Portland Temple Trip

So we went out on Saturday since I have been clawing at the walls with a sick baby at home all week.  It was nice to get out of Forest Grove and Hillsboro and realize things happen elsewhere!  We first went to a baptism in our ward which was a great way to start.  There have been three convert baptisms within the last couple weeks which has been so cool to see.  We headed out to Portland afterwards.  I just love this temple.  It's fairytale like with the secluded area it's built on and all the trees nearby.  They also have an atrium right inside the foyer area which is super cool.  We also realized this was Ross's first trip to a temple!  How exciting!  Sweet little guy.  He's getting better, but his voice sounds like a raspy old man's now.  Soon he'll be back in tip top shape I hope.  Steve also has done really well on his 4 exams he took this last week which has been reassuring that graduate school is the right thing to do!  He loves what he's learning even though it's pretty intense...for both of us!  Anyway - here are some pics :)

Ross looked like he was reading his book earlier, but by the time we got the camera he discovered he could fit it in his mouth and wouldn't pose for us anymore!

Portland Temple!

Ross was very mesmerized with the fountain.  We kept trying to take a picture in front of it, but he would just turn around to stare at it...so this is what we got. :)

Dad trying to keep Ross's attention my way!

So pretty!

So I'm wearing tennis shoes - haha - I have some stress lines in the bones of my left foot and have to wear orthotics - they don't fit any of my current dressy shoes unfortunately, so I bring my tennis shoes when I'm doing a lot of walking.

This boy is the cutest thing ever!

Testing out the water

 Trying to take a picture with Ross...

 

    Corn

Chowder

      Yum!

 

Ingredients

·         5-6 medium peeled & chopped potatoes

·         1/2 cup diced celery

·         3-5 carrots chopped

·         1 chopped onion (white or red)

·         1 (11 ounce) can creamed corn

·         1 (15 ounce) can whole kernel corn

·         1 (12 fluid ounce) can evaporated milk

·         1/4 tsp ground cayenne pepper or paprika

·         3/4 tsp salt

·         1/2 tsp parsley

·         Handful of cheese

 

Directions

1. In a large pot over medium heat, place potatoes, celery, carrots and onion with water to cover. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes, until potatoes are tender. Drain.

2. Return vegetables to pot with creamed corn, corn, evaporated milk, cayenne, salt, and parsley over low heat. Simmer 20 minutes. Add cheese at the end.