This weekend was absolutely amazing. The first night we had in Portland we spent with friends and friends only as we rested from the six hour drive (whew!) and went to one of my favorite restaurants in Vancouver, Beaches. Amazing food, well done drinks and a great view of the water. The manila clams Nate and I had for an appetizer were to die for. But then, so was the company.
My mom got us a company room at the Hilton, which only made the stay luscious. The King sized bed and heavenly sheets increased recovery time by about 103%. Now I have a lifelong goal to someday my my bed that heavenly.
On the fourth we did July with my family. Both sides. We spent the day at my dad's with all my youngest siblings. I have an insane family. My oldest sister is in her 30's and my youngest brother just turned a year old. Nate spent a solid 2 hours playing basketball with my very athletic 12 year old sister. Watching your boyfriend and middle school sister trash talking each other over basketball is highly recommended.
We ended the day spending time with my mom and older siblings at the Hidden Bay Cafe in Portland. Its a great little restaurant on the water with burgers, beer, cheese dogs and some very strong coffee drinks I couldn't finish. My sister, Ashley, got a job there this summer (very jealous) and worked that night. Which was fine anyway because at least I got to see her during breaks. We watched the big fireworks show across the river. If you've never seen these fireworks in Portland I recommend it. They're massive and beautiful. And curling up in a blanket with your man and family over beer and burgers should never be underestimated.
We were going to leave the following day after breakfast, but decided to brave a night drive, and spend the day in Portland. I'm so glad we did this. Nate's never seen Portland. After a delicious breakfast of Kalua pork omlets and Loco Moco at Tommy O's in Vancouver, we saw my mom's new apartment in NW Portland which was unbelievably beautiful. We met up with a Navy friend he hadn't seen in years who gave a a great tour of PSU. I think I succeeded in making Nate fall in love with Portland like I've always been.
