Testing this out.

This is my first post

A little bit of Portland

The truth is, I'm not the best sibling to my sister or my brother Scott--I'm sure they've wished for someone else more than once. We've had some real mean, knock 'em down, drag out fights. But, I can say with complete honesty, that I'm a great sister to my brother Mat-who knows why. Maybe it's because there's a sibling in between us or because we are so much like. I don't know. But, when it comes to Mat, I get his humor, his personality, his style and his determination to go against the grain. So, six years ago when he announced that he was moving to Portland, OR because, 'you can't be single and in Utah past the age of 24' it killed me. But, it was the best thing he could have done for himself.

Last time I went to Portland, Carter was five and Jensen was 2-ish and Anja didn't exist. Last week my mom called at 9 p.m. and nine hours later I was on a plane with her and my dad to go see Mat, Kellie and Kitten (Ginnie). Mat has found his way in the world working in some of the swankiest restaurants in the world--yes world. So, it was just a matter of time until he managed his own place.

These are the most amazing wings--and I don't even eat wings. We hit three restaurants in six hours--litterally eating our way across Portland.

It was such a sunny day (very unusual for Portland this time of year) I got a great picture of Mt. Hood from the Rose Gardens.

Then ended the night on the Columbia River for the boat light show. It was so dang cold! But I loved every minute of it. I even slept on Mat's couch--awesome!

Saturday morning breakfast was a 'gutt buster' with VooDoo doughnuts...

 Complete with a bloody (filled with red raspberry jelly) VooDoo doughnut.

And we tried one of their peach fritters (think apple but with peach).
It was a 30 hour trip I loved. I was home before dinner on Saturday.

Low-key Thanksgiving

To say it was low-key would be an understatement. We added a guest this year but it felt so strange to not have anyone but our family and the Bywater's around the table. Rich's niece, Stephanie who is attending BYU, came  up but other than that, it was simple and easy. Anja insisted on giving the prayer, which lasted five seconds and was three lines long:  bless the food, our family and we'll be good, amen. Guess that's what is important.

Chicago--American Girl Doll Store

Part of the fun of having a girl is going to the American Girl Doll store with your own doll and going shopping. Anja was so excited to take Ella (her Bitty Baby) to 'her' store. I told her she could have two outfits and one for herself to match--it was so hard to choose!

We ended up with purple dresses for everyone!

Then we were off for afternoon tea at the AGD restaurant. This was a real treat! Totally worth the ridiculous price to have tea with lots of little girls and their dolls and all the PINK!

 Scott said tea sandwiches just make him more hungry.

It was so much fun it was hard to say goodbye. Ella and Anja had an absolute blast. I love being able to do these little once in a life time things with my only daughter. Love her!

Chicago--day two

 Tiger got the majority of the loving from Anja. He wanted her attention so bad, but I think he was glad when we left!

 The three of us left Elsi at home and went into the city. We spend most of the day at the Field Museum--AMAZING!

 Anja is looking out on the City of Chicago!

 Playing music!

Anja took a picture of Scott and I standing on the steps of the Field Museum with the stadium behind us--and her finger in the picture!

Chicago!

It's a strange thing when the baby of the family has a baby..but that's what happened in September when Scott and Shelbi welcomed little Elsi Claire into the world. We were so excited. Before she was even six weeks old, my parents had made four weekend trips to see her. Unfortunately, it took me until October to see her. Anja and I hopped on a plane and the two of us set out for Chicago to see the newest cousin.

 Although the trip was labeled as a trip to see the baby, I think Anja secretly wanted to see Olive, the dog..

 ...and Copper and Tiger the cats.

 When Elsi finally woke up the next day, Anja did her best to 'play' with her--including introducing her to the wonderful world of American Girl Dolls--this is Ella (formally called Be-Be).

 The cats got a playmate during our visit. Regardless of their willingness, they played dolls.

 Anja had fun holding Elsi and feeding her. She left diaper changing to Scott, me and Elsi's grandma Ann who was also visiting.

 Oh yeah, and there was that uncle there too.

Funny thing about uncle Scott--he may have a baby of his own but he still knows how to have fun and make each of his nieces and nephews feel special when he's around.