My Trip to Portland & Seattle (Finally :))

Since my computer is being a pain I will just go in reverse order of how my trip went.

Sunday
After driving 1800+ miles over the weekend I hit a deer with my car just outside of Tremonton, UT. That is right, I was less than an hour from home and hit a deer.
My parents came and picked me up, we sent my car to the shop in Brigham, and I went home frustrated and very tired.
Final Score Rachel-1 Bambi-0

Outside of Portland there is a beautiful waterfall, called Multnomah Falls, right by the Interstate. I couldn't help but stop and take a picture or two.

The 11-hour trip home was a wonderful time for me to do some thinking, pondering, and reflection. I think I spent 2-3 hours of the time riding in silence and having a good hour-long heart-to-heart with my Heavenly Father. I am grateful that I turned off the radio and took the opportunity to feel the Spirit.

Saturday
Sunset over a bridge along the Wilamette River.

Since I found myself with a little extra time I made sure to stop by and see the Seattle, Washington Temple. I wish I would have had some time to do an endowment session.

This is Imri Larsen and me at a kaiten sushi restaurant in Seattle. Imri and I served in the same area, Yamato-Kouriyama, for 6 months. He lives up in Seattle and is going to the University of Washington.

The Space Needle

Pike's Place Public Market-I saw the famous "Fish Throwers" at Pike's Place Fish Market, bought some fun souvenirs, just walked around and enjoyed the atmosphere, and on Amanda's suggestion (thanks babe) I bought myself some gorgeous flowers.

Friday

I spent the entire day with my Dad's Cousin, Larry. We did some sight-seeing and went out to dinner for some delicious, fresh seafood. Yummy!!!

We went to the Japanese Garden, which reminded me of Japan quite a bit.

We also went to the International Rose Test Garden. Portland is, afterall, the City of Roses.

This is Larry.

THIS is Larry's replica 1934 Mercedes Roadster. He built it from a kit over the period of a few years. It is a beautiful car and was very fun to drive. He pulled it out of the garage and I went to get in the passenger side, to which he responded, "You drive, I'll navigate." I've never driven a car that nice. When we pulled into NikeTown a man said, "That is the most beautiful thing I have seen in a long time." The sarcastic side of me wanted to reply, "The car isn't so bad, either." But, I stopped myself!

Thursday

This is the Portland, Oregon temple.

Thursday

I spent the day with Ariana's family, friends, etc. with the wedding stuff. Ariana and I were mission companions in Yamato-Kouriyama, Japan for 4 1/2 months. The sealing was beautiful and I am extremely grateful I was able to be there to support Ariana and Gabriel. After the wedding we took pictures outside of the temple and then headed to a nearby park for lunch. The evening was spent helping out with the reception, most of the time in the kitchen getting food, etc. prepared. I'm so glad that I took the time to go to Portland to be there for this wonderful occasion. Thanks for the invitation, love you guys!

Wednesday

I got out of my college class at 11:30, went and picked up the cross-stitch I was having framed, loaded up the car and set out on the 11-hour car trip to Portland, Oregon

This was a wonderful trip and I am happy I did it, even if I did hit a deer and had to be without a car for 10 days!