Family #hike at Lacamas Lake Park - Camas, #Washington {#pdx #kids}

Time flies, flies, flies and we have been like busy bees.  So needles to say that I we {as in the parental units} have really been looking forward to a nice family hike.  This winter has been crazy here in the Pacific Northwest ~ it has been so warm that all the snow at Teacup Nordic is gone.  Yes, the year we were going to ski every weekend = no snow.   Daffodils are already in full bloom, friends - so I thought that maybe the lilies are already getting ready to bloom at Lacams Lake Park and thus its the perfect excursion.

We first went on this hike a couple of years ago and I have to say it is a great hike.  It is close to Portland - only about 25 minutes from our house in Southeast - even so it is on the other side of the river aka Columbia.  This hike packs a lot of everything;  you hike over a dam and then you can decide whether to take the lake loop which is about 1-1/2 miles or take a longer loop down to the waterfalls.  Now you may know that I really like love waterfalls; they are so amazing, powerful and beautiful; so there is no question that we took the longer loop.  The trail leads down into the canyon over some rocks, curving along the creek onto a couple of different wooden bridges until you reach the Lower Falls. This is the perfect spot for a break - it does get a little busy…

From the Lower Falls

we worked our way back out of the canyon; now our biggest complaint about this hike is that everything is very poorly marked.  We chose to take a trail leading up through the woods and confirmed with other hikers that it indeed is the right trail.  The trail is very serene and it got a lot less crowded - let me also say that both girls were great as we kept listening for birds.  Out of the woods the trail leads to a gravely road - no cars - where we saw a few hikers and this the way to the Lilly field.  I remembered just how beautiful and amazing it was; an unexpected treasure…

Luckily we found the trail leading us up to the lilly field; oh my…no, lilies are not yet in bloom but this place is magical.  There is a sense of being out in the middle of nature - very far away from civilization. The colors - patches of bright green moss, flower stamps, dark green fir trees, light green lichen, rocks covered with lichen and patches of moss.  Just us and nature. Oh, how can one not believe in fairies…true magic…

At this point the girls were ready to get back to the trailhead and spend some time on the playground.

Good to know before you go -
The trails are poorly marked it is good idea to print out a trail map, or carry your hiking book.
This is a easy-moderate hike but - the loop we took with addition of the lily field - it is about 3.6 miles.
Be sure to take water, snacks, and wear sturdy shoes.

Have fun!

Latourell Falls #hike {#Oregon #travel #kids} in the Columbia River Gorge

Is it really already the end of the week? Yikes, this post was - at least in my head - planned for much earlier in the week.  I swear it was all drafted, written, pictures selected…that is in my head.  Yup, it never made it out to the keyboard.

There is still no snow up at Teacup Nordic so it was yet another weekend without cross-country skiing for this family and you may know by now just how much we need to get out at least once on the weekend.  It is our way to rejuvenate and recharge the batteries…looking for places to go, we asked Alena to look through our hiking book and she chose Latourell Falls in the Columbia River Gorge.  This waterfall is very close to Portland, and while we had stopped at the Lower Latourell Fall plenty of times we had never hiked the loop to the upper falls returning on the other side.   I have to say this was magical - it is not a very long hike with about 2.4 miles but it packs a lot into it.

Great trails, a hike up along the impressive lower Latourell Fall with beautiful lichen on the basalt rock face

yes, water drops 249' straight down into the basin. The hike continues along the stream on nice trail including four wooden bridges

until you can hear the thunder of the upper Latourell Fall.  The upper fall is amazing as it twists down the basalt rock into the basin…

crossing the bridge at the basin the return took us through lush green forest where Ron and MiaRose were looking for salamanders.

The trail takes a left turn leading to a magnificent view point - albeit super windy - of the Columbia River Gorge

The entire family including our often unenthusiastic hiker had lot's of fun.

Good to know before you go: The hike is about 2.4 miles and is considered a moderate hike with an elevation gain of about 520 ft. This is a hike where you should be sure to wear sturdy shoes, and carry water along with some snacks.

