Last year, Chad and his dad introduced Jack to the wonders of Oregon football by taking him to the spring game. So, about 10 days after Avery was born, when we were in the sleep-deprived first days of adjusting to being a family of five, Chad brought up the idea of us going down to the Oregon Duck spring game as a family. In my stupor, I agreed it sounded like a great idea to take three little kids on an eight hour car ride, stay in a hotel, and take them to a football game. It
does sound crazy, doesn't it? Yes, we knew we'd be exhausted. Yes, we knew we'd be staying in a hotel room where we all tried to sleep in the same room (with a four month old who has yet to master the art of sleeping through the night). But, if we waited for a time when we wouldn't be exhausted, we'd never do anything. So, we embarked on our journey.

The first night, we made a pit stop in Hermiston to visit Unkie Bry Bry (which is what Chad convinced Jack and Haylee to call Bryan), Aunt Katie, Mitchell and Shannon. They graciously hosted all 5 of us Thursday night, and we had a great laid back morning on Friday.
Sweet girls. They're even holding hands.
After our time in Hermiston, we met Grandpa and Grandma LaVine in Boardman and made the trip to Portland together. We ate at Chad's favorite BBQ place and headed to the hotel. Chad's parents continued on their way to Eugene, and we headed to the pool. Always a popular venue.
The kids wound down with a show on the iPod. We figured out the sleeping arrangement, and Chad and I brought flashlights so we could read books once the kids fell asleep. However, we pretty much fell asleep at the same time as the kids each night. :)
Saturday morning, we woke up and left the hotel bright and early to make it to the hallowed ground of Autzen Stadium. We met Chad's dad there and enjoyed the pre-game activities.
The armed forces are featured at the game, and kids can explore different vehicles, including this Coast Guard helicopter. Later, the chopper flew over the stadium. Pretty exciting for the kids.
The kids met Puddles, the Duck. A big source of excitement.
Chad took this picture and thinks he's so clever. Yes, he's making fun of me, but after 10 years, I'm used to this... This is just after I nursed Avery in the indoor practice field. How many people can say they've nursed a baby in an indoor practice field? Not many, I'm sure. It was quite the experience.
We headed back to Portland that afternoon, got in some more swimming and a yummy dinner. Sunday morning, we woke up and headed home, but not without a stop at Multnomah Falls (which was part of the deal last year) for a little hike, and to break up the drive.
I cannot get Haylee to make a normal smile for the camera. :)
I've decided that when our youngest child is 5 years old, trips will be so great. Jack was money in the bank. He did great! (So did the girls, but Jack was just the easiest traveler).
Avery did spend most of the trip in the front pack or the carseat. She really did great, but that's why she's not visible in many pictures. So, here are a couple pictures of her in all her 4 month old, rolly-polly goodness.
How can you not kiss her?
Although Chad and I were pretty much completely exhausted when we returned Sunday evening, the trip went well and we're happy we did it. And I'm okay if we don't all stay together in a hotel room for a while.