Oregon Caves and the Wildlife Safari

We recently returned from our family vacation to Legoland California. Let me start by saying that a roadtrip with 5 kids borders insanity at some points and at other times you look around and you can't help feeling totally overwhelmed with joy. There were many moments of chaos packed in a van with snacks, pillows, crumbs, diapers, carbage (car garbage), tv-dvd cords, and everything else. We stopped at a few sights along the way. The line from National Lampoons WalleyWorld vacation popped into my head a few times...

"Or perhaps you don't want to see the second largest ball of twine on the face
of the earth that happens to be only 4 short miles away."

All in all we saw some amazing things and created some amazing memories.

Our first stop was touring the Oregon caves. Dave and the three older kids went on the full 90 minute tour of the caves. Squeezing though tight crawl spaces and up and down steep stair cases. Even though it was 90 degrees outside, as soon as you got to the cave opening it was like an air conditioner blasting you. It felt so good. The temperature in the caves was about 40 degrees. Lauren, Kurt and I got to go into the first "room" of the cave and then we went back to the lodge and Lauren worked in this work book and certified to be a Jr. Ranger. When she finished her work book this little old lady tour guide said "I'd like to announce that Lauren has become our newest Jr. Ranger!" Then every one in the little gift shop clapped. It was hilarious. Then Lauren had to repeat a ranger pledge. Something like..."I promise to preserve and protect nature. And to obey the rules of the park and have a good time." It was great.

We also stopped at the Oregon Wildlife Safari. You drive through this park and there are giraffes, buffalo, zebra, ostriches, rhinos, elk and many other animals along the way roaming free. It was amazing. We got our van washed by two elephants that sprayed our car and then the cutest part was when they pick up sponges with their trunks and washed the window. It was adorable!