The next day we visited the Oregon Zoo.
Thanks to a Wild Kratts episode, Madeline was able to identify an African crested porcupine all by herself. We would never have known for sure if not for the sign behind her.
The zoo was fun but also a little exhausting, so we took frequent bench breaks.
And at the end of the visit, Uncle Matt got special presents for the kiddos at the gift shop!
That evening we had dinner on the patio at Casa Lola Kitchen de Mexico.
At the restaurant, Madeline and Oliver befriended two little girls and a dog. One little girl gave Madeline a coin (much to her delight); the dog gave her a face bath.
After dinner we took a group photo, as it was Uncle Marc's last night in town. The next day he left for a two week backpacking adventure in Wyoming.
On Friday, we visited Ceci, Carlos, and Siena at their new home in Newberg! The kids enjoyed watching a movie about a racing snail.
Siena and Oliver also enjoyed playing in the curtains.
On Sunday, we took the MAX train into Portland. The kids were very excited as they waited for it to come to the station.
Then we boarded ...
... and Oliver was captivated.
In Portland, we visited the World Forestry Center, where Uncle Matt helped Oliver learn how to plant seedlings.
Summer, Madeline, and Oliver pretended to ride some rapids.
Oliver and Madeline checked out these cool wooden masks.
After the forestry center, we took the MAX back to Beaverton. The underground MAX station had this neat picture of some sort of prehistoric elephant as well as a core sample taken when the station was created.
On the train ride home, the kiddos sat with Grandma and Grandpa.
After lunch and a nap for Oliver, we headed to the Murray Hill pool. Oliver enjoyed splashing around ...
... as did Madeline. (The kiddos also had their first hot tub experience and seemed to enjoy it!)
After drying off, Madeline relaxed with Jack.
