FRIENDLY REUNION...

Trains, trains, everywhere....

We spent a long weekend in Portland, and Ben had a blast. We caught up with our good friends Sam & Barbara and met their adorable little Miss Kate. As well, the Laird crew came in from the country, and joined the Hawaii/Baby Brigade reunion for the weekend. It was a real treat to see old friends with our own next generation.

We started the weekend off with a trip to the Portland zoo and wrapped it with a visit to the Childrne's Museum - a treat for the whole family.

Getting a lift from Daddy to get a better look at the monkeys.Our little book-worm in training reading on his way into the zoo.

"Ella!!" hollers Benny- very excited to see this large pachyderm.

A tractor ride at the petting zoo (we opted to skip the actual "petting" portion- those sheep looked a bit haggard/gnarled and less than interested in being man-handled).

The Baby Brigade met up Friday afternoon, let the catching up begin!!

All of the Mommy's and kiddos headed out on a stroll in Forest Park.Uncle Sam chuckling... can you believe these are OURS!?

Hanging with Uncle D like old times...Benny meets his littlest cousins, Kate and Jackson...

The next generation- yes, they are extremely cute! Aunt B hanging with the little ones.
On the way back home to Bend, we made a pitstop at Jess, Thad, and Jackson's new digs in the country... Molalla!! Really a cool spot. Benny hanging with Baby Jackson before we make the trek home. We miss you Lairds and Halls!! Wish we were all just a bit closer...