Portland...Day 3...Oregon Zoo!

When I started researching Portland, and the different things to do in the area, one of the first things I discovered was that they had a zoo! I knew that would be a hit with our zoo loving munchkin...so it was a "must-do." On Sunday we hopped on the Max Line...

 

 

and took it ot the...

 

 

It was a bit cooler outside then I had planned for. Landry was bit cold so the first stop was the gift shop where G.G. bought him the cutest jacket ever.

 

First stop...the otters!

 

Aren't they the cutest?

 

 

I should warn you...this post has a TON of animal pictures. I actually have more...these are the few I posted. The Oregon Zoo is absolutely BEAUTIFUL and has pretty much any and every animal you can think of.

 

 

 

They even had bats!

 

 

I think they are pretty cute. :)

 

Not as cute as this guy, though!

 

 

Hippos! Landry had never seen a hippo before...he thought they were HUGE!

 

Each of the exhibits at the zoo was so unique and offered an "up-close" view of the animals. Check out how close we were to a cheetah!!!!!

 

No zoom here...we were really just on the other side of the glass from them. So cool!

 

You should all know by now what Landry's favorite animal is. He asked to see them after each and every animal we saw. At our zoo the elephants are one of the first attractions. Not so much in Oregon. They were way in the back of the zoo...but they didn't let us down!

 

ELEPHANTS!!!!

 

They have four elephants at their zoo.

 

 

 

And what's better than 4 elephants...

 

 

A BABY elephant!!!!

 

Yup, one of their elephants had recently had a baby, Lily! Landry LOVED watching the baby elephant. She was so cute.

 

Someone in Portland was a genius when they thought of this...

 

Never heard of or had an elephant ear? Well, you are missing out on a little slice of heaven!

 



 

Well, maybe not so little! Elephant ears are like a big, flat churro. Is there anything that is better than a fried piece of dough, covered in cinnamon, sugar, and butter? I don't think so.

We had to get one last look at the elephants...and use our zoo key...before we could check out the...

 

MONKEYS!!!

 

Again, they had every kind of monkey and ape you can imagine. Look at this little guy. Just hanging out by the window...deep in thought.

 

Again, no zoom...we were really this close!

 



 

My little monkey is getting bigger and bigger ach day!

After the monkeys we got to see a polar bear. Again, Landry has never seen a polar bear so he though it was pretty cool. He kept trying to get it to wake up and do something. :)

 

Me and my cub in our polar bear den!

 

 

Next up...penguins!

 

"It's cold in here, Mommy!"

 

Can't forget about this guy...my other date. :)

 

Beautiful bald eagles!

 

Life in an eagle's nest!

 

Sleeping black bear

 

What ended up being Landry's favorite from the day...the mountain goat.

 

Yup, he talks about it all the time! "I went to da zoo...in Porlan...and I saw a BEEEEEEG goat....wif HUUUUUUGE hons. Dey were dis big!"

 

Just goes to show you never know what your child is going to like best...the baby elephant...or the mountain goat? :)

Portland...Day 2...Wedding Day!

So...at this point in time, to say that I am behind on my blogging is the understatement of the century. I don't think I have ever been this behind...and it is a bit overwhelming. Almost to the point of waving the white flag. My parents didn't raise quitters so...here goes...my goal on this lovely three day weekend is to get caught up...along with about 5,000 other things I need to do. :)

 

In my last post I shared our first day in Portland. Well...now we are on to the wedding day! The forecast in Portland had said that there was the possibility of rain and thunderstorms...just what everyone wants for their outdoor wedding day. :)

 

Here's Handsome and me...I realized when I was uploading my photos that I didn't get a single shot of all three of us. :(

 

You see that Monkey made it to the wedding...he has been a popular guest on our wedding circuit this summer. Have I mentioned how "fun" it is having a 3 year old. Ya...that can be saved for a whole different post. :)

 

The weather was the perfect temperature...but the skies didn't look so great.

Time to get the wedding going!

 

Mike walked down the aisle with both of his parents...loved it!

 

 This picture was stolen from Mike's Facebook page. ;)

 

His parents are so kind, gracious, welcoming, and pretty much all around awesome.

I loved getting to know them a little bit better!

 

Chad was the best man!

 

He and Mike have been friends since they were in junior high...I think. They have a friendship that I am a bit jealous of. They can go months, even years, without seeing each other and yet they pick back up right where they left off. I also know that if either one of them were to call the other and say, "Hey buddy...I need you here ASAP," they would both hop on a plane or get in the car and be there for each other without even thinking twice.

 

Waiting for his bride...

 

As you can see, the bridesmaids all had these adorable green parasols. They walked down the aisle together, holding their parasols so that Mike couldn't see Stephanie...so cute!

 

Mike seeing his beautiful bride! I always love to see the look on the groom's face the first time he sees his bride coming down the aisle.

 

Exchanging vows...I stole this pic from Mike's Facebook page. :)

 



 

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Shafer!!!!!

 

 

The wedding and reception were held at Mike's parent's house. They have a beautiful home on a private lake. They had the most unique...and delicious centerpieces I have ever seen. Cheese platters!!!

 

And then...the skies opened up! Not just a little...it started POURING!!!!

 

We ran for cover...but you can see we didn't let it stop the fun!

 

 

This little man LOVED playing in the rain!

 

"Is my hair wet?" Just a little, Bubs!

 

I have seen this look on his father's face a million times! :)

 

G.G., Poppie, and Landry...waiting out the rain.

 

Mike and Stephanie did something pretty cute for the traditional bouquet and garter toss. They called everyone to the dance floor and announced that whomever caught the bouquet or garter...got a $50 prize. You know how competitive I am...I couldn't let a chance to win $50 go by...and...I caught it! Yup, even ate a petal or two in the process but...the bouquet was MINE!!! Still waiting on the $50 prize...just kidding. :)

 

Landry loved using my bouquet as a dance prop. Yup...a little rain wouldn't stop this dancing machine. :) So, there may have been a "little" rain...but it was a great celebration for two amazing people!

 

Mike and Stephanie, we are so happy and excited for both of you. Thank you so much for including us in your special day. We love you tons!!!!!