Silver Falls State Park = perfect day #hike {#travel #oregon #kids #pdx}

Still there is no snow up at Teacup on Mt. Hood and pretty much most of what there is gone as it is way too warm for January.  It is so sad…yes, the year the kids are signed up for skiing lessons the year of epic skiing has so far been pretty much non-existend.  Well, okay we got two days of skiing in but that's it. Sad, right?!   Now we all know - ha yes, Bea that is not true - okay I have previously mentioned that the Sonntagsausflug aka as weekend excursion is important to me us so we needed to look for something different to do last weekend. Good thing outdoor options are plentiful here in the beautiful Pacific Northwest so Silver Falls State Park came to mind.  Waterfalls galore…yes, they are not only in the Columia Gorge but can also be found at Silver Falls.  Plus, you can actually walk behind the waterfall now how cool is that?!

Silver Falls is about 1-45 min drive but oh so worth it.  I remember having first heard about it at a luncheon when we first moved Portland.  The hike and park were described as being absolutely magnificent; surely enough it was the first Sunday hike we went on twelve years and it did not disappoint.   Take a look…

For some reason or another we had not been there in years; the last time we were there both kids were on our backs but now they are - finally - capable on going on hikes with us.

True,  we did not - even so I really wanted to - hike the entire loop, not even the median one but hey about three miles is not bad.  We went behind the South Fall - can you say impressive -

it's a 177 ft drop; can you see the people in the far left corner…I think this is how to realize it's size

Next stop Lower South Fall….

before hiking back out of the canyon.

Silver Falls State park is amazing, truly.  When you go be sure to keep a few things in mind.
Wear sturdy shoes,
Stay on the trail,
Be sure to carry water and food,
Pets are not allowed on this hike,
gift shop and lodge close at 4 p.m. sharp

Timberline Lodge - Mini-break on Mt. Hood {#travel with #kids #oregon #pdx}

Here it is only the beginning - okay almost - middle of January and we were ready for a mini-break; to be fair {to us albeit} we had not been away since November and let's just put it right out there the four of us love to get away and travel.  Yes,  this surely is not shocking news.  Sometimes one night away at a spot that is close, does not break the bank, has a lovely pool and ambiance is all that is needed and I am so excited that we found the perfect place. Less than 2 hours away from Portland - less than 1-1/2 hr actually from our house - in winter wonderland on Mt. Hood Timberline Lodge is the perfect spot that fits the bill.

Stay in one of the  "Chalet Rooms" {aka bunk bed rooms} with a shared bathroom and it becomes an economical getaway that these adults and kids love.  We stayed in a two bunk room and - of course - both ladies wanted to sleep in a top bunk.  Plus just a short walk down the hallway what do you find?  The most amazing - I do not say this lightly friends; really it is amazing - year round outdoor swimming pool.  It was snowing up on the mountain and we were swimming outside; really pure bliss and I am not exaggerating.  Not only does Timberline Lodge have an amazing pool but also a great Sauna.  Most probably do not know that I   we - as in Ron and me - are huge fans.  The pool and sauna are perfect for relaxation after a day on the slopes, or as we did sledding…

The restaurant at Timberline serves up delicious fare, with great ambiance and - you know this is the most important part for us - they are able to accommodate the girls dietary needs.  Our serve made sure that everything was "safe"  The girls even got dessert!  You may not know this however dessert is mostly impossible when eating out as most of the desserts are laden with {ga}lactose.  Same thing at Timberline however sorbet is served as a palate cleanser and thanks yo our awesome server the girls had a big scoop of sorbet for dessert.

The perfect place to hang out after dinner is by the fire place on one of the couches.  Fire crackling, snow outside…it is perfection.  MiaRose and Ron decided to read while Alena and I enjoyed several rounds of Eckolo before heading outside into the snowy night to enjoy absolute quiet and darkness.

After a good nights sleep it was time for some coffee {and tea} with a view of the great blue sky, and a snowy top of the mountain.  Lovely beyond words.  The restaurant serves breakfast a la carte, or also has a fantastic breakfast buffet; now I do not say this lightly because this girl does not like buffets.  Yes, they are usually not my thing but this one is fantastic.  Fresh fruit,  homemade granola, potatoes, make your own waffles…plus there is plenty for the girlies to eat well sort of.  The eggs on the buffet are not "safe" so the kitchen some just for the girlies, pancakes, sausages, and ham were "safe", just not the waffles. Admittedly MiaRose was disappointed that she could not eat a waffle, but she ended up making a couple of waffles for Ron :)

This was the perfect get away and yes,  I we could have stayed - quite easily - another night.

