My Family Visits

First Night here...

Voodoo Doughnuts...

The Kennedy School...

Mom and Dad at Laurelwood...

Alex and I...
Mom and I enjoying our Gelato...

My free cake:

Matt discovers Photo Booth and we have a good loooong laugh.

Hello to anyone who happens to bother still reading our blog! I know the posts have been less frequent as the visitors have become more frequent but I can finally fill you in on the latest. 

On Saturday my parents and my brothers spent the day driving and got to Portland at about 8 at night. After unloading the car we went to the Horse Brass Pub for drinks and yummy appetizers. Sunday we all went to church together in the morning, followed by lunch at Muddies, and shopping on Alberta and Mississippi. Then we had Dinner at The White Eagle Saloon, a smaller McMenamins hotel/pub. My brothers were especially excited for the Open Mic night but after just a few opening songs we quickly understood that these people had no talent what-so-ever. We shared several good laughs about the interesting people who were performing and thought it best to leave before the finale and grab so doughnuts at Voodoo Doughnuts. Unfortunately the doughnut shop wasn't nearly as weird or happening as normal but at least we all got our doughnuts of choice. And no day would be complete with the Storm Family with out a game of Rummikub or Speed Scrabble. As monday rolled around we all eventually ended up at Palios for some morning bagels and coffee. Oh, and of course, a rousing game of Rummikub. I took my mom to the grocery store so to share with her the amazing-ness that is our New Seasons Grocery Store: the flowers, the food samples, and the cute miniature carts. Then the boys went there own way while my mom and I spent some time together shopping in Nob hill. To finish the day off we all met up at The Kennedy School for beer and Pizza (it's just one of those must sees) and unfortunately Twilight was our only option. None the less, we enjoyed ourselves. Again, more Rummikub. Tuesday comes and we spend another lazy morning at Palios and eventually make our way downtown to check out Powell's books and some more shopping. After getting stuck on some inconvenient one way straights we finally make it to the Chapman Elementary School, the infamous school that the Simpsons was based after. We eat dinner at the Laurelwood and get the most amazing gelato ever for dessert at a place called Alotto Gelato. Again, more Rummikub. Wednesday we have a lazy morning and my mom and I make breakfast for the family. For their last day in Portland we take them to "Old Town" to walk along the Willamette river and walk around Nob hill. We eat dinner at Deschutes Brewery in The Pearl District and settle in for our last night of rummikub and speed scrabble. Thursday morning we say our final goodbyes and now I sit at Palios documenting these busy 4 days over a slice of free cake. Yes, I actually got another piece of free cake (if only Wes didn't have to work he could be here sharing it with me.) The reason? The owner comes over to me as usual and places it by my side. I am bewildered and he smiles so huge and says "how are you? Did all those people stay with you both at your apartment?" I said "Yes" and he says "well, I'm sorry I don't have alcohol but here is a slice of chocolate-coconut cake." 

Dear Family, We loved having you all stay with us! I miss you already and can't wait for the summer when we will see you next. Thanks for driving all that way, we greatly appreciate you! 

Love from,

Katie