Lyndon and Stacy Haines: Trip To Portland

As you know, my grandpa passed away a couple weeks ago. Last week we went to Portland for the funeral. Tuesday morning my mom, aunt Abbey, and grandma left. Tuesday night, my dad and Johnny left. Tuesday night, Lindsey and my uncle Ted flew in from North Dakota. Then, up until Thursday, my Aunt Jessie flew in from Florida, my aunt Betsy and my cousin Katie flew in from Ohio, my aunt Susan came from the Portland area, my cousin Jason came from Texas (I think), Susan and Cody came with their girls from Weiser, and last but not least, Lyndon and I drove in from Weiser.

When Lyndon and I got there, the whole family was having lunch at the hotel restaraunt. We ordered last but the food came REALLY quickly. Then, everyone did their own thing. Some people went to the viewing and some people went and took a nap. Lyndon and I had just got there so we unpacked the car and got things organized in our rooms. I stayed with Lindsey and Lyndon stayed with Jason. After we unpacked we sat in the lobby area for a while and talked to my uncle Ted. My sisters family came back from shopping so we took the kids swimming. Susan said she wasn't feeling great, but she came anyway. After swimming, I went to the room and layed down for a nap. Then, it was off to dinner. We went to Red Robin for dinner with the whole family. Susan had the stomach flu so she couldn't make it.

The next morning we all got up and went to eat breakfast at the hotels restaurant. Then, we got ready for the funeral. The funeral started at 2 p.m. but we were all there at 12:30. Skipping lunch I might add! The funeral was wonderful. My uncle did the service, my cousins sang, my aunts and mom told stories, and the military did a program for his service. It was great. We didn't get out of there until 4:30. Then we went to dinner at Xavier's with everyone. After dinner, we went back to the hotel. Lindsey and I went hot tubbing and then went to bed. I was exhausted. That night, Cody and my aunt Abbey got the stomach flu. Do you see the pattern here???

The next day, my family went and had breakfast at Elmers with my grandpa Stuart and Paula. It was great getting to see them and talk to them. After breakfast, we went to IKEA, my new-found love. We shopped for a couple of hours. Lyndon and I found a table for our place when we get married. I also found candles for the wedding and a cool laundry basket! I think we should get an IKEA in Boise. :) After we got back to the hotel, Lindsey and I spent time watching TV and talking. We realized we were starving and no one had dinner plans, so why don't we go to Olive Garden!

Thats where the adventure begins. Lyndon, Lindsey and I made it to Olive Garden, went shopping at Target and Lyndon was a little confused on how to get back. I told him, "I don't know, just get us back to the hotel." HA! We were 15 miles past where our hotel is, going into Washington. I called my dad and told him where we were and he started laughing. I knew that wasn't a good sign. After going through an "Adult" part of town with stores called the "Boom Boom Room", "Golden Touch Restaraunt" and "Adult Toys" we found our way back to the freeway. 20 minutes later we were safe at the hotel. We went and talked to family and then went back to our rooms. That night, Johnny got the stomach flu.

It was our last day at the hotel. Everyone was leaving at different times. Lyndon and I left about 9 Portland time, 10 our time. It was hard to say goodbye to everyone. Lindsey and I started a great friendship, and then had to leave. But, shes going to try to make it to the wedding. :) It was a fun trip, full of adventure! :) I love getting to see family!

Here are some pictures from the trip:

Johnny all dressed up for the funeral.