Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum

Over Spring Break we took the boys down to the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum in McMinnville OR. The museum is incredible, so many planes and plane related items in the aviation building and then you get to wander over to the space building and look at a ton more. I will say this really quickly though, it is expensive, really expensive. On one hand I understand the need to charge such high prices (upkeep and such) but on the other hand when you have to pay $76 for a family of four it seems like it could be putting it out of the reach of many mid to lower income families. Not researching it much, I don't know if they have programs or options so that the museum can be seen by all but I sure hope they do. We had a great day though, learned a lot, saw a lot and had fun. I could have spent a few days playing with camera angles and lighting too! The big draw and attraction at the museum is the Spruce Goose. I decided to give the GIANT floating plane a post of it's own on another day.

Started out the morning with a quick cuddle.

This doesn't happen much so we HAD to document the moment.

Loved the colors on this plane.

So many beautifully built planes. The craftsmanship is out of this world.

Oooooh, shiny!

Oliver LOVED that this one was hanging upside down from the ceiling.

A little area for the kids to play and learn.

Another shiny beautiful plane.

So many planes there, this barely scratches the surface. There are also volunteers, many of them Veterans, all over the museum. You don't even have to ask a question, a quick glance their way and they are more than willing to share a story or three with you.

Noah loved this plane and I loved how the sunlight was glowing through the wings.

And now over to the Space side of things. My "Star Wars" loving Noah looked at this space pod and said, "Look! It's like the Death Star."

The Titan rocket thing-a-ma-jig...yes, that's a technical term, sheesh!

This was actually really neat, you could take the spiral staircase or elevator down to the bottom and look up, way, way up.

I made a joke that the space program seems to have some VERY feminine looking features. It looks like a prom dress to me, not some fancy rocket engine baffle whatever-ma-bob...yes, more technical terms!

The lighting on the space capsule made me happy.

HUGE windows in both buildings that let in a ton of natural light. This is what it looked like the entire time we were there. Gorgeous!

This is a little cockpit type place that you climbed into and then drive and dock your vehicle into the space station. Well at least that's what I think they were doing. I giggle at the look of concentration on their faces.

Hello Mr. Moonwalker

This is the engine to the SR-71 plane that Joel's Grand-Dad worked on while he was in the military.

Another shot of the SR-71

Spring Into Soccer!

Soccer started up again and Oliver couldn't be happier! It was such a better start this year too. No sideways rain, no near-freezing temps, no bone chilling wind, yeah it's a little bit chilly but I can deal with that and so can the kiddos.


Coach Rick talking to the kids before the game.GOOOOOO Dragons!!!

Lots of jumping on a field full of five year olds.

GOAL!!

Running to defend the goal.

He never stops smiling while on the field.

And he never stops running.

Thumbs up Ollie!

Polishing My Skills

I took a class a month or so ago and wasn't really satisfied with it so when I saw a Photography Workshop called Capturing True Emotions come through on my Groupon deals I pounced. It consisted of a 4 hour presentation/seminar/class followed by a 2 hour photo safari at the zoo. This class is probably not for you professionals out there (unless you are looking for a good review) but if you amateurs want a very comprehensive, overview of your camera and how to use it, this class is perfect. I have been self-teaching my way through this photography thing so it was some review but it was a great review! Nice to realize that you are on the right path and haven't been making too many mistakes. Touch on the basic concepts, how to get your camera to do them, then how to use them to your advantage when photographing was how the day went. Plus they threw in a ton of hints, tips and tricks that they have learned along the way. Easily remembered catch phrases and acronyms were also used to drive the concepts deep into my brain. The instructors, Val Westover and Stephanie Adriana are amazing and very talented people that shared their talents and wisdom without hesitation. Then having them tag along beside us all on the safari to help us practice was just icing on the cake. I see a lot of practicing what I learned today in my future. I have about 16 pictures from today that I really like, hope you enjoy them too.

Playing with ISO in the banquet room.

My favorite of the day...

Shores of Columbia

We took advantage of the little bit of sun peeking through the clouds and headed down to the banks of the Columbia River. It's been running a bit high lately due to the snow melting and copious amounts of rainfall and we wanted to check it out. There was not as much shore to play on as there is in the summer but the boys still managed to have a good time.

Oliver climbing on a large piece of driftwood.

Hey! I know that guy.

My Eldest

Shep got to tag along too.

Stick Assisted Jump

Boy giving his dog some love.

Love You Noah

Love You Too Oliver

Totally cracking up at this picture. I have quite a few pictures of them with goofy fake smiles. So much for asking them to smile!

The river was very calm today.

Hello Sunshine!

Can't really complain about where we live, it's beautiful!