Disclaimer - NO compensation was received  for this post  :)

Slow Cooker Black Eyed Peas {#dairyfree} & Cross Country Skiing at Teacup {#MtHood #Oregon}

Happy New Year, friends!  Does it still count?  Did you have a good start into the New Year?  We certainly did - all chill just the four of us having Raclette, sparkling apple juice for the ladies and other sparkling for the adult units,  an eating break of firecrackers with friends, more Raclette, plus dessert…So who it to midnight?  Well, ahm it is time yet once again to show my true colors friends.  I have not made it to midnight in ions.  Yes,  I kid you not…it just has not happened I fall asleep.  So again all of us were soundly asleep by 10:30pm and woke up in 2015.  But hey,  it was already 2015 in Europe and on the east coast so technically we made it :)

New Years Day was spent lazily around the house but on the third day of 2015 we finally moved.  Yes,  the girls started their Cross Country Ski Lessons at Teacup Nordic up on Mt. Hood with perfect snow and weather.  Yay -  finally a full winter skiing season is ahead of us; let's just say that the entire family is excited.  The girls love their class, and the adults get to spend time on skis outdoors as well.  Winters past I have always regretted not spending enough time in the snow, especially since it is so close…right?!  We can be up at Teacup in a little over an hour so yes,  we have to take advantage of it. Can you tell that I am excited about this?  And I am even more, as in much more excited, that both girls love to cross country ski including our not so excited hiker, MiaRose :) her favorite part is - can you guess it - is my least favorite part and that is going downhill on the trails…

Now what does any of this have to do with Black Eyed Peas aka Hopping John?  It is a New Year and usually we eat Hopping John on New Years Day but it did not happen this year.  So on Saturday in the morning before we headed up to Mt. Hood at 8 am I threw (almost) everything into the slow cooker anticipating a hot meal on our return from the mountain…let's say I was a little nervous but by the time we arrived back home dinner was almost ready plus the house smelled absolutely delicious.  Yay!!! - We put on the rice and ate within the hour...

Slow Cooker Black Eyed Peas

• 2 C Black Eyed Peas, soaked over night
• 5-6 C water 
• 1  medium sized ham hock
• 1 Tb Olive Oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 medium carrots, cleaned and chopped
• 1 red pepper, chopped  
• 1 green pepper, chopped
• 2 tsp paprika
• 1 Bayleaf
• Salt, pepper, optional -> cayenne, hot sauce to taste

1. Place drained, soaked black eyed peas in your slow cooker
2. Place ham hock on top of the black eyed peas - press down
3. Heat up olive oil in a sauté pan and quickly sauté the vegetables together with paprika until onions turn translucent.
4. Pour vegetables over the black eyed peas and mix under them
5. Place bay leaf on top
6. Pour water over the black eyed peas until they are completely covered {the ham hock will still stick out}
7. Cover.  Cook on low heat for 6 hours and have fun
8. Upon your return, remove ham hock from black eyed peas and add salt, pepper and/or optional flavors to taste.
9. Serve on a bed of rice.

Lost Lake Resort Camping Trip {#gocamping} #oregon #getoutside #nature {#galactosemia #newbornscreening}

This my friends is our summer of camping and living outside.  You may remember that we got a new tent earlier this year and are truly enjoying it.  Never has camping been easier;  finally a tent that I can put up all by myself…

It has been very hot here in Portland and you know what we do to escape the heat?  We either drive out to the beach {= Pacific Ocean}, or we go up by the mountain {= Mount Hood} to one of the lakes to swim and camp.  This year we have already been to Trillium Lake but this was our first camping trip to Lost Lake {we have come up for the day before}.  A few things to know if you plan on camping at Lost Lake; get there early in the day to find a spot - there are also a few walk-in sites however all sites are first come first served.  Yes,  you cannot reserve a spot.  Try to come up during the week and stay a couple of nights.  It will be challenging to find a spot on a weekend - but you can always call the resort in the morning to find out how many camping spots are available…

P.S.: Can you see our tent right behind Alena & her friend...

We made the trip out to Lost Lake on a Wednesday morning together with our friend Kim and her 4 year old twins.  Kim has camped there many times before so she knew the perfect site for the six of us.  Luckily the site was empty when we arrived and we quickly pitched the tents.  Okay - I admit Kim helped me in putting up the tent…While we put up the tents the kids  explored the camp site, walked on the large log and later both of my kids read to Kim's children.

