Roloff Farms

Since we moved to Boise, Jarom and I have discussed making a trip to Portland on many different occasions.  We finally decided that the fall would be a perfect time to go since we are huge fans of the Roloffs and their show, "Little People Big World," and we have always wanted to visit their pumpkin patch there.  So, during the last weekend in September, we got the kids up early and headed West. 

 

As we were about an hour away from Portland, Jarom noticed a sign for the Bonneville Dam's Visitor Center. So, we definitely couldn't miss the opportunity to stop and see some fish :).  

 

 

We had booked our hotel in Troutdale which is a little town about 20 minutes east of Portland.  We stopped there first to check into our hotel and then headed into the big city.  On our way, we stopped at this very popular doughnut shop, Voodoo Doughnuts.  Apparently when the weather is nice, you could easily wait in line for an hour for one of their doughnuts.  Fortunately for us, the weather was terrible so we didn't have to wait for long. 

 

The doughnuts didn't disappoint!

 



 

After maneuvering through the horrendous Portland traffic, we finally made our way to Portland's Aerial Tram.  This tram travels about 3,300 feet overlooking downtown Portland, so we knew that the kids would enjoy it and it would be a great way to see the city. 

 

Aside from freaking out after observing my kids, slightly leaning over a railing about 200 feet off the ground,  we all had a great time!



 

For dinner, we went to another DDD restaurant, Pine State Biscuits.  Jarom and I both agreed, it was definitely not Triple D worthy!

 

The next day, we woke up early so that we could make it to Roloff Farms right when it opened. 

 



 

 

 

This year, the farm offered "Adventure Passes" so that kids could participate in the many different activities/obstacles that they had set up.  Even though it was cold and rainy, the kids still had a lot of fun!

 

We decided to let the kids pick only small pumpkins as we didn't have a lot of extra room in our car.  Since the weather was so nasty, they let us have the pumpkins for free.

 



 

While waiting for our wagon tour to start, we ran into Matt Roloff.  I was so excited because he actually hung around and chatted with our family for a few minutes.  He was so kind and appreciative that we had braved the weather to come out to the farm that day.

 

 

When our wagon tour was about to begin, we were told that Amy Roloff was going to be the one to give our tour.  We were so thrilled because we knew that the family usually didn't give the tours.

 

 

The Roloff house!  It's even more beautiful in person!

 



Matt Roloff's office!

 



The Men's Crisis Center!

 



Noah's Ark!

 



The Chapel that used to be in the Old Western Town, but has since been moved to their Wedding area.

The Old Western Town!

Amy's Schoolhouse!

 



Molly's Castle!

 



Even though we were freezing, it was so fun seeing the many, beautifully-crafted structures that have become so well-known to us from the show.  Having the tour given by Amy was such a treat and we couldn't have asked for a better tourist.

 

After our tour, we decided that we were all too cold to stay any longer.  While Jarom and I were changing the kids' clothes in the car, Jarom spotted Zach down by the merchandise barn.  So, like the star-struck idiots that we are, we both left the kids and sprinted down to see him.  Like his parents, he was also so nice and willing to sign his autograph and take a picture.

   

After visiting Roloff Farms, we checked out Portland's mall and then headed back to Troutdale for a relaxing night in our hotel.  The next morning, we woke up at 3:40 am so that we could get a good start on our 7 hour journey home, and so that we could make it home in time for the Ravens game.  Even though the trip was short, it was a great getaway for our family.