My Portland Trip

I recently took a mini-vacation to Portland to see Renee, Brian, and Olive. We had a wonderful time. This photo was taken on the train I took from the airport to a stop near Renee's house.

I called Renee's cell the second I arrived at the station. She was on her way and would be there in a few minutes. I kept myself occupied by taking a few pictures of the area.

 Ah, there she is now.

 closer...

 Hello!

 On the way back to her apartment, I asked a very nice lady to take our picture. She was visiting her daughter too.

 So good to see Renee and Brian's apartment again.

 Now we just need to get the luggage up the stairs.

 I think Olive was glad to see me.

I was happy to see her too.

 Renee and Olive playing with one of her favorite toys.

 We are placing an order to Land's End. They had an outrageous sale on bathing suits. We each purchased two of them.

Olive just felt like hanging out.

Awww, what a cute family.

More play.

 Ready for a walk.

Another pose...

Renee has this amazing machine to prepare apples. I can't wait to get one.

 Olive is pretty comfortable.

 Renee, Brian, and I took a shopping/ restaurant trip.

 We saw this neat fence that had windows.

 We snapped a few pictures.

 This store had light bulbs, and I mean light bulbs. Two rooms filled from floor to ceiling with light bulbs. They even had antiques from the 20's.

We chose a wonderful Mexican restaurant for lunch. The food was fantastic.

 Renee and I ordered the chicken tacos. They were very good.

 

 This restaurant was very small but extremely crowded. It was a lot of fun.

 Brian kept himself amused with a little drawing.

Renee has some beautiful succulents in hanging glass containers. She recently had this one re-potted into a bigger space. Thanks Renee, Brian, and Olive for a wonderful visit.

Grampa's 90th Birthday Celebration

 We began our birthday celebration with lunch at Ocean Breeze. Carla and Mike, Tony and Paul, Margaret and Gretl, and Dad and I joined Gramma and Pa for a delicious lunch.

 We had so much fun talking and catching up.

All of the waitstaff gathered to sing "Happy Birthday" to Grampa. They love him.

 We then ventured to Carla and Mike's for the birthday cake and presents. Margaret and Gretl loved Carla's house.

 Regen is super excited to be here also.

 It looks like Paul is ready to go...

 Where's the cake?

We're so glad Tabby could make the party.

Of course, no birthday would be complete without a song...

 Grampa opened chocolates from Gretl...

 and candy and a purple watch from Margaret.

 Apparently it's not hard to find a card that has a "90" on it.

 More presents???

Now, onto Renee's gift.

Grampa really liked his new tie. All of the boys were jealous.

Grampa is amazed with his TV. He wasn't sure what it was at first...there were only people pictured on the box. I was so excited to give it to him.

 Regen camped out close to Gramma.

Happy Birthday, Grampa!

Carla's Devereaux Shower

Mike's mom, Denise, gave Carla a wonderful shower. It was at the Rochester Community House in a beautifully decorated room.

 The first game involved finding items in your purse. Debbie Kerr and her daughter-in-law, Kim, watch their tablemate hunt and win the game.

 Jamie and her mom are enjoying the party with baby Evan. Carla drove Jamie to the hospital for the birth.

 Sweet Evan is only 5 weeks old and already enjoying his first baby shower.

 The table decorations and balloons were so pretty. Each lady received delicious cookies in baby shapes.

 Great-gramma to be, Elfriede, sat with Mike's gramma, Ruby. They had a wonderful time.

 Jenny (Mike's cousin) brought her baby, Jacob. He is only 2 months old. Carla's little one is going to have a lot of playmates.

Mike's cousin, Sara, Mike's sister, Nicki, and Carla are discussing the gift opening procedure.

 The buffet was delicious. We had chicken, homemade lasagna, green beans almondine and a ton of fresh fruit. I felt like I was back on the cruise.

 Gramma tried a little of everything, so did I.

 Carla can't wait to dig in. She is eating for two after all.

 A bit more of this....

 I think Denise is sneaking in a little Gramma practice. 

 Carla asked everyone to add their thumbprint and name to the tree (from the last shower).

 Mike's cousin, Kate, is trying to decide how big Carla's belly is. By the blue yarn, Kate decided it's going to be a boy.

 Just some of the wonderful presents Carla received...

 The baby bath is from Jenny...

 The wagon and duckie things are from Debbie and Kim Kerr.

 This is going to be the best dressed baby ever.

 Gramma and I gave her breastfeeding supplies, two bibs, and a pair of shoes for the trip home. It was a wonderful shower. Thanks, Denise.