Unlike last year’s splurge on Disneyland, we decided to keep our vacation on the frugal side this year. We headed to Washington to visit my brother, whom the kids adore. We packed up the kids and the car a week ago Friday and headed up to Spokane, stopping overnight in Portland to break up the trip a little.
The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry happened to be hosting it’s “get in free” days, so we took full advantage of the occasion before heading off to Spokane. We cruised around the museum, learning about weather patterns, the human body, water treatment, and facts about alcohol. The kids had a great time.
The kids putting together a map of the continents at OMSI.
It turns out OMSI was also selling memberships at a pretty steep discount, so we splurged on a membership. They’ll be having a display on Ancient Egypt early next year, and since that’s what we’re studying in school this year, we’ll make a trip to Portland just to see it. And the membership is good at our local ScienceWorks, too, so we’ll definitely get our money’s worth.
After OMSI, we drove to Spokane, along the beautiful Columbia River Gorge. We arrived at my brother’s house, got a tour of his new house, and met his new dog, Mort. The kids fell in love with the dog. So did I.
We spent the next three days as tourists. We raced go-karts (don’t ask…family tradition), watched Roseburg play in the American Legion World Series (what are the chances the team from your former hometown is playing in the place you’re visiting on the same day you happen to be there?), and walked the dog.
Hannah, Jim, & Brad (my brother) enjoying the game.
We visited Riverfront Park, a favorite from our last trip to Spokane. The kids enjoyed the rides. I liked the park tour. And we all enjoyed the beautiful weather.
Playing on the blocks.
On our final day, my brother drove us to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, because my son wanted to say he’d been to Idaho. We spent some time at the lake and walking around downtown. I decided I want to live there one day. My daughter says not until she’s graduated and on her own. :)
Jonathan plays in Lake Coeur d’Alene.
Finally, we packed up the car again and headed back home, spending the night in Portland again. We saved a lot of money by staying at my brother’s home. Hopefully he’ll have us back again someday. I think we were pretty good houseguests.
A frugal vacation can be a great vacation. We really enjoyed spending time with my brother, and we did a lot of fun things along the way! I’m sure we’ll do it again in another couple of years.
Did you take a frugal vacation this summer? Do tell!
{ 1 trackback }
{ 7 comments }
Sounds like a great trip!! How funny that you visit someplace and your former hometown team is there too!
Sounds like everyone had a wonderful trip, and a lot of good memories came from this trip. Visiting family can be a lot of fun. Good for you!
Next time you go to Spokane, take a day or two and go to Silverwood, which is about 20 minutes north of Cour De Lane. They have the best waterpark!
We thought about going to Silverwood, but we just didn’t have time this go around. Next time we’ll hit it!
I had a great time, too. And you were wonderful house guests. Come back anytime! Mort misses you.
We miss Mort, too!
Do you want to be one of the radiant one among all the guests of a joyful bridesmaid dresses.
Comments on this entry are closed.