Back to School

Hello to the girls in Park City. We loved the first day of school pix! We can't wait to hear all about school (and soccer). We miss you ladies.

Check out these beauties...the twinners are in kindergarden and their big sis GN is already in third grade.

Winternational

We made it to Amsterdam. Great trip so far. Very limited internet access.

WKF was a dream baby on the flight, he slept the entire flight (with a few snack breaks). The direct flight from Portland to Amsterdam was great. WKF even got a little bassinet which hooked into the wall at the bulkhead seats - it was amazing.

He is a bit confused by the time change. Poor little guy, he has worked his entire life (all 11 weeks) to figure out night from day...and then we swap them on him.

O has been very busy with work, WKF and I are enjoying lots of quality time in the hotel and out on the town. We are staying outside the city in a gorgeous little town called Bussum. (Bussum is to Amsterdam as Wellesley is to Boston. If you don't know Boston, what I mean is, the rich people live here). I have taken loads of photos of the gorgeous homes and gardens in this fab little town but I forgot my camera cables so I can't download them until I get home.

We are a quick walk away from this really cool walled village called Naarden Vesting (photo below). WKF and I have had fun exploring this tiny village. The village has lots of shops and cafes. We have had some great dinner dates here while O is off at work dinners.

Our favorite place is called Black. A few photos below. We have been eating outside, by the canal, although WKF is taken with the chandeliers inside (just like at home). Their Boulabaise is incredible...

We are a quick train ride into Amsterdam center (15 minutes), which we have done. Amsterdam is a great city, however, we are really enjoying life outside the city...few tourists, no backpackers, safe, clean, etc.

We are debating what to do for the weekend, we may take the train to Brussels or maybe to Paris. Maybe both. Maybe we'll extend our trip...

Think of us...

Here is the forecast for Amsterdam.

How do you say "Totally and Completely Perfect Forecast Yipee" in Dutch??

update: it was bugging me that I didn't know how to say it in Dutch...so I learned..."Totaal en volledig Perfecte Voorspelling Yipee"

Photo du Jour

Photo du Jour

Do You Blog? Should You?

Hey - If you read this (my blog in general, and this post specifically), and if you have a blog of your own, and if I don't know about it, will you send me the link? (That was a long and probably grammatically incorrect sentence...)

If you don't have a blog, should you?? Maybe you should start one, and then send me the link...

Play VKing

At last, the VKING website has launched. Check it out.

VKing is such a fun yard game. And this company is GREAT (green, vermont, socially responsible...).

If you have been to our place before, you have probably played. O and I got an early prototype (years ago) and we LOVE it. WKF was gifted an official VKing set and it is gorgeous. High quality, so fun, great packaging...it made a great gift.

Congrats to the fab entrepreneurs that got this going. When you are not traveling the world being pro athletes, you find some time to start a business...

If you end up buying a set (you should!!) after seeing this post...be sure to let them know I sent you. They are running a special...if you order because you read about it here, you'll get a limited edition autographed set....I heard that the autographed sets are worth 2x as much as the regular sets (but you'll get it for the same price if you mention "Portland Sunshine sent me").

7 Weeks From Today...

...WKF will welcome his GREAT grandmother to Portland. We are SO SO SO SO SO excited for her visit!!!!!!!! WKF can not wait to meet her. Get ready Portland, she is pretty great...

Next Time!

You all know my fear of hospital gowns.

Well well well... Check this out.

Brilliant, and so cute. Love the slogan, "Add some couture to your delivery".

Happy Monday

It is a cold and rainy Monday morning. The chill and dampness feels good after the 100+ weather we experienced last week/weekend. I bundled up the baby boy and myself and we went out to do some errands. I decided to treat myself to a chai latte, and decided to hit the drivethru Starbucks due to the rain and the fact that baby was cozy and sleeping in the backseat.

As I was waiting in line, I decided I'd pay for the person behind me as well as for myself, just to be nice on a rainy Monday morning. I have never done that before. I have never had it done for me.

So I get up there, feeling kind and good about my decision to buy the lady behind me her latte (or whatever she had ordered).

You will not believe what happened next. The lady working the drivethru told me that the lady in front of me had paid for my chai. WHAT?!?! How bizarre! Not only that, but she said that this has been happening all morning. A lady started it when they opened at 6am, and each person after her had been paying for the person behind them. Obviously I kept the kindness going and paid for the lady behind me.

I love when stuff like this happens.

Photo du Jour

Pep Talk

A litte pep talk before the vaccines...

Are Pegged Jeans Back in Style??

This reminds me so much of eighth grade. Is it (again) stylish to peg your jeans?!?!? Katie Holmes thinks so...

It took TEN weeks...

...but WKF is finally the same weight as his cousin Z$ was when she was born.

Olympics!

O grew up in a ski town, many of his peers went on to be Olympians (ski racing). One such buddy, our Gold Medal friend Julia, has the best gig ever in Beijing. I just saw her do a bit on the today show, which prompted this posting.

