Kariana Loves Vacation

Last week we set out for what has become our annual whirlwind vacation to the Northwest. Every summer we try to go to the Northwest to visit with Tobin’s family and enjoy the cooler weather. This summer we were going to Oregon and we had a precious package with us to show off.

It would be Kariana’s first airplane ride and we were a little nervous. Would she cry on the four hour ride and annoy all of the passengers? How well would she nap/sleep in the hotel? How well would she travel in the car?

We flew to Portland, Oregon and met up with Aunt Kari at the airport. Tobin installed the car seat and off we drove to Woodland, Washington so Kariana could meet Great Grandma & Grandpa Wilson. Great Aunt Shari stopped by to see her too!

By the time we got back to our hotel in Portland that evening we were exhausted, but Grandma & Grandpa Carlson had just arrived and were waiting for us at the hotel. Kariana didn’t have time to realize how tired she was from the busy day and meeting all of these new faces until it was time for bed in her Heavenly Crib. Yes, you heard that right. Westin Hotels are known for their Heavenly Beds for adults and they also have Heavenly Cribs for the wee ones. Kariana slept like a baby.

Next we set off to the Oregon Coast for some well-desired rest & relaxation at the beach for a few days. Kariana walked on the beach & played in the sand . . .

. . . she went swimming in the pool . . .

. . . and she found time to fit in some golf.

It quickly became apparent that Kariana loved vacation!! She was having so much fun. This was the scene one morning when Kariana came back from a stroller ride with Grandpa Carlson.

We’re pretty sure all of this vacationing wore her out because she very willingly slept in her pack-n-play by the fire in our hotel room. It felt so cozy to have the doors open and a fire in the fireplace.

We were sad to leave the beach, but we were headed to Triangle Lake for a day. We all know Kariana doesn’t enjoy riding in the car so we timed our trips with her naps. And who doesn’t love driving along Highway 101! At the lake, Kariana met Great Grandma & Grandpa Carlson, Great Uncle David and her cousin Emily Lunoe who had the twins (Lars and Eva – 3 years) and Anna (2 months) with her.

Kariana enjoyed her first boat ride on the lake!

Back in Portland for our last night we squeezed in one more outing with Carrie, Ian (8 years) and James (5 years) Rouse at the Portland Zoo. Whew, once again we fit it all in!