"The Best Vacation of My Life" -- Fernando Figueira

The Figueira Family was in full swing as of last Saturday, finally Pai and Gu arrived by train from Seattle, and we were in full force. Usually, life is pretty quiet for Rafa and I in our home, but once the Figueira's arrived, we were no longer the quiet street on the house. The package Figueira deal, is late nights, loud laughter, Rafa and Gu playing XBOX to wee hours of the night, and Pai smoking the house every night with his cooking. We have been able to share in the small delights of dinners around the table, casual conversation, good wine, family stories, and a lot of translating for me : )
And let me not forget to mention the HUNDREDS of shopping trips the Figueira's's took (poor pai) But thanks to them, the USA is on its way out of the recession! We should invite them back more often.

Before Gu and Pai arrived, Etna, Raquel, Rafa and I at the water front after shopping at Saturday Market



My favorite part of the week, The Oregon Gardens in Silverton, Oregon:



The Oregon Garden Resort where we stayed the night:



Lovely yellow flowers at the Oregon Gardens:



Fernando, Etna, and Rafa at the beautiful Oregon Gardens:



Pond at the Oregon Gardens:



Etna and Fernando walk the Oregon Gardens



After the Oregon Gardens, we went to Silver Falls Forest. Here the Figueira's and Bella take in the Silver Falls Forest:



Pink flower along the trail during the forest:



The Figueira's at the falls, just as the sun came out:



And like any Spring day in Oregon, the drive home gave us something to be thankful for, dramatic skies and lovely green trees:



And tonight, we share in one last meal together (Pai leaves tomorrow) and what better way to do then a round table of family and fondue.

Hugs until next post.

Sonja