She is covering all sorts of random and fun stuff for NBC in a show called the "Olympic Zone" - through a series called "Julia's Must List", a list of all of the stuff she wants to do while at the summer games. Here is a link to all of the fun bits she has covered for NBC as part of this assignment.

Below is a shot of us with Julia from O's bday party a few years ago. Check me out with her Torino gold medal...I didn't want to give it back.

Julia is also keeping up her blog while she is in Beijing. Pretty cool stuff, check it out.

Dear Vincent

The passport arrived. WKF and I will be there soon.

Photo du Jour

Another Day at the Office

I love my new job. The girls and I strapped on the kiddos and went for a hike.

Chandelier Love

He may look like O, but he has my good taste. He just loves chandeliers. Especially my red chandelier.

Dear Passport People

Please process WKF's passport ASAP. We just confirmed our trip. We are supposed to leave for Amsterdam in 8 days...gotta get his passport...

WKF and I are going to crash Daddy-O's business trip because every 10 week old should see the VanGogh museum...

Baby's first...

...brush with fame

Paris loves WKF

Thanks Daily Mayhem for showing me this fun site!

New Store

Housemartin is a blog I love to read. Recently the brains behind the blog opened a shop in Portland. I need to check it out. So do you.

Shop details -
ink & peat is a organically inspired home and floral shop in NoPo. They carry fresh custom floral designs and plants as well as pillows, jewelry, candles, cards, bodycare, glass, books, ribbon, pottery, paper, totes, botanicals, handmade, garden ornaments, blankets, sweets, & paintings.

Hours: Tuesday - Saturday. 11am - 6pm.
3808 N. Williams Avenue — Suite 126
Portland, OR 97227503.282.6688

The Grass Is Always Greener?

Is it weird that I want to look into getting a fake lawn installed?!?!
No more yard work, no more paying dudes to mow, no more nagging each other to water, no more weeds, always looks perfect...

What is the downside of this??

Sip and Kranz

Their website does not capture just how special this place is. It's a coffee lounge which is set up to host play dates. The place is clean, well designed, has a fab and affordable Scandinavian-inspired menu (for kids and adults), complete coffee bar, is well located on Jamison Park in the Pearl District, has a well stocked playroom, and is buzzing with the most adorable kids in Portland (cute mamas too, and a handful of cute dads!).

It is no wonder that this hip little lounge has been featured in every local publication as well as all of the following major national publications:

Elle Décor Magazine


Cookie Magazine


Sunset Magazine


NY Times

Friday was my first day as a "Sip and Kranz" mama, and I loved it. I met 2 girlfriends there with their kiddos (WKF was not the youngest...his friend NT is only 3 weeks old!). I cannot wait for my next S&K date!

Mini funny confession - Initially I thought this place was called "Sip and Crayons" - which would be a cute and appropriate name too.

Update: here is a good review with pics

Urban Mamas

Why did it take me 9 weeks as a mama before I found this fabulous website?!?! Well, who cares, I am glad I found it! This is a fab resource for city moms (and dads) here in PDX. It has been bookmarked with love on my computer.

Pasted below, their ideas for this weekend. Can you believe we have this many options...just this weekend? Life is so fun!!!

If the weather cooperates, we are going to hit up the (free) gospel concert at the rose garden (Washington Park) tonight. I LOVE LOVE LOVE gospel music!

WEEKEND WARRIORS: August 8-10
Happy Friday, Mamas! Got a hankering for something yummy this weekend? The Bite of Portland probably has something to tempt you and you can always work it off Sunday at the Providence Bridge Pedal. Need some other ideas for fun around town? Keep reading (and check out the uM calendar)...
Friday
Activistas Playdate: Come talk parent activism (and drink coffee!) with the folks from Activistas. The kids can play while we figure out how to pass paid leave, get rid of toxic toys, and solve the health care crisis (just to name a few!). Airplay Cafe (701 E. Burnside), 9:30-11:30 am.
Puppet Stock: Join Penny's Puppets for a puppet show extravaganza. $3 per child. $5 adult. Moxie Rx (N. Mississippi and N. Shaver), 10:00 am.
Pirates and the Sea: Sing along with performer Alleyoop! as he shares songs of pirates and sailors. This interactive performance includes sea chanteys and stories too! Albina Library (3605 NE 15th), 11:00 am-12:00 pm. Also at the Midland Library (805 SE 122nd) at 2:00 pm.
Washington Park Summer Concerts: The Balkan Fusion Project (lively dance orkestar). Free, Washington Park Amphitheater Stage, 6:00 pm.
Twilight Criterium: Music, food, free kids bike helmets, and oh, yeah, those lightening fast bicycles racing around...and around...and around. North Park Blocks, Food at 5:00, race at 6:30 pm.
Saturday
Parents for Paid Leave: Get in on this very local, very grassroots, and apparently very effective movement to pass a paid family leave program in Oregon's 2009 legislative session. Urban Grind NE, 9:30 -11 am.
Airplay Cafe: If you missed the Activistas Playdate on Friday morning, here is another fun chance to check out this new kid-friendly coffee shop. Kick off your weekend with a free Family Dance. A DJ will be spinning music that will make every want to boogey, from toddlers to grandparents alike.10:00-noon.
Montavilla Kids Carnival: Games, music, puppet show, and free backpack and school supply give away. Montavilla Park (82nd and Glisan),11:00-3:00 pm.
Toy and Child Blood Lead Testing: An event you don't want to miss, especially if you live in one of Portland's homes built before 1978 when lead was removed from paint (a shocking 85% of us do). Free, Speilwerk Community Toystore, 11:00-2:00 pm.
Itty Bitty Beach Party: Water fun for the littlest pool goers (6 month-6 years, with parent). Includes a water parade, penny hunt, splash contest and more. $3.25 adults, $2.00 kids, under 2 free. Grant Pool (2300 NE 33rd). Pool 12:00-1:00 pm.
Portland Festival Symphony in the Parks: Amazing music in beautiful outdoor settings, 'nuff said. Grant Park, Sunday (with 3 Leg Torso) at Washington Park. Both shows start at 6:00 pm.
Washington Park Summer Concerts: Sanyu! An Evening of Gospel and Much More. Free, Washington Park Amphitheater Stage, 6:00 pm.
Sunday
Dove Lewis Birthday Party: Celebrate their good work and 35th birthday. Face painting, pet art (really!), llama photos, music and yummy food (mmmm, Cupcake Jones). Pioneer Courthouse Square, 4:00 pm.
Music in the Forest: If show tunes are your thing, you don't want to miss this free performance by the Westside Singers, set in the middle of beautiful Tryon Creek. 2:00 pm.

