Portland Children's Museum

It's great living near a city with so many cool places for children.  I feel like we have only scratched the surface to what's around us.  Hudson and I met a few friends at the Portland Children's Museum on Tuesday (located next to the Zoo).  It's such an amazing environment for children to learn, discover and play.

 Brooks, Hudson and Kaden climbing the stairs

Peek a Boo!

Light area: this awesome  "Light Bright" board was a hit with the boys.  Hudson enjoyed pulling out and putting in the pegs. 

Watch out… there's a new driver on the road

Drama area: Hudson and his buddies had a lot of fun on stage playing instruments and watching the older kids

Brushing the alligators teeth

Water area: the boys were a bit timid, I think by summer they will be able to enjoy this area more

We already can't wait for our next visit.

R&R Inaugural Dinner

Boy did Shannon and I hit the Jack pot with husbands who like to cook.  Not only do they cook but they can cook gourmet, fancy restaurant style meals.  Last Saturday night, Matt and Matt went all out and served up an eight course meal… it was FANTASTIC!

R&R Inaugural Dinner:

February 22^nd, 2014

“Surf and Turf” Charcuterie

Tombo tuna tartare, short rib paté, marrow bones.  Accompanied by 

cornichon, pickled onion, house mustard, Asian pear butter, toast points

Potato Leek Velouté

Bacon lardons, rosemary oil

Roasted Beet Salad

Chèvre, roasted grapes, watercress, balsamic reduction

 

Seared Foie Gras

Pinot noir poached Granny Smith apple

Butter Poached Cod

Fresno chili, cilantro, sweet lime vinaigrette

Coffee-smoked Rib Eye

Roasted shallot, hazelnut carrot purée, mocha jus

Frozen Mimosa

Blood orange sorbet, Champagne granita, tangelo supreme

Chocolate Soufflé

Salted caramel cream

And if the menu wasn't enough… I've provided pictures of each course. Enjoy!

“Surf and Turf” Charcuterie

Potato Leek Velouté

 

Roasted Beet Salad

 Seared Foie Gras

Butter Poached Cod

Coffee-smoked Rib Eye

 Frozen Mimosa

Chocolate Soufflé

Baby William

Hudson and I visited my friend and her new baby boy last week.  Matt and I grew up with Brian, and that's how I met McKenzie his wife.  Baby William is so cute and is the sweetest little guy.  He has a full head of dark hair and beautiful olive skin.  I'm excited for Billy and Hudson to be great friends one day.

Hudson was gentle with William, until he started to shake the bouncer. :-/

After meeting two new babies in the same week, I definitely have a little baby fever.  

Peek a Boo!

Hudson and Lincoln are at such a fun age right now… there is so much joy in everything they do.  Both of them love peek a boo and they didn't disappoint the other day. Watching them play in the pantry, was about as cute as it gets.

Where's Lincoln and Hudson?

Where's Hudson?

They loved watching the video of themselves playing peek a boo

Baby Jaclyn

My good friend Mindy and her husband Clayton had a baby girl last week. Hudson and I visited Jaclyn and her parents in the hospital.  Little Miss J is adorable and oh so tiny.

Hudson liked petting Jaclyn's feet and then gave her a high five… so cute!

These two...

Our Valentines day...

Jackie and Jameson came over in the morning for a play date… Hudson and Jameson are best buds.  It sure is fun watching their little friendship grow.

Hudson started stroking Jameson's hair. :-/ Jackie and I both were laughing because Jameson wasn't bothered and Hudson continued to stroke.

It was not easy trying to get a picture of these two. This was the best one out of like, ten tries. Ha! Still cute of the boys in their red sweaters. 

Jameson gave a red, heart balloon to Hudson… he loved it. We took it outside for a few pictures and unfortunately the wind blew it away. At first Hudson waved bye but was sad when he realized it wasn't coming back. Poor guy.

Matt and I went out that evening to an Italian restaurant called Firehouse, it was a delicious. We finished the night with ice cream at one of our favorites, Ruby Jewel. It was a great surprise to see our friends, Brian and McKenzie inside. Crazy enough… they had their baby boy the next day. Yay!  Hudson is excited to have another best bud and I'm thrilled for another Momma friend.