Flutist in the making

The kids' school requires fourth graders to learn a musical instrument or to take choir.  We helped Lydia choose flute because it makes lovely sounds, but mainly because it is light weight and easy to take to school every Monday and Friday.  So far she has enjoyed playing it...whew!

She's go the positioning down at least

Hot cross buns

Swimming

Lydia had her first swim meet as a 9 year old, and thus, the youngest in her bracket.  She did well considering almost everyone was older than her.  I hope it doesn't discourage her though.  :/

Go, Lydia, go!

Two girls

Just two little girls, staring out into the horizon

Glam Squad

Dermalogica often times has girls night outs sponsored by other businesses to promote their products.  Tonight's event had a traveling hair and make-up team that did complimentary make-up, but all they really did was focus on a particular part of the face...mine was eyes.  It was fun and I had a little appetizer, since there was no protein this time, and once again, spent way more than I should have.

Promo board

Before my "cat" eyes...didn't take an after picture because it was way to foreign for me

Until April

Cora and I had an easy morning and took our time eating breakfast and checking out of the hotel.  Our terminals were at opposite ends of the airport, so we said our goodbyes and headed our separate ways.  My flight was a good hour after Cora's, so I had plenty of time to chill and have a nice lunch.  Though the spa wasn't a highlight, the food, the hiking, and the shopping were.  Thank you, Portland!

Final selfie of the trip

My cool waiting area

Farmer's market at the airport

Eat, shop, repeat

Jean left early this morning to Austin for work, while Cora and I stayed behind to take advantage of the tax free shopping.  We went to two totally different shopping areas and enjoyed some of Portland's finest.

The menu at Stumptown Coffee

Really good coffee

Obligatory selfie

First shopping mall

The menu at Salt & Straw

I had the best Rocky Road ice cream ever!

Shopping at local boutiques at Nob Hill/ NW 23rd Ave

Dinner at the most famous Thai restaurant in Portland...Pok pok

Spa Day!

We enjoyed a relaxing afternoon at River Edge's Spa, getting massages and facials.  The spa wasn't quite as nice as the ones we've had in the past, but the services were good.  Lunch was in our robes in a private room complete with champagne.  After getting ready, we took a mini stroll and then drove to downtown Portland for another happy hour.  It was a fun day!

Ready for some pampering

All refreshed and hitting downtown

The view at dinner

Voodoo Doughnuts for dessert

The craziest doughnuts you'd ever seen

Our selection

No knife?  No problem, a hotel key card cuts just as nicely

Two hikes and a happy hour

Today we explored the beauty of Portland by hiking two of its most popular trails to see Punch Bowl Falls and Multnomah Falls.  Each hike took a good 2-3 hours and we were nice and hungry after each one.  Thankfully, there was always good food that awaited us afterwards.

At the start

We heard some splashing sounds from the water...turns out salmon were spawning.

 A cool bridge

The narrowest, scariest trail I've ever walked; it didn't help that it was damp from the rain from a few days before.

Made to Punch Bowl Falls...there's the "upper" in the distance

And here's the "lower"

I had to climb over a few rocks to get this angle, but it was worth it.

Enjoyed some nice cold brew during lunch at a nearby brewery

Our second hike at Multnomah Falls was a bit more steep, but not quite as scary

Selfie at the top of the falls

Interesting caterpillar we almost stepped on on the way down

Well deserved cocktails

A feast for three for $50; needless to say, we were happily stuffed.

Portland!

This year's annual girlfriend getaway was finally here!  I waited longer than usual for this trip...18 months, when it's usually just about a year, so I was ready!  I took my first Lyft to the airport and arrived in Portland just before noon.  Cora's flight arrived just before mine, so she was headed to my terminal when we met up.  After grabbing the rental car and a quick lunch, we rested a little while at our hotel while waiting for Jean to arrive.  As soon as she walked through the door, we were pretty much off to the outlet.  We spent the next several hours enjoying tax free shopping and it was a great way to start our trip!

First glimpse of Portland from the sky

Power drink for power shopping

Texting and chatting

A little after work-out treat compliments of #todayinla

Thanks to my husband for texting me a picture right when I finished exercising.  I made a one block detour for half a scoop of chocolate ice cream.

Sophie used to freeze during swim class (mainly because she was too busy complaining and not swimming to warm herself up), but now she loves class so she can chat with her buddy Amelia.

Happy is the hour

Today I tried a new place for happy hour called Independence.  The drinks were pretty good and the food was quite tasty.  I think we'll be back!

Great drinks!

Leisure

After back to back birthday parties yesterday, it was nice to walk leisurely to brunch and spend the afternoon doing nothing.

Sitting on Sophie at Starbucks while we wait for our drinks; I guess I'm a little too heavy for her

Close up of her gap

Bumpy slide at Tongva Park on the walk home

Sophie's second

After such a traumatizing loss of her first tooth, Sophie was not looking forward to losing her second tooth.  Fortunately, big sister came to the rescue and the pull ended with a "smile"

First attempt

Seasoned tooth puller, Lydia, works her magic

Lydia's 9th Surprise Birthday Party

Lydia was expecting to have her birthday on Saturday since it was her actual birthdate, but I decided to move it a day early and "surprise" her.  With the help of her friends, we were able to keep the secret until the very end.  I must say, I am very impressed that no one slipped.  Of course, it helped that I didn't bother telling Sophie as she is horrible with surprises.

Waiting for Lydia to get home

Sophie was the balloon keeper

"Surprise!"

Dance party

The fan kept blowing out the candle

Cake and ice cream, though most kids just wanted the ice cream

My girls

Balloon fashion show

The girls love to dance!

Comp cards

Here are the girls updated composite cards with their new headshots (on the left) that we actually paid for this time.