The Air and Space Museum

A couple of weeks ago, we hit the Evergreen Aviation Air and Space Museum just outside of McMinnville. Most famously, this is the home of the Spruce Goose, Howard Hughes' wooden "flying boat", the plane with the largest wingspan ever. For years, Dan and I have driven by and commented that sometime we should go check it out. Finally we decided that on our way home from our beach trip would be the perfect time for a visit.


Now, let me admit right off that this is not my thing. Yeah, airplanes and space are cool and all that, but I don't know any of the planes, or the names of all the NASA missions. Dan, however, does. In a big way. Like, he didn't need the signs posted - sign that boy up as a museum docent right now!


So while I hung back and just kind of took it all in, Dan led the boys to each plane and rocket, telling them all about them. Max was right there with him - jaw dropped and hanging on every word. Luke did well for the first 30 minutes, and then just wanted to visit the bathrooms and playground.

I was so glad that we had made time for it - seeing Dan share something that he loves with the boys just never gets old. I know they are already planning a trip back next year when the new aviation water park opens next door!

Beach retreat...

Once again, life has taken me away from this space. I hope to someday figure out remote blogging, but for now it just means a lapse in service. But for times like this last week? I am more than happy to just be living life, if not documenting it.

Imagine, if you will, the following:

- a house 5 minutes from the beach, equipped with 2 Foosball tables, a pool table, a hot tub, swings in the backyard, and bedrooms and bathrooms enough for many

- sand and a small creek shallow enough for two boys to explore to their heart's content (adding sand to the water to "make it less wet" and watering the sand so that it wasn't so dry)

- a world-class aquarium and a wander through a "tube of sharks" holding the hands of people you love

- clam chowder and garlic cheese bread (or mac n' cheese for the little ones) at a resteraunt that feels like home

- losing your purse in the outlet mall and the kind person who turned it in immediately to be found

- hours of reading/knitting/catching up on all that is happening in each others' lives

- car trips to connect and talk with someone you admire

- jogging someplace new - with mountain and lake views and cool temperatures to make it refreshing

- celebrating a 5th birthday (more on that later) with donuts, pizza, and the beach

- the company of family that you adore and the laughter and comfort that only come with love

Blissful? Yup. Feeling just so lucky to have had this time with Dan's family - they are such a treasure. I just can't wait to do it again!