2 day get away!

My kids had a 4 day weekend, so I decided to pack the car and head to Portland, Oregon for the weekend.
We left Friday after school, spent waaaay to much time in traffic and pouring down rain, but made it safely after a very long drive.
If you don't know me personally.....I am super close to my older brother. We were typical brother/sister growing up, but in the last 10 years God has done amazing things to our relationship. My brother came to Christ about 10 years ago....his heart and mind were completely transformed, in only ways God can change a person. I have loved witnessing his passion and fire as he learns about this amazing God that loves us all so much....I am so grateful to God for my brother.
My brother is an airline pilot and is based in Portland. He lives right downtown in the city....once we parked my car we never piled in it again til we left Sunday afternoon. Marc has never been married/has no kids, so my kids are his subject of spoiling and love....it's so great...they adore their Uncle!
The first night we just stayed in....I didn't pull up til close to 7...so we were ready to just unwind....
The kids had all kinds of treats, only their Uncle gets them, all ready and waiting. We drank some REALLY good wine and had fresh basil, mozzarella, tomato and bread....for me it was to late to eat a big dinner, so it was perfect!
Saturday was a beautiful sunshiny day in Portland. We left Marc's by foot at 12 and didn't return til 5! We walked down by the river, all over the city, did a little shopping, coffee stops, etc. So fun! the kids did great and Hudson spent the entire 5 hours in his stroller and did amazing.
That night we walked to my brothers favorite sushi place.....
I have to say...coming from Gig Harbor and spending the weekend in the city...you realize how very sheltered we are. We saw many interesting, eclectic individuals. The area where we were at for dinner was interesting....lots of piercings, tattoos,colorful hair....its funny how the kids don't really notice the differences. Hunter did mention something when we were downtown that afternoon and across the street we saw a women on the ground drunk/drugged...couldn't walk...falling in the streets and on cars, screaming...it was really sad. We walked across the street on our way home, after dinner, and passed a row of drag queens, sitting outside this bar smoking and likely getting ready to perform...Marc and I were cracking up....the kids were clueless...and sorta wondering what we were laughing at.....
have you ever seen a row of drag queens all made up and ready to perform?? 
Oh my....you can't help but chuckle! 
The kids had so much fun and it was great for me to get a change of scenery (I think!LOL)
My brother and I always have a ton of fun...
I think Hailey and Hunter are way closer as kids than Marc and I were....I hope it lasts and grows throughout their lifetime ....your brother or sister will always have your back in life...I have learned that....that is huge in life!
Hudson was a trooper as always....his seizures are still very present...not clustering as much....a little less in numbers....but they attack. He slept great, and was a little angel!
Tomorrow...back to somewhat normal routine...Hunter and Hailey go back to school (they are in private)...because the public school are out all week, Hudson's home based therapies are off this week....I don't mind the break....gives me a little more freedom....and I can use some to try and get caught up on some stuff!

Thanks Uncle Marc for the FUN over the weekend!!!!!

Among the Ben and Jerry's mini ice cream cups, the white castle sliders, were the lemon bars only Uncle gets for the kids from Whole Foods...they think they are a slice of heaven!Lol

Coffee at Peets

Hailey fell down a grassy hill...I couldn't help myself but snap a picture!