Date NIGHT

My father, the hard working man that he is....had to fly away on business this week to India and Abu Dhabi. My mother came to play while he was away and entertain us. It's always a treat when Annie comes to town. The kids were counting down the days like it was Christmas. The first day she arrived Todd and I were pushed out the door to come stay a night downtown sans kids. Ok....twist our arms. We tried a new Marriott location on the Waterfront and loved it! Thanks dad :>

This was our view. Walking downtown is our favorite date destination. After checking in we put on our running shoes and carried two bags of books 2 miles to Powells Books to trade in. They were heavy bags! We got about $12 back and were thrilled.

Next we had the happy hour menu at PF Changs in the Pearl, went into Anthropologie and I tried on a few darling little jackets. Walked a few more miles through the park blocks up to PSU.

It was such a nice evening that we didn't want to head back to the hotel. Walking all over and talking it was so nice to be out with a best friend who also happens to be my husband. It's great to rekindle the love and funny sides we both have without the distractions and stresses of kids! We walked to Pioneer Square and tried out some plush mattresses at Macy's. Oh man....I never realized how bad ours our, now that I've lied on super expensive one's! Todd bought me a few PINK items at V.S.

Took a dip in the hot tub back at the hotel then went to Stanford's Restaurant which was just around the block for appetizers on their late night happy hour. Yummy.

Slept so wonderful....but fast. Woke up at 7:00 and did the run dad I used to do when he lived here. No disputing....this is the best run one can do in/around Portland.....am I right dad?

The Fall colors were in full swing and the morning was so quiet and peaceful. It is so rejuvenating to get the day going this way.....Ran 10 miles finishing across the Hawthorn Bridge from the East Bank.

After another dip in the hot tub and a big delicious complimentary breakfast we walked up to Portland State Farmer's Market....not to be confused with Saturday Market. This was a sensory experience. The setting could not have been more perfect. The leaves were falling, bagpipes playing and fresh produce everywhere you turned. Small pumpkins, fresh bread and green fried peppers scented the air. This was produce/products sold by the granola-organic-natural Oregonians. It's a whole different mixture of people to watch than you'd see at Saturday's Market. I love the eclectic mixture of people that make this city unique.

After loading up on some of the local fares we headed home. After the kids' games Annie took THEM (minus Brody boy) back downtown to stay the night. We took advantage of this fact and had some friends over for appetizers and games after Brody went to bed.