Dinner was amazing; Kim cooked for all of us take a look at this amazing looking plate…

The next day Kim rented a boat and took all the kids fishing; both Alena and Mia Rose loved it and cannot wait to get their own fishing poles. I think that will be the perfect activity for Ron with the girls because this girl is not much of a fisher…

Oh, I almost forgot there was ice "cream"; plenty of dairy free options for the girls leaving everyone happy :)

On Friday the girls and I hiked around Lost Lake which everyone enjoyed - yes, truly I kid you not neither of the ladies griped even so Mia Rose only found one newt ….

By the time we got back from our hike the other parental units had arrived from Portland….

We had one amazing time; these are little things which I never thought would be possible ten years ago when Alena was first diagnosed with Classic Galactosemia.  Our life is luxuriously ordinary and I never ever forget that newborn screening saved both of my children.

It's Hood #Strawberry Season & #Recipe for Strawberry Dutch Baby #Pancake {#Dairyfree}

Let me tell you about all the blog posts I have written in the last couple of weeks…ahhhhm setuugxfzhfcf, yes you are right there have not been very many lately.  Okay, I admit time has been at a premium in our little green house and it is hard to keep up.  However,  I have written many, many posts in my head but just have not managed to get them out on paper screen.  Will someone please invent a device that let's you transpose posts straight from the mind to a blog post?!

Anyway, exciting things are happening in the Willamette Valley and you know what it is?  Yes,  Hood Strawberries are in season;  the sweetest most amazing strawberry ever.  We first learned about this varietal when moving to Oregon twelve years ago, before that a strawberry to me was a strawberry.  Yes, this is the most delicious strawberry you will ever meet and you can never have too much…

So it will not be much of a surprise for you to hear that it is has become a tradition to go strawberry picking each year. It is fun, and it is so important for children to learn where our food comes from, that it does not magically gets placed into pint boxes and that it takes a lot of work…

In past years we have been picking at various farms on Sauvie Island but this year we decided on a change of pace and went out to visit Unger Farms in Cornelius. Let me tell you it was not only fantastic strawberry picking but also pretty, with the pluses of a small playground and nice little cafe where both girlies enjoyed a strawberry lemonade each...

Now we have 20+ pounds of Hood Strawberries.  Some already made it into jam,

many others made it into the freezer {tip ~ freeze them first individually on cookie sheets before transferring them to freezer bags},

some become delicious accents for salad and vinaigrette,

while others became part of

Strawberry Dutch Baby

•  3 Tb Earth Balance, cut into chunks (or other "butter" of your choice)
•  1 C    flour
•  1 C    Almond Milk (or other  "milk" of your choice
•  4 eggs
•  1 C strawberries cut into chunks
•  Powdered sugar
• 1 pint strawberries sliced and add a sprinkle of sugar if needed

1. Place "butter" in cast iron pan.
2. Place pan in oven and preheat the oven to 425F (yes, pan should be in the oven when you preheat it)
3. While the oven is preheating with the pan in it prepare the batter
4. Mix flour, "milk", and eggs together until you have a smooth batter. Add 1 C of strawberry chances to the batter.
5. When the oven is preheated carefully remove the pan and pour the batter  into the pan.  Place the pan back into the oven and bake for 20 - 25 minutes.
6. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with sifted powdered sugar.  
7. Serve with a side of fresh cut strawberries

Bring to the table and serve right away as the pancake will deflate as it cools :)

Enjoy!!!

It is May...

yes, it is true and next thing we know school is out for the summer.  I say it all the time but where does the time go?  It obviously passes by so quickly as I can find more grey hairs on my head, and both girls keep on growing.  To me it is a little like a double edged sword - I love seeing them grow, getting more mature and independent but somewhat on the other side I want them to stay innocent children for as long as possible.  Don't get me wrong…I think {or at least hope}it must be a dilemma many parents face.

All of us have been super busy these last few weeks.  Mia Rose participated in the Talent Show at school dancing with two of her friends to Roar…oh yes,  this Mama is quite proud

Alena on the other hand has been enjoying Girls Inc. and was so inspired that she set up shop in front of our house to sell her handmade Rainbow loom bracelets.  She sold quite a few and no, not just to our friends :)  I watched everything from the inside, as I - bad me - caught myself starting to micro manage her little store…

The parental units have been busy with work; and now I almost forgot - yesterday was the day that both ladies finally got ear rings.  They had talked about it for so long, asked and they just caught Ron at the right time when he promised them "yes, Wednesday after work we will get your ears pierced".  Lucky girls - their Mama was not quite ready yet :)  Anyway we made our way down to the piercing studio, met Ron and now both of our girls have earrings.  Yes, they are super proud…and Daddy scored a lot of points from his girlies…

Pumpkin Patch #Fun in #Oregon

It seems that all my posts are written in my head lately and do not make to the keyboard....but now finally :)

I love fall - as I do all other seasons - but one of my favorite things about it is all the beautiful colors and especially orange.  The color orange just makes me happy;  this girl may have gotten herself an orange purse on vacation - so yes, orange is the color that makes me happy and to me there is nothing quite like a field of pumpkins basting in the sun.  So pretty - and yes, we all love, love, love to go to the Pumpkin Patch.

