Why you should love Portland too:

1. a two-story IKEA! Tony, the kids and I found so many things we could use (read we LOVE Ikea because there are so many things we want, not need, but would find an excuse to have). Thankfully we have a small car which significantly helps our willpower. Although, Tony was able to squeeze in 3 cabinets, all of the hanging hardware, some knick-knack-patty-wacks and a couple of stuffies. (stuffies are stuffed animals. Tony does not see the value in something you can not build and then take apart, therefore stuffies really are a treat.)

2. Sunshine and the Oregon Zoo! It was a beautiful day to walk around a zoo. Unfortunately, we were not the only ones who thought so. None the less, it was a relaxing afternoon.

3. Great friends! We visited the Kurtz family. Monique and I have been friends since an intramural football league in college. She looked past my inability to play sports, we became roommates and lifelong friends. Our lives have followed similar paths. We both married our high school sweethearts, have two beautiful children and decided after becoming moms that we wanted to be teachers. She thinks I am crazy for teaching high school and I know she is certifiable for teaching first grade. Our friendship picks up where ever we leave off now matter how many months have past between conversations and no matter if it has been years since we have seen each other. It was wonderful to see you all and we can not wait until July!