Packing for weeks on end for varying temperatures across the US is challenging (we're talking sub-zero temps versus 80 degrees), but we managed to make it all fit in our rental car.  Last year, we drove our old jeep but we decided not to tempt fate this year by driving it 8,000+ miles (told you we were going a tad bit out of the way) and Mike and I didn't think our sports cars would be a great fit for driving in snow, so rental car it is!

These were the days leading up to the trip--I set everything out so I can mentally picture how I will nicely fold or package (aka cram) items into suitcases and trunks.  The first bag to be packed was Bear's--it was the easiest...it only took me 5 minutes to pack his bag (yes, my mom bought him a monogrammed bag!).  And the stuffed rhino is a gift for his cousin Lucy (my other lab) in NC.  

Presents!!!

I inherited this fun (ahem, OCD) little thing from my dad:  I drag everything out to the car and artfully (again, the word is cram) place each item efficiently in the trunk...

The trunk seriously looks like it exploded... (really glad that didn't happen today on the 5...it was raining...ohh, that would have been bad!)

This is Bear's party face...

Ready for 3+ weeks of roadtrippin'!!

Check back later :)  *If anyone has any great suggestions of places to eat dinner in Portland, let me know!*