Portland Arrival

We were up at 4a.m. and out the door before 4:30. The scheduled Uber showed up early and was waiting for us. We arrived without any issues in the newly renovated Portland Airport, everything felt big and shiny--like a true "big city" airport. We collected our one checked bag while Ira kept in contact with his mom, Kim, who kindly offered to pick us up. As luck would have it, we spotted each other by chance on opposing escalators. Thankfully, we both heard her shouting our names! 

Suitcases squeezed into the car, we headed off to lunch. Kim had chosen one of her favorite spots, Nanna's Kitchen. As a good daughter-in-law, I can only say there may have been a slightly more direct route there (wink-wink), but no worries--we made it. 

Family Time & Steps to Spare

After a lovely brunch, we drove over to Ira's aunt Kris and Russ' house. On the way, I spotted a Little Free Library and begged to turn around. Kim thought I was kidding. Ira assured her, I was not, LOL. She humored us and turned around. (Thank you, Kim!)

Little Free Library

We spent the afternoon catching up, re-hashing the morning's adventures, and later tackling Kris' neighborhood hill to finish our daily step goal. It took three trips up and down, but we did it. Dinner that night was delicious homemade fajitas--a perfect, low-key way to start our trip.

Morning Walks & Little Discoveries

The next morning my Achilles were sore, so we set out walking again to stretch them out. Kris suggested the next neighbourhood over with one long hill, then flatter, tree-lined streets. She was right--it was lovely, and full of surprises. 
  • The Lava Dome Library
Lava Dome
  • A roadside flower stand bursting with colorful bouquets.
Flower Stand
  • A serious treehouse construction project, complete with climbing rigging.
Treehouse in progress
  • A cute house with woodland landscaping.
A house in the woods
  • A clump of trees that reminded us of John Naka's famous Goshin bonsai composition.
Goshin?

Looking back at the real Goshin photo we'd taken at the National Arboretum last February, our neighborhood version didn't quite hold up--but it was a fun find.

"Goshin"

We also spotted a house with a matching mailbox (trim and all), a carved bear stump still rooted in the ground, and a final vending stand selling farm eggs--at prices so low we figured no one had updated the sign in a while! 

Matching Mailbox

Carved Bear

Deteriorated foot

Egg Stand

Cousins, Plays & Albondigas

Back at the house, cousin Wendy had stopped by. She'd recently moved nearby, so it was a treat to meet her. She's also the newest subscriber to this blog. Hi Wendy! Later in the evening, we were invited to see the twins' final performance after their two-week summer theater camp: Odyssey, the Musical. Ambitious for kids ages 8 to 17--but they pulled it off! 

Before the play, we made a quick detour to Uncle Kirk's house to say hello to cousins visiting from Florida. Most of them were napping, but we did get to visit with Benji, Uncle Kirk and Gabby's little pup. (Finally, a successful photo of him!)

Benji

Odyssey, the Musical

After the play, our big group of family and friends headed off to Si Señor's for dinner. Outdoor tables were ready immediately--perfect for our kid-heavy crowd. So convenient that Amelia admitted it might have been their third time there that week with the girls! Ira had ordered tacos and I ordered Albondigas soup. With a full side plate of chopped onions and jalapeños to stir in and fresh corn tortillas for dipping, it was hearty, spicy, and perfect.

Albondigas Soup

Photo-op

Wrapping Up Day Two

With full bellies and happy hearts, that wrapped up our first full days in Portland--family time, neighborhood adventures, and a little cultural enrichment courtesy of The Odyssey.

A dopo!









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