Princesses

I am not the only one in the family that seeks out opportunities to wear a tiara...

Here is Princess Z$ and her dog Princess Bailey. Keep it up Z, you make me proud!

Blackberry Season

August in Portland = Blackberries!!!!

WKF and I just picked a bowl of blackberries from the backyard. Yum.

Lovely Lunch with the Ladies

GS and MB, thanks for a fab lunch. I loved Pambiche, yum. I can't wait to bring O. What an interesting menu, I don't think I had ever experienced Cuban food before.

Now, onto the funny part. Check out WKF enjoying lunch under the half moon.

If you want a close up, scroll down.....

Keep scrolling...if you are sure you want to see it...

Voila...here it is....

Off to a good start...

Ah the morning run...

Ever since I got clearance to run, I have struggled to find windows of time to get it done. WKF does not have enough neck and head control to run with me (in a jog stroller) yet; so, I can't go during the day. I could go in the evenings, but we usually have other plans and/or I am too wiped out.

Today, Mimi invited me to run with her for an early morning run. I was excited! Before bed I laid out my running outfit. Shoes and socks were left by the door. I was ready!

However, WKF did not cooperate with that plan since he needed to eat at the exact time that we planned to run.

I need to thank Mimi for the idea of a morning run (before O leaves for work). After WKF ate, I put him back down and I was out the door for a quick run while O manned the baby monitor. Now that is a great way to start the day!

Mimi, I hope to catch you for another one someday.

We are getting this new life figured out...

Loving these Slippers

As you know, I heart cowboys. So it figures that I love these slippers!!! Aren't they fun?

Photo du Jour

The shirt is so right, O is so rad. We love him!

Baby Kanoe

I think this product looks pretty cool. I'd love to install it out on the front porch for WKF to take naps in.

Happy Birthday Papa F

WKF's Grandpere has a big birthday today. Happy Birthday!!!

Merci SC

WKF has a girlfriend, conveniently she lives right across the street! She loaned him this playmat...and he is loving it today. Thanks girlfriend!

Hula Hula

Am I the last to hear about Talula Does The Hula From Hawaii (who is really from New Zealand)? Unreal!

If you clicked on that link above you probably read the following names, which (along with Hula) were not allowed by the New Zealand government: Fish and Chips, Yeah Detroit, Keenan Got Lucy and Sex Fruit.

Perhaps more interesting, the names that were allowed: "Number 16 Bus Shelter" and "Violence". Yikes.

Bravo to the judge that had little "Talula Does the Hula From Hawaii" renamed! How on earth was the girl ever going to have monogrammed sheets and towels with that name?!

Funny Confession XVI

Every time we have a dinner party, I have to google "how to set a table" to figure out where to put the silverware...

Note, we are not talking fancy dinner party. I just can't remember what side the fork goes on, and where the spoon goes, and what about the knife, and glass....?

Another note, the above pix is just a random one I found online. Obviously my table would never look so boring...

Food Carts

Now that our D.I.N.K. days are over, we are more conscience than we used to be about budgets (ew).

Lucky for us, there are so many great eating options in this city - many of which are tres affordable (and baby-friendly).

One type of "restaurant" I have not yet explored, are the famous portland street carts. I hear that many are gems.

Here is a site that provides a guide to the many cart options.

Below is me at Moxie RX, one on Mississippi that I have tried, and loved.

What's up Doc?

Peapa, WKF's fabulous great grandfather, would certainly approve of this baby onsie. No doubt he'll smile down when I put this thing on WKF.

Thanks Uncle A! WKF cannot wait to meet you!

This and other fab onsies are available here at RetroBaby.