Oregon // Grandma's 90th Birthday Party

In January, we planned to spend time hiking with two friends in Washington over Labor Day weekend. But in July, we learned that Matt's Grandma Fast was having a birthday party the same weekend, so instead of flying into Seattle, we re-booked flights to Portland instead. I know we have said this before, but one of the best things about flying on miles or points is that it allows us to visit and stay in touch with family and friends around the county.

After hours of flight delays due to thunderstorms, we finally made it to the Holiday Inn Express: Portland West/Hillsboro that night and crashed. It was an IHG Points Break property, so we redeemed a room for only 5,000 points, rather than the regular rate of 25,000 points per night for this property.

The next morning, we took the scenic route to the valley, chasing fog and passing Christmas tree farms and vineyards along the way. Oregon is like a second home to us. If we would move anywhere, it would be here, hands down. 

We drove straight to Grandpa and Grandma's house to say hello and then to a cousin's house to visit before the party at church. 

Happy 90th birthday Grandma Fast!

Grandma with her grandchildren and their spouses that attended the party.

Grandpa and Grandma are a very special couple to us.

Cousins, Matt and Matt.

and then with their women. 

Although it was just an afternoon, we loved being able to see everyone, hear stories, and celebrate this special occasion with plenty of laughter and joy before driving north to Washington for the rest of the weekend.