Family, Friends and the Oregon Coast

I had such an amazing week this past week being able to take a "Just Me" vacation to Portland OR and the Oregon Coast to visit my brother and his wife and my dear friends, the Nielsons. My wonderful husband agreed to taking on the "Mom" responsibilities while I took time just for myself. (How do I repay him for such a selfish thing?) Anywhooo--it was a crazy fun whirlwind week--I got to Portland late last Wednesday so we didnt do much other than hit the drive thru at Wendy's and stayed up way too late to chat with my brother, Sam and his wife Amy Lynn. The next day they had to go to work so I spent the day with my friend, Sandy. We just drove all over and enjoyed lunch together.That night my dad and his wife, Trina and her granddaughter, Natalee came in. Friday we all drove to Tillamook and enjoyed the "squeaky cheese" we drove up the Oregon Coast and checked out the beach towns. It is so beautiful there. Saturday Sam and Amy and I went to the Portland Rose Gardens, drove into Oregon City and ate at a great little pizza place (so yummy). On Sunday, we went to Multnomah Falls and hiked to the top. (Not that I didn't know this already--but--I am SOOO out of shape. I was sure that my brother was trying to get back for all the horrible things I did to him growing up.)After that I met up with Sandy to hang out with her and her family the rest of my stay. It was so nice on Sunday to go and enjoy a dinner with them and just chat. Monday we went shopping (nothing too exciting) and Tuesday we went to the coast again. Wednesday it was time to come home, even though I had a great time, I was exhausted and ready to come home to my family. It is always so exciting to leave and go away on a trip--but truly-- "THERE IS NO PLACE LIKE HOME"!