Here, there, everywhere

OK, we're here. Not sure what's out "there." And our stuff is still everywhere. But? It's all good.

We're one week into our new life in Portland, and it's been like trying on that perfect dress. You see it on the rack and think that it could be a possibility. Deep down you know it's the right one. You reach for it and as soon as you touch the fabric you start to fall in love with it. You take it into the dressing room and -- ta-dah! It's everything you hoped it would be.

So although we haven't quite worn our new dress out on the town yet, yes, Portland is a beautiful fit. We have quite the laundry list of things still to be done, like building a compost bin, furnishing our living room, installing a few shelves, etc. But we wouldn't be nearly as far along as we are without the help of my mom, who helped me wrangle Sofia and the two dogs on the flight to Portland, and then stayed with us for the first few days. Thanks, Mom!!

Yesterday marked one of our first excursions out of the neighborhood strictly for fun -- we went to the Saturday Market under the Burnside Bridge. Arrived just in time to see flamenco dancers, followed immediately by bellydancers (Gypsy Caravan, for those keeping score). Clearly, I was a happy camper, and as soon as Johnny spotted the food booths, so was he. It was a close call between Beirut, Africa, Thailand and China, but Beirut won out and he scored some excellent falafel.



Sof and her eagle eyes spotted the fountain/wading pool before I did, and just had to be part of the action:





It's not all quite sunshine and falafel, though. Our battles du jour include dogs busting through screen windows and digging holes under the fence, and a whiny, rashy toddler fighting off an unknown virus. It's nothing serious, but enough to make her want to be held every bloody waking minute. I just sigh, and know that this, too, shall pass.

Next on the agenda? We're not quite sure yet. We do know that a Ben Harper/Pearl Jam concert is approaching, so we're busily working on making nice with the neighbors/potential babysitters across the street...I think we will also bribe them with some salmon. Couldn't hurt, right?