It was a happy birthday!

We had planned to go to Paris but ended up in Portland and the Pacific coast instead. It turned out to be a wonderful weekend and a fabulous way to celebrate our 30th/35th birthday!

Emil started our birthday celebration with a treat to our fav Japanese restaurant on Friday night. Thanks Emil!

After a 3 hr drive, we landed in Portland, Oregon. Saturday morning, we visited Portland's farmer's market - great food, arts & crafts - check out the butcher knife through that man's head! Ouch!

After we got a massage in the afternoon, we visted The Grotto - a beautiful 62 acre botanical garden and shrine dedicated to Mother Mary

We were lucky to get in for dinner at Toro Bravo, a great little Tapas place recently named one of the top 10 restaurants in Portland.

After dinner, we did a little shopping (no sales tax! yoohoo!) before heading back to our hotel to enjoy a complimentary movie. We watched "Rush Hour 3" - it was as expected, worse than 2 which was nowhere as good as 1. Good thing it was free!

Sunday brunch and shopping in the cutest neighborhood called Nob Hill. Check out our most noteworthy purchase at a store having a Post-Halloween-Sale! 75% off!! Wicked!!!

 

Later in the afternoon, we drove 2 hours west, straight for the Pacific Ocean and checked into an adorable little inn right on the beach. We made a late night run to the store to fulfill Will's last wish on his birthday - mint choc chip ice cream!

We woke up to quite a view from our room! Cars were actually allowed right on the beach! Very cool.

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Guess what Will spotted when we were out driving and exploring the area..a baby bear!


Stopped for lunch then took a leisurely drive home along the pacific coast. It is more beautiful than we imagined. We are really glad we took the trip.