Coast Z Coast with John & Lynn: Portland III

We had some time for fun with Payton and Lauren at their house on Wednesday.

that's Payton upside down

and Lauren right side up

'mom said I could'

special moments

After fun at home, it was four year old Lauren's turn to take center stage in the gymnastics arena and we were able to watch her in action.

the warm up

warm up run

balance beam


quiet listener

drink time

Lauren did a GREAT job and had lots of fun.

Later that night we had to try Al Forno Pizza since we had recently met the brother of the owners of this pizzeria in Rochester. He is the only sibling still living in Rochester but told us to try his brother and sister's pizza in Portland. It was very authentic pizza which we enjoyed greatly. We're not sure if the live Irish music in this Italian Pizzeria was arranged or just improv ~ in Portland you never know.

Dana, Kim, Darin, John

who's going to pay? who's not

On Thursday, we drove up to Olympia, Washington to visit my sister-in-law Mary Ann. We met her at work and then went to lunch at Falls Terrace along the Deschutes River.

We had a lovely visit and then headed back to Portland.

Sadly, Friday was our last day in Portland. We were anxious to get back on the road and continue our journey but it was with heavy hearts that we left our family behind in Portland. We can't think of that, only about the GREAT time we had altogether and the blessings we were given ~ we're all we have you know!

Dana has a button on her bag that says 'Keep Portland Weird' ~ they are doing their best!
Portland is a unique town with it's very own personality

street garbage cans made out of recycled road signs

what is that?

Planting in the space from the sidewalk to the street is a common occurrence in Portland. It looks pretty, but sometimes it obscures the view of the driver!

This is the wall of the outside patio of a restaurant

Legacy Emanuel ~ the hospital where Dana works in the trauma unit.

We had one last get together at Hopworks.

It was a special night for all ~

Payton was VERY excited that she got to bring the class mascot, Oscar, home for the weekend.
We were all able to hold him and she read us what she wrote in the Oscar Journal.