Oh.Hello Portland | Forest Park and Sunshine

 

  Growing up does a funny a thing to a person.  I've noticed that in the last few years a certain shift of desire has taken place in me (and my husband).  A slow dismissal of the perks of city life, wanting more room to breath.  Longing for the country.
I grew up in the country, an hour from anything we would consider the "Big Town".  At 13, my family moved into civilization (kinda) and I spent my high school/college years hanging out with friends in town.  It was fun then, having something to go and do, things to go and see, people busing about.  After Jon and I were married we moved to even bigger cities, with the exception of one really awful tiny town in the middle of nowhere.  Today we live in Portland, which is the biggest so far.  Its nice having stuff to do around us, but to be honest, we never do them.  Yeah there's three theaters within a 3 miles of our house, but we don't go.  Tons of restaurants, yeah, but whos pocket book and/or stomach can handle that all the time.  Things to see, stuff to do....yes yes yes. But...
I had a kid.  My priorities switched.  I don't care as much as things to do as I do our quality of living.  How I want my son to grow up, perhaps I don't want him to be "street smart" but I wouldn't mind if he knew how to build a fence or use a hammer. 
I feel the need to stretch my legs again, and though I don't want to live hours and hours away from the big city as I once did, I would like some breathing room.
Its a dream we have and we are saving it for someday.
   
This weekend, in an attempt to get away and enjoy some record breaking April sunshine, we headed up to Forest Park and did about 8 miles worth of hiking.  The rain-forest like forests remind me why I love the PNW so much, and may have led to some teasing of my husband with his central Washington roots.  I could never be a desert girl.  Not ever.
JJ had a blast. The day before he helped me sew a Treasure Bag for the hike, and he had a blast collecting things to bring home.  A lot of them were things like leaves or some dandelions that didn't make it.  But we have a few rocks and some twigs that will forever be dear to our hearts:P

I love spending time outside with my boys!  And Jon and I both love sharing our love of the outdoors with our son.  I hope JJ grows to appreciate what he has around him!
Forest Park was beautiful and we will definitely be going back.  Its a lovely little escape and a good place to stretch your arms and your legs:P