Senna's Clean Air Tour

We took a wholly unexpected vacation last week. Our neighborhood labeled a "voluntary evacuation zone," we decided to flee the smoke-filled air and visit Uncle Mark (Alex's brother) in Portland. As we left, Senna mimicked us saying, "It's snowing ash!"

It turned out to be a lovely time, although we weren't quite prepared for the cold Portland fall. (We don't so much wear socks in San Diego, so we didn't think to pack them in our rush to leave. Luckily, the Portland zoo sold us a couple pairs!) And we did at least throw in our mini camera for some quick photos and videos.

Here's Sen and Alex in front of Uncle Mark & Janene's great apartment (notice Sen has no socks on!)


Here we are at the amazing Portland Farmer's Market.


And here we are at the Portland Children's Museum, to which Uncle Mark got us tickets. Sennas favorite part was the mini grocery. Alex and my favorite part was that she was the only kid there who had a cart just of fruits and vegetables!


The video version:


And, here is Senna at the highlight of her impromptu vacation, the Portland Zoo. Each day after this, Alex would ask her when she woke up what she dreamed about and she would inevitably say, "Penguins!"



Alex went home first, as Senna and I went to visit dear friend Ashley and her family in Boulder, Colorado. We only stayed a day as Sen's allergies flared up from their pets, but it was a great day! And it was good to get home to cleaner air and our lovely townhouse a week after the awful, black skies.

Senna now plays "airplane," quite creatively, by making herself into one with a hanger. You have to see it to get it; and know this was all her idea!


Life takes you on unexpected trips, and, thanks to great family and friends, and good fortune, this one turned out just fine!