Return to PDX

I've made no secret of how much I miss Portland.  I miss so much about it, I couldn't write it all out in a reasonably-sized post.  So, when I got a Southwest Ding for $69 each way (from San Jose), I jumped on the chance to visit.  I am so glad.  It was just what my heart needed at a time when I've been feeling pretty lonely.  It hasn't been the easiest to re-adjust to living on the Central Coast.  Friends I had then are in a different place (some of them, quite literally) and I haven't been able to reconnect as I had wanted to.  I definitely have more and deeper relationships in Portland than anywhere else (family relations aside).  And, it was a huge blessing to strengthen them over this 4-day trip.

I arrived on a Wednesday night, and was able to participate in Home Community.  It was such a blessing to share time with these incredible people again.  It honestly felt like we hadn't been gone for so long.  I wish I had taken a group photo that night, but alas, none to show for the time spent with them.  But, my heart was full from it, and that's what counts.

Sunset from the plane

Thursday, I decided to bus down to my old school and surprise my nursing class.  I knew they would all be there and I did genuinely surprise most of them.  I loved the looks on their faces when they saw me and it felt so good to connect with them.  No matter where this path of nursing school takes me, these are my cohort and I simply adore them!

Afterward, I went to Happy Hour downtown with my good friend Maria and another friend Reyna.  We had a great time grubbing on delicious Lebonese food and gabbing about school, life, music, and more.

Building a new bridge--as if they need anymore

Downtown

Love these ladies

Thursday night was movie night with Eric and Ellen!

Friday, I went hiking through Mt. Tabor with my friend Karli.  We had a great chat and some good exercise.  It was COLD!  30º!  But, despite how cold it was my whole visit, it did not rain.  Not one drop.  I was quite disappointed by that....

Love the view

 Friday afternoon, I met up with many folks from my nursing class for another Happy Hour and chat time.  Many were knitting and crocheting and some of us were just eating and chatting.  We were there for hours.  It was such a blessing to spend more time with them.  A highlight for me was driving with Rachel and Leo over to NW Portland to meet with everyone.  I love this kid!

On Saturday, after breakfast out with Jill and Aaron, we met up with my friend Alicia, who drove down from Seattle.  Then, the 4 of us met up with Maria, Dave, Joci, Eric, Ellen, Craig, and Rachel to see Catching Fire.  Love it!  Again, I wish I had taken a photo, but I completely forgot.

That night, we hit the town--Alicia, Maria, Dave, Sabrina, and I.  Afterward, we went back to Alicia's hotel to play more games.

Sunday, Alicia joined me to worship with Imago.  It felt so good to be there again, as we have still not quite connected to a church home here in AG.  Alicia drove me to the airport afterward and my short trip came to an end.

I was disappointed not to be able to meet up with our old neighbors or to visit with Luke and Kat.  I say "next time" because there will most definitely be a next time.  I heart PDX!

Dad-Son Day Out

What's the 'happiest place on earth'?  No, not Disneyland.  Magic Mountain!  aka, Six Flags, aka Wally World.  If it's good enough for the Griswolds it's good enough for us, right?

In an effort to truly embrace our California selves, Jeremiah and I took a trip to this wonderland of world-class rides, overpriced food, and lines, lines, lines.  And with Grandma and Grandpa Brazelton living a mere twenty minutes away from the park we'll be going numerous times a year!  This was my first time back in probably ten years and it was Jeremiah's first time ever.  He was very excited as we pulled up to our first line - the car entrance.

I knew it would be crowded since the park is currently only open on weekends but sheesh, it was waaaaay crowded today due to a TON of Kiwanis Club (Key Club) student groups having some type of convention.  Every line we were in I had to hear the call and response chants of the zealous Key Club youth in their matching shirts, makeup, and tutus.  It's always good for me to see youth engaged in positive civic pride but in the interest of shorter lines I wish they had their convention at Disneyland or the local IHOP.

After a visit with the grandparents Sara dropped J and I off for our day of high-speed adventure.  The park opened at 10:30 but we got there around noon just in time for our first real line - waiting an hour to process our membership photo/cards.  From noon 'til 6:30 we were able to get in five rides.  That's 6.5 hours for 5 rides.  Comparing time being physically on a ride, a generous 10 minutes, to waiting/walking we spent about 2% of our time in the park actually on rides.  Fun!  We really did have a great time and will enjoy going back for more - there were several rides we did not care to wait in 2+ hour lines for.

In another moment of 'random people you see on vacation' I ran into a friend and former co-worker from the Mesa juvenile hall.  He's now a youth group leader and was with a group visiting the park.

Good times, good times.  So, until next time, take care of yourself and each other.

Halloween 2013

Halloween has come and gone.  It started a little early with a pumpkin carving party at Mike and Zabrina's house.  So much fun!  Those two really know how to throw a kid-friendly party that adults enjoy just as much.  We all had a blast.

The spread--yum!

Tasty skull-water

 Ghost treats

Photo booth

Shirley Temples

His first "shot".  LOL.

Reggie Warren was here.

Carving

And, then, there was trick-or-treating on Hallow's Eve.  Jeremiah sported yet another box costume.  He got lots of compliments.  Alayna wore the same dress from last year, but added wings and a wand and called herself a fairy.  We went in a nearby neighborhood for about 45 minutes.  Then, came home and confiscated the candy from the kids.  We'll give half to the dentist buy-back (candy for toothbrushes....yay!) and then allot two pieces per day to the kids until all the candy is gone (this usually takes two weeks).  All in all, another great Halloween for the kids to look back on in years to come.

He liked creeping people out like this all night!