Moving to PDX: Paul, Jenny and Buckley too!: May 2009

Um, I just realized that I uploaded these photos and typed this post out exactly 25 days ago, and then never actually posted it. Duh. Have I mentioned before that I'm a slacker?

The Christians survived their third trip to Portland! They visited us for a few days at the end of April. During their first trip back in August, they endured record-setting scorching temperatures of 104+ degrees. Their second trip at Christmastime was complete with the snow storm of the century, dumping feet of snow on the city and bringing virtually all life in the city to a halt. This time... finally... somewhat normal weather! There was a little rain, but hey, it's spring in Portland.

After a little brunch at the VQ on day one, we took a little walk through downtown to head back to our apartment and say hello to Buckley.

Getting reacquainted with the Buckface

He was even nice enough to pose for a picture with mommy

Since Portland loves its happy hour, we decided to hit a couple spots for the oh-so-reasonably-priced food and drink. We headed to The Nines hotel to check out the Library, a sort of hidden little room in their lobby, full of books on loan from Powell's and all the free pool you can handle. And one truly bitchin' antler chandelier.

For the record, the girls won. Okay fine. It was the boys.

We then headed up to Departure, a pan-Asian restaurant on the top floor of the Nines.

Um, I was led to believe I'd be boarding Space Mountain at the end of this hallway?

Ultra-hip Departure

The rooftop patio at Departure

We called it an early night, since the 'rents were on east coast time and pretty spent from traveling. The next morning, I made one of the only things I know how to make - waffles. Yum!

What trip would be complete without showing off Buckley's latest tricks?

We headed off to Oregon's wine country for the afternoon. First stop, Archery Summit. Since Paul and I are members of their wine club, we get tastings for free. Woo! And to celebrate Paul's recent accomplishment, Dad bought a bottle of a fabulous 2001 Arcus Estate Pinot Noir. Uh, YUM?

In the caves at Archery Summit

On a recommendations from Archery Summit, we then headed over to DePonte Cellars. In addition to delicious wines, they also have stunning views and gorgeous grounds. Photo ops!

We then headed into Carlton, a little town nestled into wine country. The city is small - population less than 2,000 - but they know what's up. Their downtown consists of one main drag running about 2 blocks through town, and in that space they have wedged in tasting rooms for 18 wineries. That is a lot of wine tasting folks. Also, I have no idea why this paragraph is underlined, and I can't figure out how to turn it off. :/

Tasting room of Seven of Hearts in downtown Carlton. The husband runs the winemaking
business, while his wife runs a chocolate business, crafting chocolates specifically to go
with his wines. How cute!

The next day we were headed out to the Oregon coast, since my parents hadn't been there yet. What better way to start the day off then at Pine State Biscuits? Home of the best. breakfast sandwich. ever. I have blogged about this sandwich before. The Reggie Deluxe. Fried chicken, cheddar cheese, bacon, sausage gravy, and a fried egg, all piled up on a delicious, fresh-baked biscuit.

Jenny hungry! Nom nom nom!

To wake up from our food coma, we popped over to the Stumptown Annex, which is right down Belmont from Pine State. We were just in time for their 11:00am cupping, a daily coffee tasting that they invite the public to for free. Paul and I have done this before... a couple times... but it was a first for my parents. It's a very involved process, with smelling, and then smelling again, and then smelling again, and then tasting, but in a very particular manner that involves spoons and slurping. A good time was had by all.

Taking in the aromas

Then we were off to the coast! We stopped in Astoria, which turned out to be a drag (couldn't even find the Goonies house!), and then headed to Cannon Beach. This was Buckley's first time here too, and he loved it!!

A little beach frisbee

Mom was cold, so she turned her vest into a straight jacket. A good look eh?

Mom and Dad by Haystack Rock

By the end of the day we were so ready for dinner, we headed to our old standby, Rogue. We each ordered a couple beers, food, the works. When we were ready to pay our bill, we were told we were chosen for the Rogue Bailout 2009!! YES!! Every day at lunch and dinner, one table is picked to be bailed out, and the whole tab is taken care of. They took a Polaroid of us and asked us to sign the wall. It was pretty sweet.

Paul told me to write this. Seriously.

Our pretty picture now hanging on the wall.

Mom and I spent much of the next day shopping, but when happy hour rolled around we all met up at Portland City Grille, on the 30th floor of the US Bancorp tower (the "big pink" as the locals all it). It offers amazing views of the city... cooler on a clear day, but still pretty fun.

Downtown from the Grille

View of downtown and the West Hills

To end their mini-vacay, we all had dinner at Noble Rot over on the east side. This place is focused on wine (hence the name), so we knew it would be a good place to take our precious 2001 Arcus Estate to enjoy it.