We have been talking about a 5 year anniversary trip for about 2 years and this one lived up to expectations! On Wednesday, we flew to Portland, Oregon and drove an hour south to Salem, where we stayed. We drove around the beautiful farming pastures and vineyards that sprawl forever. After lunch, we hit two wineries to try some local wine, tasted amazing cheese at the Willamette Cheese Company and walked around a pretty park.
This was the first sunshine they have had all year so everyone was out and about...and happy! We checked into the hotel (which was really lovely) and walked to dinner in downtown Salem. Afterward, we walked 8 blocks to a pub that was playing live music. On Thursday, we drove and explored most of the day. We headed south to Corvallis and then north to McMinville. I can't explain how green, lush, and spacious the land is. I enjoyed every moment through the countryside. After a quick stop at the hotel, we drove up to Portland to meet up with Ryan's Aunt Margo, Uncle Craig, Cousin Kevin and his wife, Heather, and their daughter. We had a fun time at dinner, getting to meet Emmery (13 months) and catch up with the Portland Flower's. We really wish they lived closer.
On the way back to the hotel, Ryan told me that we were to leave the hotel at 4:45am the next morning to start our anniversary off with a surprise. That early rise was worth it since I have been dying to take a hot air balloon ride my entire life. We drove for an hour and arrived at a field where I saw the word "balloon" on a sign and started crying. Did I mention I have been wanting to go up in a balloon my entire life?!! Ryan loved my reaction and we were off to help set up the balloon, and get it up in the air. 6 other people joined us in the basket to see the most amazing views of Newberg and Dundee. We saw the sun rise, flew over the Great Willamette River, watched sheep and horse run away from the balloon's shadow, and even dipped down to a mere 20 feet before we lifted high in the sky again. The crew met us where we landed in a field, packed up the balloon and basket and headed back for breakfast. It hardly seems like this surprise can be topped!
We decided to shop at some nearby Outlets and enjoyed every moment: leisurely browsing, trying on clothes, and got some great deals. We headed to a couple wineries and had lunch (aged gouda that we had bought at the cheese company, crackers, hummus, and wine that we had just tasted and purchased), overlooking the vineyards.
We rested for awhile at the hotel and enjoyed a great dinner to finish off our anniversary trip. Neither of us were too disappointed to go home on Saturday, as we couldn't wait to see our little girl, whom by the way, never missed a beat and was super good with my parents' and Ryan's over the few days we were gone. We so appreciate their care of Shaye to enable us to spend this much needed time together. We are already planning our 10 year...!
More views from Oregon at the "Flower Family Pictures" link on the right.
