The Mansion, The Museum, and the Monet

I have a long list of things I want to do in and around the Portland area. I imagined that this summer we would take fabulous field trips every week, knock out a good number of things on my list and the kids would love it and never be bored. As usual, I had less time for such things than I had planned, not to mention that my kids were less than enthusiastic about some of my ideas. Last week, however, thanks to Cole and his never ending quest to finish as many merit badges this summer as possible, we did accomplish two things on my list!

First up was the Pittock Mansion. This place has been on my radar since we moved here and I have been wanting to hike the trail up to the mansion for some time now. Hiking was out, but we did go there and I can't believe I waited so long to do it. It is so beautiful up there! The mansion is located high on a hill in a beautiful old Portland neighborhood overlooking the city. It was built by Henry Pittock, owner of the Oregonian, in the early 1900's.

Just look at this place people. It is gorgeous!

The library.

I loved the staircase...

And these windows.

I want this bedroom for my own, or at least the wallpaper.

My favorite part were the grounds and the beautiful view of the city and Mt Hood, (which was only barely visible through the clouds on this day.)

My kids even enjoyed it, but by the end Hannah was demanding that I "stop taking pictures and let's go already!"

Next up, the Portland Art Museum, which I never thought in a million years I would be able to drag my kids to. I just love any excuse to go to downtown Portland. I love this city.

Honestly, you are not allowed to take pictures in the museum, but I snuck a few in on the sly.

I was amazed at how big this place really is. It covers two buildings, and we were there for two hours and only made it through one - and that is with my kids dragging me along at racing speed.

Also, I had no idea that the museum houses a painting as famous as Monet's Waterlilies! I was impressed, but I couldn't get my kids to look at it for longer than a second. Sometime I will have to go back with no children and explore.

For now, that is as much culture as my kids can handle.