We are blessed with great friends.
But sometimes they move away to follow their dreams and it’s bittersweet. Bitter because you’ll miss doing everyday life with them and sweet because now you have a free place to stay on vacation.
We called the Riffs en route (as was the nature of our RV trip). They are the kind of friends described above, who had moved to Oregon and they were totally open to have all 6 of us for dinner that night (need that chicken recipe Lynne). AND they were up for entertaining us for a couple of days.
We have good friends.
The next morning Mrs. Riff made us breakfast, which was pretty rad, then we putzed around till lunch time when we decided to picnic at the Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District. If you are passing though Beaverton Oregon (or live there) this is a great place for a day out.
Mrs. Riff packed us lunch and we met Mr. Riff on his lunch break to eat.
The Tualatin Hills Park is 1,300 acres of natural plant habitats and is filled with fun trails. They also have some great events, classes and nature-y things. We walked and explored and climbed and just had fun. The kids get along great.
And they are cute.
Especially these two. They are just a month apart but could be twins. Except for the hair color… opposite twins. They walk and talk with the same mannerisms and voice inflections. AND they are adorable together.
Like cute overload.
Things to know, if you go…
- It’s free. Great for a rest stop if you are traveling or for playdates (hello mom’s groups) if you live close to the park.
- It’s shady but light, so you can get some great pictures (hello family pictures).
- Bring food because there isn’t a snack shack or restaurant… but I think I remember a drink vending machine.
- There isn’t an actual playground, but there’s dirt and sticks and bugs so kids won’t get bored.
We got home for naps then went to the Nike company store. Mr. Riff works at the Nike World Headquarters. Remember that dream-following I mentioned way at the beginning? Yep, his took him there.
I’m just gonna say, if you don’t have a friend who works at the Nike World Headquarters, you should get one. Just stand outside the office and try to meet people (maybe bring baked goods), because they get 50% off at their company store. We picked up a hat for Cora Jane because she put in on and has daddy wrapped around her little finger looked so darn cute.
And I picked up some running shoes, in a size 12. Yes, 12.
My foot was a size 9 before kids and now it’s not. I think they were the only women’s size 12s in the whole store. Good thing I liked them… and I like being seen from 3 miles away.
Hello neon yellow.
Then we had some adventures in Portland.
I’ll tell ya next post!
View our whole trip here:
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Michael Barton says
Hi Kara! I work for Tualatin Hills Nature Park. Thank you for sharing about visiting the park on your blog and the great pictures. Looks like they had a great time! The park itself is 222 acres, while the total number of acres of natural areas managed by the Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District is 1300. And while there was at one time a drink vending machine, there is not one now. But there are a few places to eat nearby at the Millikan Way and Murray Blvd. intersection. Thanks!
Crystal Anderson says
Ok…What the WHAT?!? Size 9 shoe to a size 12 after kids. My feet grew too, but gooood heavens! Ha Ha
Good thing you’re tall & cute or that would be way scary. Ha Ha
xoxo