This month, we were lucky enough to take a spontaneous little trip (without the kids, thank goodness for amazing family!) out to visit family and friends in Portland and Seattle. As I was taking pictures on her beautiful farm in Oregon, my dear friend seemed to insinuate that she might never actually see any of those pictures...so, that's it, the challenge was on to get this blog post published into blog land.
Here are some pictures from our adventures.
The first two nights we stayed with my dear college roommate and her family in the Portland area. They recently moved into a beautiful new property, studded with rows of vibrant evergreens and bunches of apple and pear trees, heavily laden with many varieties of ripe, delicious fruit...all against the backdrop of rolling Oregon hills.
After an incredibly peaceful and refreshing night of sleep in their adorable little guest house, I awoke to the most glorious morning sunlight peeking over the distant ridge, which was shrouded in waves of mysterious fog. I don't care if that description feels over the top. That's exactly how I felt as I walked out that door, taking in the scents of fresh dew and evergreen needles in the crisp morning air.
Each needle was resplendent, covered in crystal drops, each illuminated by the golden sunlight.
Sipping coffee over a delicious breakfast, speaking of the joys and travails of homeschooling young children, life on a farm...new careers, family drama, pressing cider, raising sheep, raising children...then later getting a tour of every nook of their two-acre farm, excitedly navigated and narrated by her hilarious children. Gathering freshly laid eggs, picking crisp asian pears and honey crisp apples, watching my beautiful friend, a hard-working momma, a veritable pioneer woman...it was a pretty neat experience. A lovely glimpse into her life, one in which she seemed made to be living (and I'll admit I was ready to move out and join her).
We were able to have some grown-up time for a few hours, enjoying some drinks at a lovely brewery in the midst of rolling hills of hazelnut trees
Thanks for letting us invade your life and your farm Mary and Ben! It was so great to see you guys, we love you and your cute family, and were thankful for the hospitality that abounded!
Once this adorable family bid us adieu from their cute front porch, we set off in our rental car for the little road trip to Seattle.
It (predictably) rained most of the trip, but we did manage to get a few shots along the way
In Seattle, we spent two days with my brother and sister-in-law and our little nieces, who are progressively getting less little.
We did some sightseeing, some doughnut eating, some game playing, some ice cream licking, some craft beer drinking, some delicious coffee sipping, and had an all around lovely time. I was sad my boys couldn't be there to spend time with their cousins/aunt/uncle, but really, I wasn't all THAT sad :) It was a treat to be kid-free, so I could tote my camera everywhere and imbibe myself in my love of photography.
Thanks for opening your home to us Uncle Jay and Auntie Em, it was great to catch up with you all - We love you!
