Long Weekend

So Paul & I spent a great long weekend in Seattle, seeing Pike Place, working on Paul's old Porsche still sitting in Dad's garage, and introducing him to a large part of my Dad's side of the family.

 My favorite thing about Pike Place is the flower markets. I suited up Pip in her Therapy vest and Paul and I headed to downtown Seattle. It was PACKED because of the rain but we meandered around until all three of us got claustrophobic and ended the day at the Seattle Kells. The cool thing was getting to see the new Seattle ferris wheel that reminded me of the Eye in London. 

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I was glad we got to make the trip up before training starts because it's going to be a while before I have another entirely free weekend.

Here is a picture of what Paul's car (1972 Porsche 914, 40mpg, jealous) will hopefully look like once it's restored:

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Helped bleed my first set of breaks as well as got a close up view of all the work that still needs to be done- weather stripping, speakers, really anything cosmetic. 

And then my cousin David was married last year and he brought his new wife to meet the family, Irish style- A.K.A. potluck with enough food to feed everyone 4 times over. Plus Paul got to meet and be introduced to the fam. where he wasn't the center of attention :)

How was your weekend? Plans for the 4th?

Adventure Continued

And so last Saturday the adventure continued through Oregon wine country. The first stop of the day was at Anne Amie Vineyards. Gorgeous and perched on top of a hill with a 360 degree view of rolling grape vines, the house is French estate inspired with great outdoor space and decent wine.

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Our favorite was actually the dessert wine. Usually I'm not a big fan, but the wine was sweet without being cloying and had a plummy finish to it. Planning on pairing it with a savory chocolate dish- yum! It was also a pleasant surprise to see a college acquaintance who works there.

Next we were onto Vista Hills and their tree house tasting room. The space was spectacular, wine was average. 

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They also provide horseback wine tours and lunch during the summer. The wine was too young to be good but the atmosphere was great and we closed the place down. 

Not sure where we're off to next, but the Carlton and Dundee area of Oregon is filled with great wineries. 4 down, 16 to go. 

Passport to Adventure

Paul and I are currently working our way through the Northwest Wine Passport and loving it! Taking a break from the brewery tour (for now...) and working on the 15 wineries included with the offer. Most of them cover two wine tastings and sometimes discounts bottles. 

Last weekend we headed to Dundee and tried The Four Graces & Erath wineries, both great & delicious. A great way to spend a Saturday. 

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It was a pretty rainy day- what better way to spend it than sipping wine?- so we thought we would be alone, but the old pre 1940's farmhouse was packed. 

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Erath was busy too with a bridal party (hint hint Mary) and we saw a few of Paul's co-workers who were out wine tasting too. Erath has a beautiful tasting room and some great wines- excited to have dinner with a bottle Paul bought. 

Next week we're heading to the gorge to Maryhill (one of our favorite wineries!) and maybe picknic if it's nice. Any weekend plans? 

Weekend Adventure - Staying In

I've been sick for the past week, so this weekend the plan is to stay in bed as much as possible, sit on my couch with tea and the heat cranked up watching reruns, and watch some new movies. One Day is the free movie on campus this weekend and it looks pretty decent, thoughts? 

Might have to leave the apartment for this one.
XOXO

Weekend Adventure [Bounce]

Tomorrow I'm taking my staff to Sky High Sports with the rest of the RHA to thank them for all the work they do in our halls. I am so excited because there are trampolines covering the entire place, floor, wall, (maybe ceiling?) foam pit, and dodge ball. I'm ready to jump around and be crazy!

Getting ready to bounce!

XOXO

Week Long Adventure

It's fall break, which is one of the best things about being at a Semester school and being part time staff, part time grad student- I get to take breaks with the students! So I'm off to Hawaii for a week with my Mom, Aunt, and Cousin for some much needed girl time and sunshine. 

See you in a week!

XOXO

Weekend Adventures

This weekend Paul and I are off to Astoria to learn how to blow glass. I am so excited to get away for the day and learn about how to make glass jars, mugs, and vases. So excited! 

I also found these online which I printed out for the car ride to keep us entertained:

I found them here at Sassy Print. Great for couples to reconnect.

What are you up to for the weekend?

XOXO

Camp Weekend

This weekend the AHDs, Jon and Alex were at camp with our new Hall Council Executive Boards learning names, programing, meeting facilitation, and fund-raising. It was a beautiful but HOT weekend and all in all I am so excited for the upcoming year with my Exec-Board and all of their great energy. 

 

Plus Camp Yamhill is simply gorgeous. In the Oregon wine country and completely cut off from cell phones and internet. 