The visit to the Pumpkin Patch is special and something we do at least once every October; growing up in Germany we did not celebrate Halloween and pumpkins were something I saw occasionally on the market - so let's just say that I have fully embraced this wonderful American tradition.  You may remember that my sister Kati was visiting us and you know what?  She had never been to a Pumpkin Patch either - so there was really no question about what were going to do :)  Yes...Pumpkin Patch - this year we went out to Rasmussen Farms in Hood River {in the beautiful Columbia River Gorge}.  The Pumpkin Patch on Sauvie Island is our usual spot - but it had been raining so hard that we imagined the fields being way too muddy {yes, there is such a thing :)}.   Let me tell you, it was worth the drive - take a look....

Plus not only is there a wonderful themed corn maze, but also pumpkin fun land and the most amazing views of Mt. Adams as well as Mt. Hood. Let me just say that we had so much fun....

...now you know that there will be a post on making Jack-O Lantern's out of our beautiful pumpkins, right?! Stay tuned...

Fun at the Portland Saturday Market {Halloween is here soon}

We did have a lot of fun at the Portland Saturday Market - and no, the rain does not keep us away.  We are Oregonians :)

Roses, Peonies, Rhodies & Pizza

Do you know where the city of roses is? Maybe - shall I give you a little hint, or are you rolling your eyes...oh, you are just so lame...yes, it is Portland as in Portland Oregon, or PDX, or our hometown...
This time of year the air is fragrant with the scent of flowers - roses are already starting to bloom, peonies have started, and rhodies {as in rhododendron} are still going strong.  So what do we do on a beautiful Friday night - I guess the hint was pizza - we walk to Apizza Scholl's for a delicious {1/2 no cheese it works like a charm} pie and on our walk enjoy the flower's.  Here is the pizza

and I just know that you also want to see the most amazing blooms...

Sunday at the Oregon Coast {Short Sands Beach - Oswald West}

The weather has gone a little crazy - at least so I think...please do not get me wrong I we are not complaining about the summery temperatures we have had this weekend.  Yes, summery temperatures I am not kidding; summery as in mid to high eighties (yes, 80s+) and yes, this is Portland, Oregon :)  Perfect time for a family excursions to the Oregon Coast; fresh air, beach....

The weather and temperature at the coast can be so different compared to Portland, but I prepared.  It generally {note generally} is quite a bit cooler, and blue skies are not guaranteed.  Let me tell you, I prepared!!! Yup - the mothership - unlike the rest of the family - was dressed appropriately. Long pants,  short sleeve shirt, cardigan...you know, it is the Oregon Coast. The girlies and Ron on the other hand were in shorts {dress}, and of course short sleeve shirts; do not worry, this mothership prepared.  Warm leggings, long sleeve shirts, and jackets were brought along for everyone.  Being cold is just no fun - right?!

We decided to go to Oswald West and take the hikelet {= a very short hike more a walk}through the magical forest to Short Sands Beach.  This is a surfer's beach and in a beautiful cove.  We have been there plenty of times and it is always so worth the visit.  As a side note, we {pre kids} have gone on a couple fantastic longer hikes there - magnificent views, and a beautiful hike {Cape Falcon}.

1-1/2 hours later we arrive at Oswald left and the temperature is...eighty-seven degrees {yes, 87F} at the Oregon Coast.  Ahhhhmmmm, yes it was hot at the beach and I was dressed completely inappropriate plus {of course} I did not bring any swim suits for the girlies.  Again, this is the Oregon Coast and no, I we would never ever allow my children to swim in the Pacific at the Oregon Coast but we do like to frolic in by the the water and in the "lakes" on the beach.

A beautiful hikelet through the magical forest where a couple of fairies walked with the girlies....truly magical...

Putting on sun screen - Playing in the sand

Playing in the "lake"

Can you see the elephant?