We just got back from a lovely visit up north.
As we drove through the Pacific Northwest, I felt my body relax as my heart said, "You are Home."
(Hello, Oregon)
It's hard to believe that we have lived in California for 8 years. This, plus my years spent in Bakersfield when I was a kid, means that I have been a CA girl for more than half of my life. And yet, I realize when I am up in the beautiful Oregon and Washington mountains, that I feel my most complete self in the PNW.
Who knows where our next adventure will take us. But for now, I will revel in the week that we spent up north.
To start our trip, we met up with our dear friends, the Helleksons, in Portland. Reid and Steph, you may recall, are Elsa's godparents. They are moving with their lovely daughter, Juliette, to London in a few weeks and so we took the opportunity to spend a few days with them.
As we drove through the Pacific Northwest, I felt my body relax as my heart said, "You are Home."
(Hello, Oregon)
It's hard to believe that we have lived in California for 8 years. This, plus my years spent in Bakersfield when I was a kid, means that I have been a CA girl for more than half of my life. And yet, I realize when I am up in the beautiful Oregon and Washington mountains, that I feel my most complete self in the PNW.
Who knows where our next adventure will take us. But for now, I will revel in the week that we spent up north.
To start our trip, we met up with our dear friends, the Helleksons, in Portland. Reid and Steph, you may recall, are Elsa's godparents. They are moving with their lovely daughter, Juliette, to London in a few weeks and so we took the opportunity to spend a few days with them.
Clara adores Aunt Stephie.
Rufio with Juliette's pacifier.
Elsa and Juliette are 8 weeks apart, and we've decided they are BFF. They even sport matching outfits.
Can't wait for these girls to play together. I imagine Clara will be annoyed.
College roommates and dear friends.
Lion at the Portland Zoo. Rad.
Someone loved the zoo.
Happy Family.
The whole gang.
Interesting Fact: Drew and I have Reid to thank for our initial meeting. Had Reid been on time to meet Drew in the lobby of Seward Hall at UPS, Drew wouldn't have had the time to introduce himself to me.
Thanks for being late, Reider!
We adore the Helleksons and are excited for their new adventure. Can't wait to visit you guys (and Mary Poppins) in London!
Up next was a Donahoe family celebration in Sunriver, OR. My parents celebrated a big birthday year this year and we all gathered together to be part of it. We rented a beautiful home from friends of my folks, and enjoyed being together as a family. In fact, we were having so much fun we didn't take too many photos. But I promise we were all there and it was lovely.
Happy Birthday, Nona and Paddy!
Ian. He's hilarious.
Happy Family 2.
Paddy with two of his girls.
This is why I love the PNW.
Nona with two of her grandkiddos.
Clara loved the snow...
Elsa did too... I promise.
Snowman!
We are happy being outside.
My snuggle bug.
Aunteenie.
Miss Moira.
You would never guess from her sunny disposition that this kid does not sleep.
Birthday!
The wordle that we gave to my folks.
Sixty of their friends contributed. What a wonderful gift.
Some parting shots of the girls.
Elsa will be 10 months old tomorrow.
I adore her.
Clara is happy as can be.
It is a treat to watch her grow into a big girl.
What a gift we have in our girls.
