Road Trip - Washington or Bust!

The last days of our road trip were spent getting up to Washington.  We took our time and had five nice days driving through California, through the mountains of Northern Cali and Southern Oregon - beautiful! - and up to Mount Vernon.  We also got to see some more friends along the way. 

Our first stop was outside of Sacramento where we stayed with our new friend Amy.  Her daughter is dating my friend Mardi's son, Taylor, and we met her at their house during our stay in the desert.  She invited us to come stay with her along our journey so we did!  Anyone who waits up for us with a bottle of wine ready is a friend in my book.

We stopped at Turtle Bay Exploration Park in Redding, CA.  We got to play on a cool playground, saw some animals, and were almost attacked by a badger who was out digging some holes.

 The drive through northern California is absolutely beautiful. 

The views of Mount Shasta were amazing!

 The most we paid for gas.

 Luke's Packer Football made traveling easy and comfy.

 Indoor pools also made the trip more fun!

 A stop in Eugene to visit a rival stadium.

Whoo-ooo!!  Over the river and into Washington!

A gorgeous drive down the Columbia River to visit

our friends Rich and Heidi.

 We began our teaching careers together as roomies in Palm Desert and now

we have this little group of kids. 

We spent two nights with Nadya and Eric in Camas, WA.  Haven't seen each other for 5 years - it was great to catch up and watch our kids play together.

Even with rain and traffic it was wonderful to see Seattle!

 We made it to Grandma and Grandpa's house!