnb, went out to explore the city and it's surroundings, watched more movies, played more games and just soaked up the remainder of the trip. Every person in our family LOVED this vacation! It was exactly what we needed after months of lockdowns and very little travel. How grateful we are that we were able to do this trip at this time!
My plane buddy.
Pres and the boys settling in for our quick flight home.
Thank you Seattle, Long Beach and Portland for an incredible family trip! We LOVED every single minute and would happily go back again someday.
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