City of Roses

I just had to show off this picture I took in Portland over the weekend. I think I might be getting some photography skills, especially when it comes to non-moving objects. The baby and I flew up to Portland to spend a weekend with my sister. My parents came up too, since she graduated this Tuesday with her bachelor's degree in nursing. She's been a nurse for a number of years, but only with a two-year degree. I know how much hard work it takes to go to school, especially while working full-time, and I am proud of her. I'm also glad that I don't have to attend any more graduation ceremonies for myself. It's nice to sit back, relax, and enjoy the accomplishments of others.

It was a nice weekend. Both my flight up and my flight back were uncrowded, so I was able to bring the carseat onto the plane and enjoy a whole row to myself. That's the best way to travel with a baby. She hardly complained at all on either flight. And she was generally pretty happy most of the time we were there, although I know she got a little overtired most days from the lack of consistent nap schedule. And I think she ate a fair amount of cat hair in my sister's apartment. I guess it's good for her immune system.

I mostly enjoyed doing things that are not fun with bigger children. We walked around the Rose Garden admiring the amazing blossoms. We also visited a lovely Chinese garden as well. My sister and I attended a bachelorette party for one of her friends and I enjoyed some interesting entertainment at a drag show (it was more fun and slightly less raunchy than I had anticipated). And we ate a lot. Two times at Burgerville just so we could enjoy their seasonal fried asparagus. We also ate tasty, tasty pizza at Dove Vivi. As weird as it sounds, my favorite pizza is the one with mozzarella, sweet corn, and caramelized onions. I think I gained about five pounds over the weekend.

Food, fun, and family, who could ask for a better weekend? A bit more sun would have been nice, but it is Portland after all.