 

Unfortunately  Jacque did not like the venture too much and now is a sad little Jeep with broken parts.So he's going and getting fixed today hopefully. All I know is I'm bringing plenty of things to do/catch up with to the dealership while I wait for him.

So here is hoping.

XOXO

Let's Go on a Hike

This past weekend Pip and I have been on a hiking craze. Mom and Baylee are at the beach so it's just Pip and I and I'm trying to keep her busy/entertained/exercised and the weather has been just gorgeous so we've been hiking.

Hike Log:

Friday we did about 6 miles along Lacamas Lake. It's pretty flat and easy and only 10 minutes by car from my mother's house in Vancouver. Plus my wonderful neighbor and her mini aussie came with us! Yay for catching up and getting exercise while the weather is still nice. The lake views alone make this a beautiful, peaceful walk. 

Saturday a couple of co-workers and I hit up Forest Park which is about a 10 minute drive from UP to hit up the wildwood trail. Forest Park has some of the longest hikes in Portland in a completely wooded and secluded area (we only did about 6 1/2 miles). This hike was a little more hilly and a great workout. 

Not sure where we're heading today but my guess is that we're going to do about 6 miles, it seems to be a good distance for both Pip and I. The nice thing about the hikes this weekend is they were both very dog friendly- as in garbage receptacles, safe trails (no cliffs, water to cross), and wide enough to hop off trail in case of other hikers wanting to pass.

What are you up to today?

XOXO

RA Camp

Just got back from a fun weekend getting to know the RAs at camp! Camp Kuratli is a Salvation Army camp somewhere in the woods that we go to every year to kick off RA training, play games, share talents, laugh, and bond. I still cannot find my camera's extra battery nor the battery charger, my guess is that they are together, so while I have found my camera it's currently dead. We did get our first staff picture though- coming soon.

Highlight of the trip was the impromptu dance party that happened at talent show/bon fire night. Way to go all you lone nuts and first followers. Social Justice Leadership at it's finest. 

All in all a fun weekend but excited to sleep in my own bed tonight! (Not that Sarah Kenney isn't a great roomie)

XOXO.

Happy Hour

AQUARIVA Italian Kitchen is a beautiful South Waterfront restaurant with a decently priced Happy Hour. Paul's lab had a welcome/sending off post work HH there on Friday during Vodka and Oyster night (yes, you're seeing this right- delicious!). With great cocktails and a delicious bar menu, Aquariva was an affordable choice and made a great evening after work. About 1/2 mile from OHSU Health and Healing Center it was a quick walk (even faster drive) after Paul got off of work. Would definitely recommend. 

Photo of the Bar

Beautiful outdoor seating

I had a mint vodka and pineapple drink that was refreshing and felt like summer. 

Enjoy exploring!

XOXO

Dog Days

Took Pip and Amy with Ashley and Jeff to the beach today! While it wasn't as sunny as yesterday, the cool, cloudy day was perfect for spending time running on the beach, playing some soccer and frisbee, and running in the waves! 

And of course we ate at Mo's. Cannon Balls with chowder and beer for all! 

Definitely need to go back when Sophie is older to have all three dogs playing in the sand. What have you been up to this weekend? 

Farmers Market

Today mom, our neighbor Danette, Pip, Baylee, and Chi-Chi took a trip to the Battle Ground farmers market to check out the booth hosted by our trainer. It was great to walk around the market, get out with friends and the dogs, and enjoy the beautiful day! 

I bought some beautiful plants, lemon verbena and thyme, for the apartment window herb garden. We also got a lot of free food samples for treats! I want to go back next weekend when summer fruit comes into season. 

Lovin' warm weather and activities outdoors! What are you up to this weekend?

XOXO

Weekend Adventures

So this weekend was chalk full of amazing fun. First on Saturday Pip and I attended the doggie dash in downtown Portland. It supports local humane societies and there are tons of fun activities and free goodies for both humans and dogs. Pip's favorite beside riding the max (one day only a year- so much fun!) was the frisbee exhibition. They have three different events, the 5k run, 2.5 mile walk, and 1.5 mile walk around portland. The saturday market was also going on at the same time, so Waterfront was full of fun distractions for Pip to work around. 

Then I headed over to Paul's for some homemade pizza and Abyss beer that he's been saving for such a night- delish!

Also, while watching Man vs. Food Portland edition, a friend and I discovered a delicious little breakfast spot off of 24th and Quinby that serves LARGE portions and AMAZING food. I would give it four spoons out of five. The Stepping Stone Cafe is about as Portland as you can get with a hipster vibe, a menu to make a foodie drool, and a soundtrack to dance too while eating through their famous mancakes. All in all a delicious weekend. 

I think we're going back some time next week where I will be sure to post pictures of the plate sized pancakes. 

Until the next adventure.

XOXO