Mom Life in the PNW

Our Independence Day 2017

Our Independence Day 2017

When I was younger, my parents/grandparents used to take us to the Fort Vancouver so we could watch the fireworks display every year for the Fourth, which is the biggest fireworks display west side of the Mississippi (or so they claim). Well, they had been canceling it, banning fireworks in the city, then reinstating the fireworks display as of recently. So I figured since they were doing the fireworks, and we had no camping plans this year, that we would take our daughter to watch the fireworks. I want to make traditions and memories with her that she can look back on with us. Plus, it would be the first time she would see fireworks and actually be aware. The last time was on the beach in Hawaii, but she was 7 months old and oblivious. lol

That late afternoon, we went to my mom’s for a BBQ and to swim. I decided to do a simple OREO Dessert treat to bring along using Red Velvet OREO’s, milk, whipped cream and added strawberries and blueberries to make it a little more festive. Surprisingly, the fruit on top wasn’t half bad with it.

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OREO Flavor I Wished Existed + OREO Creation Sweepstakes!

OREO Flavor I Wished Existed + OREO Creation Sweepstakes!

OREO cookies are a favorite around here, especially the regular OREO cookie! But, sometimes you want to try something a little different, so that’s why OREO cookie is doing the MY OREO Creation Sweepstakes.  They want YOU to come up with unique ideas for a new OREO cookie flavor and you’ll win 500,000 if your idea is chosen!

I headed over to Walmart to see the many different flavors they offered for inspiration. They had a cinnamon bun, cake batter, mint, peanut butter, red velvet cake and more! You can find many different options for a great price at Walmart stores.

I actually picked up some of the red velvet cake to make up a festive Fourth of July treat today, which is both super easy and tasty with minimal ingredients!

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Family Visit to Osborn Aquatic Center in Corvallis, Oregon

Family Visit to Osborn Aquatic Center in Corvallis, Oregon

I had plans to drive down to see one of my sisters for months in Albany, Oregon, but every time the time would roll around, something would always come up. One of the kids were sick, I was sick, kids were away with their dad, etc. So we finally decided to make a day of it last Sunday and stick to it, which ended up being one of the hottest days of the year so far at a whopping 100 degrees! We made sure that we found a place where we could get wet and cool off in the blistering sun and Osborn Aquatic Center in Corvallis, Oregon was the place.

It was a 2 hour and 8 min drive from here to there, which wasn’t too bad since it was straight freeway pretty much. I made sure to have snacks, the swim/sun essentials, a tablet for movie watching and all that good stuff for the two tots in the back seat since my other sister and niece were tagging along. We did end up forgetting the life jackets we just bought, but that was okay because they have plenty at Osborn Aquatic Center to be used.

We arrived there around 2. They seem to only be open from 1-4 pm on Sundays which kind of stinks, but I get it, people want to go home to be with their families too. But I feel like a place like this should at least stay open until 5 or 6 pm in the summer when people are looking for fun ways to cool off.

Their hours are something like this:

Closed now 

Saturday 10:30AM–4PM
Sunday 1–4PM
Monday 5:30AM–7:30PM
Tuesday

(4th of July)

 5:30AM–7:30PM

Hours might differ
Wednesday 5:30AM–9PM
Thursday 5:30AM–7:30PM
Friday 5:30AM–9PM

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Local Eats: Thai Orchid Restaurant

I never knew Thai Orchid existed until a friend recommended it; and with it being under 2 miles from my home, I had to give it a try! I’ve been here numerous times and each time has been amazing. I even order to go when I just want to chill at home with good food.

I’ve tried the orange chicken which is decent, but they need to be more giving with the sauce since there’s not really enough on the plate covering the entire battered chicken pieces.

And I’ve tried the evil jungle noodles with chicken, which is now my go to for every future visit because I know it’s going to be delicious every time. The curry sauce is amazing (they sell it on its own by the way for like $4.50 a small container). It has just the right amount of heat with a rating of 1 for me, and the big bowl is only $9.50 for dinner. Can’t really beat that cause I usually have leftovers to take home too!

My favorite Thai food dish: Curry evil jungle noodles. . . . . .

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The drinks are so-so for the price. I haven’t really gone during happy hour so I don’t know what type of specials they have. I wasn’t thrilled with that drink in the photo though. Don’t get me wrong, it tasted good since it was fresh kiwi, but it wasn’t even filled close to the top and cost a fortune. So, don’t go for the drinks, go for the food!

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I have to eat here at least once or twice a month since I crave that delicious yellow curry sauce. So if you’re in town and want some good Thai food, head on over to Thai Orchid Restaurant in Downtown Vancouver, WA.

Winston Wildlife Safari in Oregon

Winston Wildlife Safari in Oregon

Growing up, I never knew the Winston wildlife safari existed, let alone was only 3 hours from us. We never did much traveling unless our grandparents planned it. So my husband and I make sure we do things with our daughter so that she can have great memories and experiences with us to look back on.

After I purchased the Groupon for Winston Wildlife Safari, my husband and I decided we should just make a weekend of it since it would be a long drive there and back in one day. So we planned our stay at the Seven Feathers Casino Resort in Canyonville, Oregon as it was only about 25 minutes south of the safari.

Seven Feathers Casino and Resort

Has a pool/hot tubs/sauna, nicely updated rooms, a spa, an arcade, plenty of restaurants and cafes on site. It was almost like I was back in Vegas! I figured with all of these amenities at Seven Feathers Casino and Resort, we’d probably have the best time spending our weekend there.

The first night we arrived, checked in, and then found a grocery store to pick up some snacks. It was an actual Dollar General store. Didn’t think they had any in the state, but I guess we just had to go further south to see one. I was kind of excited about that since I see tons of people posting about Dollar General deals and campaign managers looking for people nearby one. Unfortunately, there isn’t any in the vicinity of me. /tears

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