Baptism in Orem - February 3 - 9 2016

Magnus is getting baptized in Orem!  So, we just had to go. We couldn't bear the idea of going the regular way on the boring (yet very fast) interstate in Oregon. We chose to take the scenic route through central Oregon where the twisty and narrow road took us through quaint towns in a slow manner so we could enjoy the magnificent scenery. 

First stop was

Where we spent our first night 

We were headed for the Lower Deschutes River which is one of Oregon's scenic byways   We passed  through some beautiful eastern Oregon countryside. 

Found a great ranch for Travis. 

The city of Maupin was the jumping off spot for the scenic drive north, down the river. Maupin is perched on the hillside as you drive down into the river valley.  Really cute town. In the summer it is teaming with tourists planning to raft down the river.  Note the long train in the distance right next to the river. 

Up the river we went - finding geocaches, waving at a train (no, the conductor did not blow the whistle). 

We didn't go as far north as we could have- almost to the Columbia - because eventhough the countryside was beautiful, we knew it would be the same kind of beautiful for the next umpteen miles. 

So we turned around and headed southeast with our destination being a comfy rest area near Boise.  Good thing we did because it took us FOREVER to get to the boring I84 in Baker City

We passed through tiny towns that are on the verge of being ghost like. 

Shaniko

M

And

Some towns were really cute and others a bit trashy. 

As we headed east the weather grew colder and colder. You would have been proud of Dad. He drove stoically through the darkness and the falling snow.  I know he was thinking, "why did I let her talk me into getting off the interstate."

Sure enough there was snow in Utah 

We arrived in Orem just in time for Magnus' birthday which was at - guess-- yes- Dairy Queen

And cake at home

Next day was the big day

Ah......so sweet

And yummy food afterwards

The perfect activity for after a baptism - a tour or the Provo Temple

Underground parking area with hoards of well behaved Mormons waiting to get inside

Now - imagine photos of the magnificent interior

Afterwards, the classic pictures of the family

At this point both Dad and I were getting sick!  We didn't go to church but hunkered down thinking healthy thoughts.

Sunday afternoon was the Super Bowl - go Broncos!!

Monday we drove straight home. I think I must have coughed the whole way. Thank goodness we made good time on the fast boring interstate.