The Memorial Trip

Our life has been going at full speed for the last month. I've also had a hard time wanting to talk about our most recent trip to Portland.  As things are starting to settle down, I thought I'd share about our visit.  

Vanessa loved her hometown so very much.  This bumper sticker was on her car.  It became the symbol of our trip.  

Everything we did and saw made us think of her.  

baby Georgia smiles

Sweet Carolina

With Uncle Phil

One of the last things I did with Vanessa this summer was to paint our nails ombre.  I had done my nails in a coral ombre and Vanessa had done hers in teal.  I found the polish during our visit and painted my nails like we had done in tribute.  

One of the best things about our trip was seeing and staying with our friends Anna and Mike.  And apparently we all like to eat together.  Anna was a most amazing hostess and had coffee and Voodoo donuts waiting for us on the first day our visit.  Anna and I concurred that the "Old Dirty Bastard" donut was our favorite.  Check out the Voodoo website for other colorful names and flavors.  

On Sunday we went to a restaurant called McCrae's.  The menu was hysterical in it's descriptions of portion size.  They also had Hen House omelet's that were made with a dozen eggs!  We had a great time catching up with Anna and Mike.

Vanessa's memorial was so fitting.  Everything that was said about her was great and I wish I had a copy of what each person said to share here.  Truly great things were spoken.  I also don't remember crying so much at one place and time.

Vanessa and Doug's Toms

Toms were everywhere at the memorial.  Vanessa would have loved it and I'm sure there are many more children with a new pair of shoes today.  

Robin and her husband, Mark, took care of Georgia and Carolina throughout the service.  They are truly an amazing couple and I am so glad that they have been around to help Doug and the girls.  

After the memorial, we went to family friends' of Vanessa and Doug.  This picture was taken and somehow Phil looks small?  Go figure.  All of these guys and their wives make up a terrific support system for Doug.  It made me feel a little better leaving Doug and the girls in their hands as we left for home.  

Phil and I also had a chance to sightsee a little.  We first went on a walk around Sellwood, which is Doug's neighborhood.  One of our favorite places was Grand Central Bakery.  The coffee is amazing, as well as the baked goods.  

Phil fell in love with the "Snack Cake" from Grand Central.  He may or may not have eaten four during our five day trip.

This tea shop was next to Grand Central.

I also snapped a picture of the Sellwood Public House.  They hosted Vanessa's birthday fund raiser this year.  It was a cool little place.

We had the delight of seeing probably the worst spray painting job on the planet in Doug's neighborhood.

This little tea stand is in an intersection near Doug's house.  Doug calls the area "Hippie Corner."  This stand is a no host tea station.  I didn't help myself because I wasn't quite sure who was in charge of restocking and washing the cups...

Next, Phil and I drove into downtown  Portland to go to Powell's and do a little sightseeing.

All the while we were gone, I was missing these guys at home.  And as soon as we got home, I realized how much I was going to miss Doug and the girls.  Distance is hard.

Somehow, life continued during our sorrow and I know it will still go on.  A new season in all our lives is beginning, no matter how trying it may be.