Ready for Seattle, Portland, and Some Oregon Exploring!!

I am beyond ready to hit the road and travel for a little bit. I have decided traveling keeps me sane. Some people hate the airports, hate flying, hate exploring....yeah...I don't get it. Ok...maybe I do a little in regards to the airports and planes but how one spends the entire life in the same place without venturing out on trips and excursions...I will never understand. Some of my favorite memories and experiences come from vacations I have taken. So I have been trying to keep it rather chill and calm leading up to my trip. For one thing...August is apparently the height of tourist season in Washington and Oregon (because of the near perfect weather we can expect...blue, blue skies, and temps in the mid to hight 70's) so the hotels are costing a little more than I expected....add on the rental car, gas, food, plane ticket...this trip is just like any other...not too budget friendly :) But as I have said time and time again...I will happily spend money on travel.

I have all the hotels booked, rental car confirmed, and a loosely based itinerary in the works with room for changing plans as needed! I will meet my brother on Monday in Seattle where we will spend out first day and night. Then we will head to Portland (3 hr drive) and stay there for 2...maybe 3 days. Then out to the coastal town of Seaside, OR for some exploring, and then back to Seattle for our last night and to fly out on Sunday morning. We know we want to see National Parks, cool beaches, white water raft, eat great food, try amazing beers, and I of course want to take lots and lots of pictures!! I wish I was leaving tomorrow!!

This week I started back at my Summer job at Excite Steps. It has been a great week so far with such wonderful kids. We did the beach on Monday, the San Diego Children's Museum on Tuesday (it was AMAZING), and the Wave Waterpark today. I spent my day with a cute 5 year old kiddo lounging in the lazy river and just enjoying seeing him get so much thrill out of the waterpark. Tomorrow is Mini Golf and rides, volunteering at the hospital, and then Friday back to the beach.

This upcoming weekend will be about packing, getting ready to leave, possibly some horse races in Del Mar, and dinner and a movie with a friend.

Hate to leave Roxie again but luckily she will be staying with my roommate and relaxing at the apartment. So no expensive boarding bill for me and no stress for her :)