Portland. part two.

My sister is always the most gracious host.  Sharing all of her gorgeous two room studio with me and little Chloe.  It's prewar charm and my sister's well traveled eclectic decor were so cozy.  It was so nice to wake up and go to bed with her nearby like we did when we were kids.  I'm ready to plan our next trip.  Maybe Kevin can join us next time.  He often stays behind to hold down the fort and work, how nice (and responsible) of him.  He really is the best.  Oh and don't worry Sis, we will book a hotel if there is three of us next time.

Posing like she owns the place.

This never happens.  I had to document it.

And what would make our trip even better?  A weekend with my aunts and cousins too!  Yep, my dad's sisters and my cousins all traveled Portland so we could spend the weekend together.  We shopped, antiqued, barbequed and relaxed.  Us girls know how to eat, relax and shop.  It was so nice to be together.  My Auntie Diane hosted us ladies and be had so much fun catching up while Chloe and Kinsey frolicked in her huge green garden of a yard.  I hope we can make these girls get togethers more frequent.  I know we all would love this. 

We also spent one afternoon visiting the cemetery in their hometown.  We brought flowers for my grandparents and my Uncle Barry.  We said goodbye to my Auntie Karen who passed away last September.  We will greatly miss her child-like spirit.  It was nice to remember her and pay tribute as I was not able to make it to her funeral.

I love these ladies.

With my beautiful cousin Morgan. 

Window shopping on NW 23rd.

With cousin Kinsey.  Best buddies after only an hour.

Sister Sister.

Sara's place.

My sister's study materials.  She is learning ancient Chinese.

Ready to go to the airport with Auntie Diane.

These two reuniting in the airport was so beyond cute.  Every day while we were away at some point Chloe would look at me and stick out her bottom lip in one big pout and say, "Dada." in near tears.  It was both sad and incredibly sweet.  This man is really loved by his girls.

Portland. 2 months back. part one.

We relished in Portlands unusually sunny weather this May while visiting my sister.  There are few things more fun than watching my sister swoop up our little bloom in an airport embrace.  Can't you just see the adoration?  It's mutual.

The flight was smooth sailing.  Other passengers often ask if this is her first flight as we are boarding the plane.  Surprisingly, our lucky lady has been on more than half a dozen flights.  It may be a different story come September when she no longer qualifies as a lap child and we pay for her seat also.  In the meantime, we are loving our travel adventures. 

My sisters place.  Come on, does it get prettier?

Looking very Pacific Northwest, aren't we?

Just the neighborhood park. 

What a nice Tia.

Every visit to Portland has to include a trip to Multnomah Falls.  It is exquisite.  And I've been going there since I was a babe.  After we parked, Chloe instantly rushed up the hill to to take in the rushing water.  Yep, she was smitten too.  

A serious cook, my sis makes EVERYthing from scratch.  Yum!

With our dear Fiebachs.

And we were lucky enough to get an invitation to see some of our favorite friends the Fiebachs.  really they are more like family.  Becky and Bruce have been friends with my parents since before I arrived on the scene.  How fun is that?  And our friendship has grown over years of spilled words and greeting cards that (always) arrive exactly on your special day.  Becky has impeccable timing and is so thoughtful.  Bruce is the description of enthusiasm.  With these two you instantly feel at home.  Dinner with them was such a treat.

continued...

Austin, Texas. Exploring.

Lick Honest Ice Creams- The best I've ever had!

Lick Honest Ice Creams deserves a whole post to itself.  The most creative flavor combinations, and the best creamy yet light ice cream I've ever had.  It was amazing!  We went twice during our 5 days there.  My favorite, the Too Hot Chocolate and Caramelized Carrot and Tarragon.  Oh and this pink scoop is Roasted Beets and Mint...oh how I wish we were closer!  And of course the shop couldn't be cuter.  Robin's Egg blue walls, industrial concrete floors, red accents and painted milking stools in the entry.  We'll fly back to Austin just for this stop.

Chloe's first trip to an ice cream shop.

Views of the city from Zilker Park where perfect.  A huge spot for Chloe to stretch her quick moving legs, lush green trees and plenty of dogs to chase after.  One of these days when she is older, I know we are gonna get roped into bringing one home with us.  I love dogs, but I'm not sure I'm ready to be a pet owner just yet.  

I see a lot of resemblance in this one.

Lounging at the hotel.