We did indeed head to Crater Lake. Crater Lake is a beautiful deep blue color. We drove the long way around the lake with many stops along the way to see the various sights. Included in the sights were islands in the lake, the highest point along the rim, and even some snow (just a little).

Then onward to Portland to see Eric, Jess, and Berit. Berit apparently doesn't like boys, but she took to LB just fine. While she seemed to get exasperated by him at times, I suspect that was all for show. After we arrived, we headed out for dinner at a southern restaurant. My blue cheese grits were amazing and the shrimp were good too. We chose to spend two nights in Portland so that we could visit longer and so we did, including a trip to the Portland Zoo on the second day.

That was Tuesday and Wednesday, I believe. On Thursday morning we headed north (and east) to visit Mt. St. Helens. As LB will certainly tell you, we didn't actually go to the mountain, but to the Johnston Observatory, which is the closest place you can drive to on the north side of the mountain-where the volcano collapsed in 1980. LB really wanted to see the volcano after he'd seen about it on TV. He enjoyed learning more about it on our visit.

After we left the volcano we headed to Seattle and got to my aunt's house. Dinner was at a Vietnamese restaurant. My entree was OK, but some of the other stuff that we had was quite good.

Friday we got a late start, but took LB to Pike Place Market to see some fish tossed (we saw just a little) and to have fish for lunch (he had fish and chips, I had chowder, Phil had a French Dip). Then it was back to Auntie M's house for me to do some laundry and Phil and LB to go off to the local park for some soccer and other fun. Eventually Phil and I headed out to a prenuptial dinner leaving LB in Auntie M's care. I was just a little apprehensive about the dinner, seeing friends and family of the groom (my ex boyfriend from college) who I hadn't seen for 17 years. But no need to worry, it was all good and I enjoyed getting to reconnect with them. The dinner was at a pretty cool place too-Fare Start (www.farestart.org).

Saturday was the wedding, but not until 2 pm so we had a slow start-Auntie M made a yummy breakfast and then we hung out at the house until it was time to go. Not surprisingly, it rained on the wedding, which took place at an outdoor garden-beautiful and wet. After the wedding, we headed back to the house, got changed and dried off, then Auntie M and I went off to a wine bar for more socializing with the wedding guests (some of them), while Phil and LB stayed back.

Sunday morning we got up reasonably early, packed the car, said thanks and goodbye to Auntie M and then headed to breakfast with Uncle Steve, Aunt Lorraine, James, and Jessie. It was nice to see them. After breakfast we headed for Portland, to make sure Phil got to his 5:30 flight on time. He did with no problem at all, in fact we had time to go visit Multnomah Falls before the airport. After dropping Phil and the airport, LB and I headed back to visit Jess and Berit (Eric was working out of town). The kids played together mostly nicely again.

Monday was a LONG day of driving-Portland, OR to Redding, CA a bit over 400 miles. Other than a quick bathroom break and then a lunch break, we went continuously. The Travelodge at Redding welcomed us back again.

Tuesday we left Redding and headed to Sacramento, at LB's request. While in Sacramento we visited the CA State Railroad Museum and the Capitol-no Arnie sightings though. From there we headed to Walnut Creek to see my cousin Marlo, her husband Kyle and daughter Maddie. I'd told LB that we would try to have ice cream so we headed to the Old SF Creamery for dinner where dinner and ice cream was had by all. Maddie and LB continue to get along great and enjoy playing together, although it meant that when we tried to sleep them in the same room, they didn't sleep and I had to finally move LB to the guest room with me. This was a really good visit and Marlo and Kyle were wonderful hosts.

Wednesday morning we headed for Fresno (a less than 3 hour drive) and arrived at Jim and Chris' house. Since then we've been hanging out with them, and also got to see TJ. We've played Wii, eaten ice cream (again), taken the dog for a nice long walk, played some soccer, played board games, played a card game, and enjoyed their hospitality.

Tomorrow morning we'll head for home, and plan to be there probably around midday or early afternoon.

All in all this has been a good trip, we've seen interesting stuff, gotten to see many good people, and have had some downtime too. I have mixed feelings about its end. I'll be happy to see Phil again, and to sleep in my own bed, but the vacation has been good.