Ashley's Visit

It has been one of those weeks where Monday actually feels like it was a month ago. That is what happens I suppose when you successfully pack your days full of ultra-fun, out-of-the-ordinary activities. One of my best friends Ashley Whipple has been touring the North West for the past week and a half. What I mean by "touring" is just that our other friend Rachelle lives in Seattle, so Ashley made the most of her travels and visited us both. I made the 3 hour drive North to pick Ashley up and spent the day enjoying cupcakes, coffee and burgers with the girls. The 3 hour drive home gave Ashley and I much needed time to catch up and well, I'll let the pictures tell the rest:

Meet Ashley and Rachelle:

Meet our cupcakes in honor of my birthday: Salted Caramel, Strawberry Shortcake, and Chocolate Coconut.

First breakfast and one of the only places open on the 4th of July:

Our 4th of July plans consisted of shopping, picnic, bocce ball and fireworks.
This is the vegan apricot pie with coconut whip cream that Nina made. So delicious!

Some familiar faces.

Ashley and I one the Bocce Game

For firework-watching we drove to the waterfront. After wandering around to find the perfect spot we happened upon these big window ledges a little ways away from the river. It was a perfect spot. We brought out the blanket and the beers and laughed a lot.

The gang on the window ledge:

The next day we decided to pick strawberries for a second picnic that would take place at the Rose Garden.

Ashley and I attempted to have a picnic last summer when she visited; however, two weddings were taking place on the day we went and we couldn't find parking. We were actually successful this time around. So after taking a trip to Pastaworks to get yummy cheeses, salami, olives, drinks and a baguette, we staked out a spot at the rose garden

And for dinner: Nuestra Cocina

Chocolate pound cake with Cinnamon ice cream

And for Ashley's last night in Portland we went to Sushi. And boy oh boy was it amazing!

Our last dessert together: Gelatto!

I promise you we did more than eat dinners and desserts. Though we do love good food!!! (But surely I don't have to tell you that?) I think one of my favorite parts of the trip was being the only two people out in the strawberry fields on a beautiful morning. Thank you Ashley for visiting. I am so thankful for the good weather and the good times we had.