The trip to Oregon

It is good to be home. This was a our first full family trip - everyone went - Grandma, kids, my husband and me. If you've ever had to travel with a toddler my heart goes out to you. The first half of the trip must have seemed like a novelty to Cole because his behavior was a little restless, but great overall. The return trip was a different story. He's almost two and demands to be treated as an adult. Of course, he wants to be an adult who sits in his mom's lap, climbs across her chest and must pull her window shade up and down at least 100 times. Other than that slight quirk, he's a big boy.

Portland was like a tonic. It was soooo good to be on the west coast again - haven't been since 2001. It's definitely my preferred coast, and I love the Pacific Northwest, especially. Eight years in San Francisco instilled a love of the geography and of coffee! I had to get java at every opportunity, luckily out there (unlike my resident state of Maryland] there are plenty of drive-by java shacks, coffee houses and Peets Coffee (a favorite). The best coffee we had though, was at a coffee house in Tillamook, Oregon, just down from the Tillamook cheese factory. We had spent the morning touring the cheese factory and (unintentionally) playing in the surf at beautiful nearby Rockaway Beach. Before the long drive back to Portland, we stopped at this totally hippy, second-hand furnished, completely charming coffee house. The proprietor really took his time pulling the espresso shots. But it was worth it. It was just long enough to get a sweet and tasty brew. Fred and I agreed it was easily the best lattes we'd had in a very long time. Unfortunately, the name of the place escapes me - it took awhile to get the coffee and we took off as soon as they were ready. But if you're listening , big thanks!

Oregon geography is still sticking with me. I love it. How about you...any particular world spot haunt you (in a good way, only)? Let me know.