The Lee Family Journey: February 2009

Two more pics...

Avery and I while we were out to eat in Portland. She's such a funny, affectionate girl.

One last attempt at a girls' pic. It's impossible to get all three smiling at once.

We were badly in need of a vacation. Jeff and I are not sure we've ever taken a family vacation with just our children (no other family or friends along). It was a very special trip.

A family friend helped us with a "friends and family rate" at a Marriott hotel in Portland and we headed out for 3 days and 2 nights in a 2-bedroom suite (a must with three young children). Jeff and I have finally learned our lesson and kept the expectations low -- trip goals: swim in the indoor pool and ride the Portland streetcar. Sound lame? Not if you have three kids, ages 5 and under.

We had a wonderful trip. The first day the older girls swam with Jeff, we rode the cable car and had a free dinner in our hotel with Jeff's college friend. We arrived at the cable car around 5 p.m and had some spectacular views with gorgeous sunset colors. The next day we rode the train to Powell's bookstore in the morning (Wow, what a bookstore. We needed a week without kids in that bookstore), swam in the afternoon and took the train into town again for dinner. All three girls loved the train. The last morning we just swam and headed back to Maple Valley since all were tired.

A few other highlights of the trip:
* Our hotel was in the train "fairless square", so we didn't pay a cent for the rides. Also, since we were so close to the train, we didn't use our car during our entire stay. The train system is kid/stroller friendly.

* We also met some of the friendliest people ever. Everywhere we went people seemed to be genuinely interested in us, our kids and what brought us to Portland.

* The weather was amazing in Seattle and Portland. Today, on our drive home we had incredible views of Mt. Hood, Mt. St. Helen's and Mt. Rainier.

Most importantly, we have come back from this trip feeling closer as a family. I had a chance to bond with my girls and Jeff in a way that would not happen at home. It's inspired me to look for more opportunities to take a break from "real life" right here at home and connect with my family.

On top of the cable car ride platform.

Jeff playing Phase 10 for Kids with Cambria.

Avery talking to Grandma on the phone. She won't hold the phone to her ear. :-)

Avery and Cambria on the cable car ride.

Mt. Hood at sunset.

The Portland Streetcar in front of our hotel.

Avery swimming in the hotel pool. She made huge strides in the three days we were there.

Carys' first time in a pool. She loved being in Mommy/Daddy's arms or in her floaty.

Cambria with her swimming vest and goggles. She also made huge strides in her swimming.

Lee Girls Photo Shoot

We took some pictures one evening in our Portland hotel room. We got some cute ones of Carys, but the one of all three girls was the best we could get...really. :-)

Carys in McDonalds

We took a ridiculous number of photos of Carys at McDonalds on our way to Portland. No, she did not try a french fry yet...just Cheerios. :-) Cambria and Avery enjoyed pushing Carys around in her high chair with wheels.

Packing for Portland

The older girls enjoyed putting Carys into the suitcase as we packed for our Portland trip.

Valentine's Day

We had a nice, relaxing Valentine's morning. I made each girl a heart pancake, which they thought was very exciting. I really enjoy the fact that it takes very little to make my girls excited. I hope they stay that way as long as possible.

Cambria with her heart pancake.

Avery holding her fork and knife in front of her face (typical Avery). :-)

Trip to Florida

I recently took a trip to Florida for a long weekend. I almost didn't make the trip due to a stomach bug that delayed my trip a day, but fortunately, I made a very quick recovery. The trip was my annual get-together with friends from seminary (other pastor's wives). I also tacked on a visit to my sister in the Jacksonville area. She's lived there for 2 years and I've never had an opportunity to visit. Carys came along, of course, and was an amazing baby. She has done 3 round-trip cross-country trips in 8 months of life. Her mom didn't get on an airplane until she was 18 years old!

Below are some pics from the weekend: