A Slice of Heaven here...

Just returned from an overnight trip with the toddlers. We spent the night with an adoptive family that lives in White Salmon, WA. It is just a bridge cross from the town of Hood River, OR. I didn't realize what a beautiful little vacation spot the whole Columbia Gorge offers. Not only was the one hour plus drive decent from the Portland metro, it was breath taking!

The kids did great on the drive even with the Friday traffic and all. We left the house at 4pm and arrived at Hood River around 6pm (one potty pit stop), just in time for 1st Friday Street Fair in downtown Hood River. They had live music, art, street food vendors, etc. The whole town was walking about. Plus the thousands of out of towners who took up every single parking spot in an available lot.

Our hosts were wonderful! They have a very laid back lifestyle and seemed to welcome us happily. I almost feel sorry for their adopted daughter who seems to subsist on ice-cream and plain pasta. I also watched in amazement as she popped a large wad of bubble gum in her mouth as she woke up in the morning. Something also told me their marriage was on the rocks and since she travels so much for her work (she is the breadwinner), the daughter is left alone a lot with the father who seems nice enough on the outside, but my instincts tell me he has some pent up rage inside. So I'm actually afraid for this 5 year old girl who is in the care of this man when her mom is gone.

Anyway, H & T were a hit! We went down to the marina for a picnic lunch and swim. Our dog Rex was loving the freedom of being off leash and splashing in the Columbia River. It was just so fabulous. T even got to water ski with another adoptive dad of a Korean boy who tied the tether to his waist as he pulled the kids on the skis.

I am seriously contemplating buying a second home in the area now...