family hike in a forest with shrines

on a cool dry february day we made a snack bag, filled some water bottles, loaded up in the mini-van, and headed toward Scappoose. Our destination? The Vedanta Society of Portland’s forest retreat that has hiking trails scattered with shrines open for the public to enjoy.

so many cool shrines, i’m just posting a couple here. pretty quick drive to see some great stuff tucked away in the woods. If you have younger ones, be warned, its hilly. The parking is also limited. Otherwise, the whole fam enjoyed doing some exploring, looking at the shrines, and looking at the different altars decorated with idols, offerings, and other talisman

happy travels.

Beacon Rock

Two kids, two parents, and 848-foot (258 m) of elevation gain. 

A few weekends ago we ventured out on a nice calm Saturday afternoon. Headed for the Columbia River Gorge. We decided to jump across to the Washington side and take hwy 14 east. To Becon Rock we were headed. It is a nice hike up. Countless switchbacks, of cement, board, rock, and gravel lead you to a rocky perch surrounded by trees with mostly a view east toward the Bonneville dam.  

View from the top

we made it up and back down, mostly in tact. Stopping for snacks in Camas and back home to NE Portland before sundown.  

I’ll let the photos do their thing...

Up we went

Hiker

Little hiker

Looking toward Oregon

it’s fall ( i.e. the best season )

Well yes, it’s the time of year when the temps come down and the trees change colors, rain comes back, although October has been so dry, and things smell nice, oh, and the pumpkin patch! I will not give praise to pumpkin spice. Sure it’s part of this wonderful time of year, but I’m not interested in pumpkin spice lattes or candles. I digress. There will be lots of leaves to rake and put in the compost bin. Plenty of rain drops to dodge. But also lovely light and amazing colors.

We hit the pumpkin patch this last Sunday. Headed up to Vancouver and did some corn maze, pumpkin catapult , hay ride, kettle corn eating, farm animal petting and feeding, and hay pyramid climbing. 

I have some photos to post now. And hope to post more soon. And then some more.  Cuz it’s Fall. 

fallen leaves at the Seattle Center

baseball leaves 

corn

corn maze 

Feeding the goats

barnyard friends

old timey tractor. 

tractor riding 

Holidaze

Hello everyone. Hope the season finds you well. I know this is a time of year where so many things are going on and there doesn’t seem to be enough time in the day. But the 25th of December has past and the New Year is just days away, and Three Kings is usually pretty mellow in these parts. So hopefully you know that you made it through another holiday season. 

Having kids helps me put things in perspective. I love seeing them taking in the festivities. Lights, songs, movies, presents, food, and any and all sorts of decorating. So much to do.  

We made some sand cookies, they are popular in our house and great for decorating.  

So here’s to 2017, onward to 2018! Happy New Year from Nuts and Bolts Photo! 🎉

Rolling the dough.  

Thanksgiving

Wow, can't believe it's the end of November now. Hope your Thanksgiving was enjoyable and full of good food and people.  We some how fit thirteen people into our house. My partner made a ton of amazing food. The dessert and coffee part is always my favorite part of Thanksgiving dinner! How about you, a turkey fan or in to the side dishes?

After the holiday we headed up to visit my sisters and their families and one of my sisters had the great idea to taken the opportunity to take some family portraits (good idea Vinnette), and hopefully not get rained on.

As I am editing the photos I have noticed one constant through out... that my two little ones moved around the most! They are the two youngest, at 8 months and 5 years, so i'll cut them some slack.

here are a few samples of the shots

my baby is giving a thumbs up to her papa

all the people

5 year olds!