The Alaska Paynes

Friday, November 4, 2011

Portland - Part 5 (the last)

We loved the warm weather while we were in Portland. One warm sunny day, we rode the train to the end of the free zone to play in this awesome fountain.

For our last adventure, grandma and I took the kids to the Grotto. We loved looking around at all the beautiful trees and enjoyed the peaceful surroundings.

The kids loved this maze. You start at the entrance and

then it winds you all around until you reach the center.

We went back to Uncle Adam and Aunt Elena's house and grandma put the kids to work. They loved raking the yard. I just wish they had this much fun when I put them to work.

The kids all loved seeing their Uncle Adam.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Portland - Part 4

The weather was beautiful in Portland and we spent one day enjoying the fall weather. Grandma and I took the kids though a corn maze. They loved the HUGE hay-bale pyramid built outside the maze.

The kids were a little unsure about the maze until we got started. They loved being able to choose which way to go and seeing all the corn stalks all around them.

There were fun things to stop and see as we made our way through the maze.

My favorite were the Corn-undrums.

Cow Lick

We could look out over the corn maze from this bridge.

Once we made our way out of the maze. We headed over to the farmer's market.

Since we do not have the best produce in Anchorage, I was jealous when I saw all the gorgeous fruits and vegis. Just look at the size of these things!

Blue Pumpkins

Only $1 a head!

.99c each!

Check out these gorgeous pumpkins too!

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Portland - Part 3

We surprised the kids by spending the weekend at the Great Wolf Lodge.

The kids all had a blast swimming and going down the water slides.

We were amazed at how long the kids could stay in the water.

We met up with Grandma and Uncle Adam to go to the Forestry Museum.
The kids enjoyed a virtual white river rafting trip...

...then they tried out some of the heavy machinery...

...and we ended with a little "safari".

On the way to the car we had to stop and see the train.

As a kid, my dad worked at OMSI and I have fond memories from my childhood.

I was glad to be able to take my kids there too and share a part of my childhood with them.

OMSI is full of all kids of hands-on science experiments for kids.

Korbin loved the magnets and ball room.

Kara has been taking piano lessons and loved playing on this "piano".

Kassi had fun playing with this crane and moving
things from one place to another.

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Portland - Part 2

Grandma Lue and Papa came to see us while we were in Portland and we spent one day taking the train around downtown. Here we are at the Chinese Gardens.

We each got a fortune.

Use your best talent to guarantee success in life.

Use your best talent to guarantee success in life.

Accept an opportunity that it is offered to you.

While walking around downtown, we came across this man painted silver. The kids refused to believe that he was real, but they loved watching him roll glass balls around on his hands.