When Annie comes to visit.....there is always a fun surprise in store. The first surprise would be the "mouse" in the girls room. I had picked up my mom from the airport at 10 p.m. and didn't tell anyone she was coming. Mother's get tired of "when is she coming?" and "how many more days", stuff like that. So the next morning, so as not to wake her at the crack of dawn with the kids....I told them there was a mouse in that room and that is why I had to keep the door closed. They believed me the trusting kids that they are.
This game is sort of like trick or treat. Each door that had an Elmo face on it boast a prize on the other side. Oh boy was Brody in hog heaven running around and loading up his bag!
Our favorite activity is staying the night downtown in a fancy hotel. Papa Trace started this tradition when he used to come into town on business with AMR. We stayed at our favorite Multnomah Hotel on 4th and Pine and left Brody home with Todd. YES! So much more freedom to roam.
Mom and I got the kids settled and went walking all around the Pearl and through downtown. We dined at a couple different spots, spliting Portland favorites of mom's, ending up at Powells books. While we were away the kids made it down to the Managers Reception for Nachos and Shirley Temples and we met them there before going to Pioneer Place for new church pants for Griff.
Having been loyal Amazing Race viewers I rememberd last season ending in Portland and VooDoo donuts being along the route. It happened to be kitty korner from our hotel. All these times we've stayed there and I never knew it....sort of a hole in the wall. Interesting menu. Open till 3 a.m. and it was hopping all night and the next morning a line around the corner!
I made these cotton candy cones as a treat while the girls watched Titanic up in the room after we swam.
I took Griffin on my favorite downtown run early the next morning. He is such a little runner and did fabulous! I love that run and was able to show him all the various districts and sights Portland has to offer.
We made it back in time for a hearty complimentary breakfast. My favorite is the omlet lady. She even rememberd me from the last time we stayed there. Egg whites with all the veggies she can fit, well done.
Kids sure love breakfasts. At least ours do. It's the highlight of the day for them. They swam after breakfast.
While they swam mom and I went for another walk along with water, up the stairs to the Broadway Bridge and to the Pearl district.
View from the Bridge with Amtrak Union Station in the back.
I joined the kids for a hot tub while the swam and then it was back home to soccer games and taking Annie to the airport. We had such a fun visit!
3 comments:
What a fun visit you had from Annie. I'm sure the reaction to finding out that she was the "mouse" was priceless. I'm glad you were able to do so many fun things even though the weather wasn't the best.
That is awesome that Griffin goes running with you. He must be a fabulous runner!
I had the best time. The best. Your Dad can't believe it has been so long since he visited. We can't wait for august.
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