Portland without Kids?

Ahhh, the day after Jeff took his National Boards exam we celebrated FOR REAL by going to Portland for a Decemberists concert.  We hadn't left Micah before this trip, so I wasn't sure how I was going to do.  Turns out we all did just fine--the kids being spoiled by G'ma and Papa at the farm, and Jeff and I having uninterrupted conversation.

On our way through the Tri Cities we stopped to see Julz in her classroom.  Such a fun impromptu visit!

We stopped at Pfreim's Brewery in Hood River for the first best meal of the trip.  Delicious food and brews on the patio and the cutest little restroom complete with complimentary diapers for forgetful mommies.  Cute enough for a picture--and I was so excited that I didn't have to change a baby here!

When we rolled into town, I texted my cousin Megan, telling her we wished she still lived in this town.  She texted back that she was newly engaged!!!  Such a fun memory!

And here was the concert venue--Jeff waited in line while I went back to the car to get my ID.  Somehow we got into the VIP room before the concert--what?!? they checked our tickets and we blindly went where they told us!--and when I came back to meet Jeff, suddenly band members came into the side bar room and we were talking to the artists.

 Colin Meloy, lead singer of the Decemberists.  They were holding a benefit concert to expand a school for kids with autism.

 Lots...

 …of…

 …bodies in a small space!  And lots of standing.  I felt quite old.  But great, great music. Even better live!

We continued to eat our way through Portland the next day…here we are at Kearn's Kitchen for breakfast…

 Oh, this was not an eating establishment.  I love this facility that sells recycled items for creative people.  I found a few treasures...

 …and here we're eating deliciousness from Salt and Straw…

 …por que, no?…

…and Ken's Artisan Pizza.  It was such a fun day in Portland to EAT.  :)  Powell's was in there too, along with accidentally being in town during the Torchlight Parade.  SUCH a fun weekend to celebrate being done with a stressful year.