Rock Star Grandma

Joanie did it again....she got tickets to a concert and we got to tag along....this time it was my sisters and Loo...who is an honorary sister. We got to see Kelly Clarkson- who is pretty dang talented. We also go to the happy hour together...which was pretty dang awesome :)  The picture below makes me crack up as my mom kept having her eyes closed in pictures so Loo kept telling her "Open, Open, Open"....and this is what we got...can't stop laughing....

Annemarie and the Kids!!!

Last year Annemarie was here with her son and pregnant...and this year she flew all the way back across the world with her son and the twins!!!!!!!!!!! To say that I have been ecstatic to meet them and to have one my favorite people in the world back in Portland is a large understatement. Maggie is also glad to her godmother back in town...especially when she brings really special presents.

Lodge on the River

Growing up, one of the families in the neighborhood that we were the closest too was the Strombergs. My mom and Sandy were best friends and they had three kids too. We played almost every day. Doug, the dad, was always a bit cheerleader for me and gave me so much advice and love growing up. As I reflect back on my childhood, I honestly feel so lucky as there are so many other adults, in addition to parents,who nurtured, supported and looked out for me...including the Ya Yas. Doug and Sandy now own an incredible place out in Wilsonville on the River. They threw an incredible party....with entertainment and all...Henry was an "assistant"....and I finally got to bring all three kids to have them meet them....and some of the YaYas were there. SO FUN.

Wine Weekend with College Friends

We had a pretty awesome celebration of our wedding anniversary this year -- we got to go to the Oregon Wine Country with friends from college. The two men that came out knew Mark and I when we met...which is 21 years ago...so we have long and fun history together. I have to say, every time we meet up with college friends I am just stunned how  easy it is to hang out together even though we live in different places and how funny and smart they are -- I am not really sure I appreciated how magical college was when I was in it, but now that I see the amazing group of people we were able to be with for four incredible years, I just feel so lucky. Thankfully, each is with a wonderful woman who is also funny and smart and can handle us reminiscing for hours.... Thankfully, this beautiful part of Oregon did not disappoint our friends from Vermont and Maryland. It was gorgeous, the wine spectacular, and the food phenomenal.