1. With Sean still obsessed with cars and trucks, I knew I needed to find something that I could store them in that wouldn't take up a lot of space. I was elated to find this on Etsy and I will be sure to pack 5 of his "working trucks" that he can't go a day without (after they've been rinsed off from playing in the sand outside, of course). See SafferyMoore for more of their cute travel items on Etsy.
2. Believe it or not, we actually don't have this toy. We had a play-date recently with someone who has the full-size version of this and both boys were enthralled. So, finding a travel version and giving it to them as a surprise when they open their backpacks at the airport, should keep them happy for a little bit at least.
3. An airplane ride wouldn't be complete with coloring books and sticker activities, so it was only fitting that I found some airplane themed books to take along.
4. Sean has headphones from his LeapPad tablet that we'll be bringing along, so I knew I would need another set for Evan to use with the iPad or Kindle. I wanted something a little bit more sturdy than the Leap Frog ones, so I found these and figured with the cute animals on the side, he'd be more apt to keep them on.
And with new Apps on all our tablets, countless snacks, and window seat views, I'm hoping they'll be happy and quiet for the majority of the flight.
Once we arrive in Portland, we have plenty of things to choose from to do with little kids. This will be my third time visiting my brother in the city since he moved there several years ago and I'm always amazed at how a short car drive can take you out of the city and to the coast with picturesque views. Here are a few places we'll be sure to frequent this trip with the boys:
1. Voodoo Doughnut. Yup, I'm listing this first, as I know Sean like the back of my hand. He will LOVE this place! And can you blame him? With all different kinds of freshly-made doughnuts complete with cereal pieces, marshmallows, and anything you can think of, we'll be sure to indulge at least once.
2. The Rose Garden. In the middle of downtown, well actually at the top of the city, is this beautiful, free garden full of every kind of rose imaginable. As you're standing in rows full of roses, you have an amazing view of the city! And it's where my brother and sister-in-law were married back in 2010 when I was pregnant with Sean.
3. Cannon Beach. This is one of the top spots to go on the Oregon coast where you can see the famous "Haystack Rocks" out in the ocean and with a cute beach town with little unique shops and restaurants, we could spend a whole day here! Lucky for us, it's also going to be the 50th Annual Sandcastle Contest on the day we'll be visiting. I can't wait!
4. Newport Beach. This will be my first time visiting this beach spot, but my brother claims it's amazing. We'll spend the night at the Inn of Newport Beach that has rooms facing the ocean.
5. The Newport Beach Oregon Aquarium. If I thought the Detroit Zoo with the Polar Bear exhibit was something special, we are in for a real treat. Instead of walking through a glass tunnel of polar bears, we'll be walking through sharks, jellyfish, stingray, you name it!
6. The Tillamook Cheese Factory! I'm salivating just thinking about it. The last time we went, someone ordered their famous ice cream dessert that includes 29 scoops of ice cream. But, there's also samples and stores and the entire factory that we can explore all at our fingertips.
7. Jamison Square. Back in Portland, in the city, there's this awesome fountain where the kids can run around in their bathing suits and splash. The best part is it's completely free!
8. NW 23rd Avenue. Um, we can't go on vacation without shopping. I'm hoping that my mom and I can escape while the boys are napping one day to hit up some of these awesome and unique stores. It just wouldn't be a Portland trip without taking the street cars up to 23rd Avenue.
9. Breweries. Without Scott this trip, it won't be the same visiting some of the breweries, but I'm confident that we'll continue on the tradition without him. Deschutes, Bridgeport, Rogue...so many choices, so little time!
While these are just a few of what's on the schedule, I'm sure we'll venture off the plans and do some exploring to places that even I haven't been to yet. I can't wait to see my brother and sister-in-law and kick off our summer with this big trip! Look out Portland, here we come!
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