Family, Food, and Fun – Portland, Oregon

Our overnight in Portland was a chance to reconnect with family…namely Peepaw’s brother Steve and his wife Lucy. They met us with hugs, and a glass of wine to be consumed in the breathtaking beauty of their back yard. What a serene, peaceful place to collect our thoughts and reconnect with people we love.

Sis-in-law Lucy made us feel right at home the minute we arrived, and she had prepared some WONDERFUL dishes that night. She has promised to share the recipes with me, and when she does I’ll be sharing them with all of you!

We started with crackers and a fantastic dip to enjoy with that glass of wine while we caught up on each other’s busy lives. (Who says retirement is a time to slow down? Not the four of us!)

After a relaxing visit with Steve and Lucy, we were happy when our niece Amy and her husband Jefferson arrived to join us for dinner. 

And we were thrilled to be introduced to the newest member of our Oregon family…their son…Benjamin!

And let’s just say Ben’s shirt says it all…! He is a Doll…with personality galore! (Watch out ladies!)

So after hugs all around, it was time for dinner, and Lucy’s meal was absolutely delicious.

From the salad…

To the pasta…

We loved every bit of it. And the laughter and the conversation was the icing on the cake. (There is nothing like sharing a meal with people we love!)

When it was time for dessert, Lucy introduced me to another fruit I hadn’t sampled before. She served an amazing Marionberry cobbler.

Turns out the Marionberry is an indigenous blackberry developed  by the USDA in cooperation with Oregon State University.

I don’t think Benjamin cared where those berries were developed. He just loved Grandma’s dessert. And he was even wearing it…in his hair!

So after that amazing meal (and a quick wipe-down of Benjamin) we all headed outside to the park-like backyard. And Grandpa Steve gave little Ben his very first ride on the lawn tractor.

I sat on the deck enjoying the perfect Portland evening…

I remembered our too-rare visits to that same home when our sons were small…and Amy and her brother Matt were even younger. Those visits with cousins were precious…and much too rare. It’s hard to believe they are all parents now! Where have those years gone?

Such precious family time…

Niece Amy and husband Jefferson are both runners. (Remember…this is Portland…home to Nike!) and since they had a five a.m. race the next day they headed home early, leaving little Benjamin to spend the night with Grandma and Grandpa and with us. 

The next morning Lucy was up before the sun…and after she took Ben for a walk she headed into the kitchen. And it wasn’t long before Peepaw and I smelled breakfast.

Our noses were met with the smell of fresh coffee…and chocolate chip waffles!

Mr. Ben gave those waffles a  “thumbs up” as well!

(There is nothing like a sticky “good morning” kiss from a child to start the day off right!)

After that delicious breakfast, I noticed a family heirloom in the yard…

That dinner bell had once belonged to Peepaw and Steve’s grandfather. It hung on the family farm in Iowa, and it now holds a treasured spot in Steve’s yard. And I’m guessing it will one day be passed down to another generation for safekeeping. 

And all too soon it was time to pack up once again, and while Peepaw loaded the car I watched hummingbirds make short work of the nectar in the feeder outside the window…

We thoroughly enjoyed our family visit, and we were so grateful for the warm welcome we received. Wonderful new memories were created. So after hugs for Lucy and Steve (and an “air-kiss” for napping Benjamin) we hopped in the car and headed to wine country…McMinnville, Oregon.