Chi Town

I spent the last five days in Chicago on a business trip. I can honestly say it is the most tired I have ever been in my life. I worked 76 hours in 5 days. But I had an awesome time thanks to the fantastic people I worked with and got to know, and the amazing event I got to host. Plus Chicago is pretty cool too.

Chicago is a beautiful city. Especially at night. I loved the tiny bit that I got to see. I am now an excellent drink orderer. Virgin Style. I got a lot of practice in. Let me tell you. Open bars all week long equate to a great deal of drinking.

Doesn't that look delightful? Sometimes late at night when you are deliriously tired, strange things happen.
I only got to go out one night, but I fell in love with Chicago. I cannot wait to go back on vacation when I can actually explore the city. I think I like it more than New York, even from the small bit that I saw.

This is the awesome team I worked with.

We had a beautiful cocktail reception at the Art Institute.

It was a crazy, busy and fabulous time. My work really knows how to throw an extravagant party. It was very cool to be a part of it. Now if only I could get a job in the communications department...aka the party planners of my company...

Witchy Women

A little pre Halloween party. Witches are cool.

Sunny weekends make me happy

There is nothing better than having two of your very best and oldest friends in town for a few days. We were so lucky to have perfect fall weather. So in celebration we headed to the coast. Aubri felt inspired. Titanic style. I know I have been to Cannon Beach about 1000 times, but I still love it.

Partially I love it because it is stunning...
And partially I love it because of the best little ice cream shop.
But mostly because of the ice cream.
We also spent some time at the Portland Nursery for apple and pear tasting. Yet another beautiful day. I love Portland when the weather is nice to me.

And just for fun...here is a photo of a guy doing pull ups on the railroad tracks at Multnomah Falls.

Not sure about him.

It was so wonderful to have Aubri and Carly in town. We had an awesome weekend and we got to see many old Olympus friends that have gathered in the pacific northwest {because this is where the cool kids live...just saying}.

I am more comfortable and more myself with these girls than anyone else on earth {okay okay, maybe Tyelr beats them, but only by a hair}. I am so blessed to have friends who have shared in literally every piece of my life with me. Love you both! Come back soon.

Punkins and Fall Drives

One of my favorite Portland activities in the fall is going to the pumpkin patch and picking out our perfect pumpkins. We have now officially made Plumper a tradition with three years in a row under our belts. I love this little farm. And we scored again with absolutely perfect weather. I took a stab at the pumpkin hurling this year. No success.
Next year. I will get it next year.Tyler made friends with the pumpkin cannon guy and got to launch the cannon. Suffice it to say he was very happy.Natalie was in town for a few weeks and it was so good to see her. We have missed her and Duane since they moved to the far off land of New Mexico. Natalie is a truly inspirational and wonderful person.
We love you Plumper. See you next year.

After being cooped up with rainy weather all day Saturday we decided we needed to get out of the house. After church on Sunday we jumped in the car and went in search of fall colors. The drive turned into a trek through the gorge. It is our favorite drive, especially in the fall. We were a few weeks early for any major fall foliage, but it was a beautiful evening and it felt so good to be outside. Vista House
Tyler snapped a few somewhat embarassing photos of me, but the colors turned out cool, so here they are. Happy Fall.

FNL Friday

I am so happy it is finally Friday. I am really looking forward to hanging out with all of my favorite new friends.

Enjoy your weekend!

Hello Fall, I've Missed You

I am happy to say I have finally quit hanging on to summer like my life depended on it.

I am in love with Fall. I knew that, but I had forgotten.

Our trip to the pumpkin patch is what kicked off my reminder, but today I finally re-embraced Fall.

The list is fraught with reasons for loving this time of year... boots, scarves, sweaters, crispy weather, pale blue skies, not to mention the fantastico tv shows.

Have you ever noticed how light is different in the fall? When the leaves start to change, so does the sun and the sky. I am not sure how to explain it, but I love it. Not to mention that when the temperature drops, and the crisp air comes out I can convince myself that I need a pumpkin spiced steamer daily.

I also purchased a vanilla pumpkin candle at Pike's Market a few weeks ago. I am fairly certain heaven will smell like pumpkins and vanilla.

I am wearing my saucy purple tights today and feeling very fallish.

And on a separate note, please tell me that you all love fall television as much as I do. Please? Tyler and I rush home, grab out sweats, throw together a pathetic dinner (leaving all dishes for tomorrow, or the day after that...and so on and so on) so that we can get in at least 3-4 TV shows before bed. I used to train for my half marathon, but that was before our DVR became laden with hours of television that we are yet to conquer. Our newest addiction? Friday Night Lights. Not sure how we missed this the first time around, but we are making up for it now. Last night we watched 3 in a row, and tonight I hope to do the same. And then the same again the next day.

And for my last thought, I only have one week until the much anticipated arrival of two of my best friends. 4 days of solid fun. Let the countdown begin.

A little coastal fun. Phase 2.

While the weather was not perfection, the beaches were. I loved Ruby and Rialto Beach. They are absolutely beautiful. We got a bit wet, but still enjoyed exploring the coastline.

Ruby Beach

Rialto Beach

I loved the pebble beaches. There were the most amazing brightly colored, smooth stones. These were some of our favorites that we gathered from the beach.

I love how unique the Oregon/Washington coastline is. So unlike any other place I have been before. And the beaches in ONP were not a disappointment.