It's the Little Things: A Visit from Mi Padre

My Dad had gone to Washington, DC to visit younger brother. While he was driving back to Colorado he decided that is was about time he come see me. I whole-heartedly agree. After all, it had been (just) over 5 years since he had been here. College graduation time. He headed this direction and arrived safe and sound in PDX Wednesday afternoon. I had decided I really wanted to "document" this trip. So here it is:

I had given Dad directions to work and he arrived with these:

A girl always loves to get flowers!

Once I got off work we headed downtown for dinner. We made a quick stop at Powell's City of Books. (It would be visit number 1 of 3 to a Powell's in the greater Portland area.)

Dad amongst the books...

We then headed to Deschutes Brewery Pub for amazing beer (gluten-free for me) and an amazing g-f burger for me and a sandwhich for Pops.

There was dessert on the menu that we wanted, that we didn't have room for, but we decided we'd come back the next day.

I had two glorious days off from work and when we got up Thursday morning we headed to Concordia's campus so Dad could see all the changes. Here we are in between some of the apartment buildings that I lived in once upon a time.

Then, back to Deschutes for g-f cheesecake, for lunch mind you. Yes, cheesecake for lunch. Healthy diet, but delicious nonetheless.

Then we made stop 2 at Powell's and hit-up some other stores in the area. I had tickets for a play that evening so I left Dad to fend for himself. He washed/cut/preped supplies for our picnic the next day.

We got up Friday and headed for the hills. Mountain more like it. Dad had never been to Mt Hood, so away we went. Destination: Timberline Lodge. I was disappointed in the cloudy, overcast day as I love the view of glorious Hood on the trip up, but alas, it was not to be that day.

When we arrived at Timberline the clouds were blowing through. This is the best view we had of the summit the whole time we were there.

Us with the Lodge behind us.

View from inside the Lodge.

An attempt at getting a shot with Hood behind us. You can make it out (sort of).

Once we picniced and came down the mountain the clouds conveniently started parting. If only they'd gotten an earlier start at that. We were coming around Mt Hood and then north through Hood River to do the Mt Hood Loop. It is a gorgeous drive.

This is the view from the west side of the mountain.

We stopped to get some shots with us and Mt Hood.

Once we made it to the Hood River Valley we stopped off at Panorama Point Park. I had seen the sign, but hadn't stopped before. I'm glad we did as it is a gorgeous view complete with picnic tables, ample parking and restrooms. Sweet!

This is the view of us with Hood in the background from Panorama Point:

Mt Hood with the beautiful valley of orchards below.

After amazing views we hopped on the freeway to head back towards Portland. I can't pass Cascade Locks without stopping at this little joint for a mouthwatering Blackberry Milkshake. One of the things I love about my Dad is that he is always up for ice cream-I inheritated that from him. Most definitely.

We then hopped off the freeway to take the Historic Columbia River Highway back into Portland. With a few stops, of course.

Multnomah Falls being stop one.

Next stop: Crown Point. Phenomenal views. Sweet reflection.

The building is also pretty amazing.

I was worn out by the time we got home. I crashed that night and dear Dad let me sleep in the next morning. It was glorious. Dad wanted to say that we stood on a mountain one day and on the beach at the ocean the next. Once I was up on Saturday we headed to the beach, got almost all the way to Tillamook and then had to turn around. I later found out that the traffic back-up was due to a fatality accident. We eventually (3 1/2 hours after setting off from home) made it to the beach. We stopped and had lunch and then walked the beach.

Us with Haystack Rock in the background.

Feet on the beach! It was warm and wonderful!

Pops on the beach.

Me on the beach!

Fun sandcastle that we saw.

On Sunday, Dad's last day, we went shopping for a cute little boys 1st Birthday gift. And then headed to Battle Ground for Isaiah's 1st b-day shindig. Too.Stinkin'.Cute.

After the party we headed home and I had to face the realization that my fun, extra-long weekend was winding down and Dad's time for his visit was winding down. It was a grand trip and I was so thankful for his visit and the time I had with him.