Back to Portland

12 August 2011

Our first destination when we returned back to Portland was to Voodoo Doughnut! Just the name itself got me intrigued *curious curious*



Haha was quite a shock for me to see such a loooong Q outside the shop! Not exactly a common sight over here hence we deduced that the doughnuts must be really GOOD!





Yeah! We got it! Bought some for Mark and Joan to try as well!





And finally...... Our grocery loots from the trip :)

Museum of Flight

11 August 2011

We dropped our original plans to visit Vancouver and went to the Museum of Flight instead.

Though I wasn't too keen on it initially but glad that we made the trip down. The boys really enjoyed themselves!



A vehicle they used in Space for some research. Looks cute to me!



Kaeden trying to fly an aeroplane. I hope he don't become a pilot in future :P



Yes Sir!



A hearty meal @ IHOP after an eventful morning :)

Sea, Seaside, Seattle

10 August 2011

Seattle is indeed a happening place... everywhere is bustling full of activities, from Pike's Place Market to Seattle Waterfront!

There are so many different types of fresh seafood and produce in Pike Place Market. Definitely not a common sight in Mountain Home!



We headed straight for the famous Pike Place Fish Co. where the FISH! Philosophy originated. The fishmongers are known around the world for throwing and catching large slippery fish, to the delight of their customers. It is one of the many ways they play to lighten the atmosphere and create an environment that nurtures innovation. And yes, we did see some fishes 'fly' while we were there!





Oh the first Starbucks was also started HERE! See the original logo of the fat mermaid!





We chanced upon this pastry shop that sell Char Siew Bun (they called it as 'Hum Bao', sounds like crybaby in Cantonese). Quite yummy though :)




Seattle Aquarium

Its quite a nice place to bring the kids for a visit. Kaeden enjoyed the Crashing Waves Exhibit and Touch Pool. Heehee, I happened to have a prolonged craving for Stingray hence, got alittle distracted when I saw one swimming in the tank... looked delicious especially topped with sambal *slurp*





Argosy Harbor Cruise

We took a 1 hour+ cruise around Seattle Harbor which departed from Pier 55. The weather was really nice, not too hot or too cold, till I fell asleep *oops*

Portland -> Seattle

09 August 2011

The drive up to Seattle took us about 3 hours... its the longest road trip we had taken by far and it wasn't as tiring as I thought it would be! Heehee, my butt did feel a little sore from sitting too long though :P

We headed straight to Chinatown for lunch at this restaurant called Hong Kong Bistro. Sadly... the food was a real disappointment! Roast Pork was super fat and oily :( Char Siew was super tough and hard :( Roast Duck don't taste like Roast Duck :(



The rest of our day were spent visiting the Seattle Space Needle and shopping for groceries at Uwajimaya. Couldn't believe that I actually got upset BECAUSE we ain't able to bring back all the Sukiyaki Pork/Beef and fresh seafood!

Multomah Falls & Hood River Fruit Loop

08 August 2011

Multnomah Falls is the tallest waterfall in the State of Oregon and is located along the Historic Columbia River Highway, about an hour plus drive from Portland.

The falls drops in two major steps, split into an upper falls of 542 feet and a lower falls of 69 feet.



It was a pity that we didn't manage to reach the top of the upper falls to get a bird's-eye view of the Columbia Gorge (for me, no stamina as I was carrying Ash while for Walker... Kaeden simply refused to go up any further) but I guess its quite an achievement for us to made it slightly further than mid-point. Not easy to hike with two young children in tow!



Kaeden insisted on getting something to eat the moment we reached the falls. He must have foresee the arduous journey ahead... lolx



Daddy & Kaeden, at the bottom of the lower falls...



All geared up for the hike ahead!



We made it to mid-point @ Benson Footbridge!




En-route to our next destination to Hood River Fruit Loop, we stopped by at the Panorama point and took some pictures of Mount Hood from far...





Kaeden had been to a couple of fruit farms before but never to one that grow flowers. We thought he might be interested to know more and decided to stop by Hood River Lavendar Farm, which is one of the many farms listed along the loop.

Instead of fields of Lavendar like those we saw in Hokkaido, it was just patches of them here! Heehee but still pretty lah :)



My handsome boy amidst all the beautiful purple flowers...



Caught Daddy lazing around while Kaeden working hard @ U-Pick



Mummy & Ashlyn came and joined in...



NOW, who is that lucky girl?

Portland Children's Museum & World Forestry Centre

07 August 2011

We had Dim Sum breakfast @ the highly recommended Wong's King. IMHO, it is not worth the 5 stars review... BUT then again, comparing to the standard of Chinese food here, this is considered good already.




Portland's Children Museum



Kaeden had great fun at the Portland Children's Museum. He simply love being a cashier at the mini supermarket and refused to move on to the next 'station'!









World Forestry Centre



This place wasn't in our planned itinerary but the train right next to it happened to catch the boy's attention while we were walking from the carpark to the museum.



And so... here we are!




We ended the day with shopping at Pioneer Place aka their atas mall + sumptuous Korean dinner at Fubonn... *satisfied*