We went to Portland last weekend to see the Oregon Zoo's ZooLights display. It was incredibly cold, but the lights were beautiful. We saw a model train display and rode the little train that goes around the zoo. We also saw paintings done by one of the zoo's elephants, Rama and saw the elephants in their indoor home eating hay. It was funny to watch the littlest one using his foot to load his trunk with hay before bringing it to his mouth.
We also went to OMSI, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. We spent all afternoon there, while it started to snow outside. We had a great time. Chloe and Mark tried out the Segue and we all helped to build the wooden dinosaur puzzles.
Portland only got an inch of snow, but it was enough to effectively shut down the city. We tried to have dinner at the Old Spaghetti Factory, but it was closed due to the weather. We also decided not to try to get to Peacock Lane to see the Christmas light displays because the other cars were slipping and sliding all over. We were doing well with our snow tires, but didn't want to chance it. It was just as well as the roads were blocked all over with cars and trucks. We did make it to McCormick and Schmick's which I've been wanting to try and the food was amazing. Especially the desserts! They really know how to do desserts.
We came home after a stocking-up trip to Trader Joe's. The weather had turned to rain even over the mountains and on the other side the roads were an icy mess. It was good to be home, though with the temperatures rising we've had the snow turn quite slushy and the prospect of a white Christmas is dimming. I suspect we'll still have some snow on the ground, but it will be very wet and unappealing.