Week 2 of my Summer 2011 ADVENTURE WITH KIDS took us to Kelley Point Park 
and Smith and Bybee Lakes Wildlife Area in the Sauvie Island area of Portland, Oregon. Like Mt. Talbert, it was also not a far drive, which is perfect when you only have a couple of hours. 
Kelley Park is located at N. Marine Drive & Lombard Portland, OR 97203. The area was named after New Englander Hall Jackson Kelley (1790-1874), a vocal advocate for Oregon in the first half of the 19th century. In 1828 he published Settlement on the Oregon River, and nine more pamphlets on a similar theme over the next 40 years. He helped spark American interest in the Pacific Northwest.
The 104 acres is located along Marine Drive and nestled off the highway and industrial area. Amazing beauty so close to industry. The paths
lead to a beach and picnic tables, perfect spots for warm summer days. My boys ran on the treed paths and you could hear the birds singing – when my boys’ 
voices did not drown them out while chasing each other down the paths. You just have got to love boys in nature. Can you say wild! I love their energy and innocence how they run full force along the path and pick up sticks and, well, the teasing can get to you as a mom. Here, Smile! the twins insist their younger brother do . . . .
The link is: http://www.portlandonline.com/parks/finder/index.cfm?PropertyID=209&action=ViewPark
On our way home, we stopped very briefly at the Smith and Bybee Lakes Wildlife Area, 
which we happened upon along Marine Drive. It is located at 5300 N Marine Drive in Portland,
about a mile before Kelly Point Park. http://www.portlandonline.com/parks/finder/index.cfm?PropertyID=672&action=ViewPark. . . I wish we had had more time, but the twins had to get back for an adventure with their dad-Boy Scouts weekend – High Adventure campout! . . . We will return to the Smith and Bybee Lakes Wildlife Area for another adventure – I want to see more of this 205 acre natural area, the largest protected wetland within an American city. It is located at: N. Marine Drive & Lombard Portland, OR 97203
I LOVE these deliberate Summer ADVENTURES with my KIDS, and I am so very grateful for the opportunity to explore the outdoors with them, to show them new places in nature. To experience the extraordinary in the ordinary. We are surrounded by such amazing outdoor places, and I want my children to see that and to appreciate that, and to give thanks to God for this gift of creation and natural beauty all around us in our everyday life. Away from electronics and neon lights. It does something to us. Something good. 
