the Flores 5: visiting friends-Tacoma, WA

On Friday, Jared and I headed out to Tacoma, WA to visit a great friend of mine, Melanie, in honor of her 27th birthday (it was actually mid week). My dad was wonderful enough to come to our house and watch Kyler and Lexi. I was hesitant in asking the kids their thoughts on us leaving them, but to my surprise, they were ECSTATIC! Jared and I have not had a child-less moment, together, since we moved in June. So we were really looking forward to the whole adventure and we haven't seen Melanie and Scott since October and being as they only live 4 hours away-it was too long to go without a visit.
Our drive could not have been more beautiful-perfect 62 degree sunny day.
Passing through Portland...

The drive was 4 hours and we spent the whole time enjoying the scenery and each other's company.

Mount Saint Helens

Melanie and I-we had such a great time!

Melanie's feisty kitty. She is gorgeous.

Heading home...the trip was too short as usual. Thanks Melanie and Scott for a great time!

Tacoma, WA-the birth place of my mom.

Mount Rainier

Welcome home...

Portland in a more grey setting. Still decent weather, 55 degrees and no rain until the last bit of our drive when it sprinkled.

It was wonderful to have the driving time to be alone together, though we did of course miss the kiddos. We came home to a house full of smiles. Thanks to my dad for watching them and keeping them entertained. Lexi was thrilled he played dollhouse with her so much and Kyler was showing off his high kicking skills. My dad said the kids were great-no arguments or complaints.

Being as tomorrow is Jared's BIG day (he'll be 29), we went to dinner this evening to celebrate. Tomorrow is the super bowl and he will not miss a moment of that.

Happy birthday Jared-here's to the best 29th year known to man!