More Portland

We couldn't keep away from Forest Park and returned there the next day for another refreshing run. After we got home and cleaned up, we headed out to the Farmer's Market. We bought a hunk of the best sharp cheddar we've ever had, some bread and some amazing honeycrisp apples. While we were there, we met Don and Ashley, and their little daughter Brighton. Don was a good friend of Jeremy's growing up. It was really fun to spend time with them. Little Brighton is a doll and looked like she'd just won the lottery when she got this balloon flower. We ate breakfast burritos at the market and then hit up Cacao for some amazing drinking chocolate.



Shortly thereafter Matt, Jessica, Jeremy and I drove up the gorge to Hood River, where our cousin Max was playing a soccer game. The drive was so beautiful, and I was again glad that we came in the fall. What a setting for a soccer game!


Max plays goalie and had some good saves.

When the game ended we took Max and spent time browsing the shops of downtown Hood River. We drove over to the river to watch the kite surfers, and had our little picnic lunch of bread, cheese and apples.



We pulled off to view this waterfall on the way home.



On the way back to the car, Matt went to pick up a mud clump to throw it or something. He must've had a premonition right before touching it because he asked, "Is this poo?" Apparently it was too late to stop himself and he quickly answered his own question, "It is!" He then proceeded to wipe his hand on any surface he could find.

We ate dinner at Stephen's again--this time he made a splendid Pasta Bolognese and we were joined by Silvia's sister and niece. We met up with our friends Mark and Christy and their new little boy for gelato later that evening. We really enjoyed a chance to catch up with them and meet their new little addition.

The next day we had a lovely brunch at Mother's, in downtown Portland. This is a comfort food themed restaurant, decorated to feel like your mom or grandma's house.

After brunch we went to the Japanese gardens. Wow. We definitely picked the perfect season in which to view this gorgeous place.







There was a special chrysanthamum exhibit going on at the time.


Back at Stephen's place we rested and got up to a little mischief. The boys made paper airplanes and threw them out the windows. We saw this strange car whilst leaning out of the windows.


I love the views from Stephen's condo. We did go down and retrieve our airplanes when we went out to look at some new condos in the area with Stephen and Silvia.



On our way out to the airport Stephen stopped by so I could try some famous Voodoo Donuts. And thus concluded our visit to another exquisite part of the world.