We had a wonderful few days with my sister and her family who arrived at our house on the afternoon of my kids’ last day of school. We kicked off the visit with a celebratory dinner to mark both their arrival and the start of summer break. After dinner we returned home to catch up, relax, and enjoy the warm, sunny evening together.
Our first full day together split into two different adventures: the girls went shopping while the boys headed out for a long mountain bike ride. We don’t have photos from the ride, but everyone returned tired and happy. Later that afternoon we met up and drove to Topgolf for some friendly competition. Hitting golf balls, sharing plates of tasty food, and laughing together made for a relaxed, celebratory afternoon. The weather was perfect, which only added to the fun.
The next day we spent a few hours at the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum. Walking through the exhibits, admiring historic aircraft, and exploring interactive displays made for an engaging day. The kids were fascinated by the size and variety of the planes, and the whole family enjoyed learning more about aviation history.
On another day we headed to Tree to Tree Adventure Park for high-rope courses and climbing challenges. Everyone tackled the courses with enthusiasm and encouragement, and it was rewarding to see kids and adults alike conquer obstacles and cheer each other on. The park offered a mix of thrilling routes and safe, well-supervised fun, so the whole family felt comfortable trying new things while enjoying time outdoors.
After our time in the trees, we packed up and drove to Astoria for a night of camping. The coastal air felt refreshing, and the kids loved sleeping under the stars. The next morning we explored the beaches at Fort Stevens. Walking along the shore, we spent time at the well-known Peter Iredale shipwreck—an atmospheric relic that’s always intriguing to explore. We wandered the sands, collected interesting shells and driftwood, and enjoyed the open space and ocean views.
Before heading back home, we stopped at Battery Russel to explore the historic structures and surrounding property. The old buildings and coastal views provided a quiet, contemplative contrast to the more active parts of our trip. It was a nice way to wind down after several busy days.
This visit reminded me how valuable it is to slow down and spend time with family—trying new things together, sharing meals, and making memories. The trip was full of varied experiences: shopping and relaxation, active outdoor challenges, museum discoveries, and peaceful moments on the beach. Everyone left feeling recharged and closer than before.
I’ll be back with new recipes tomorrow—plus a big giveaway is coming soon, so stay tuned.