Portland, Oregon has always been on my bucket list. The lush green forests, the divine food, the craft brews, the hip culture, this city certainly was a city I HAD to visit sometime. My sister Catheryn and her new husband Michael moved out there last year from D.C. and needless to say, I WAS PUMPED. Even more reasons to visit now! Being it was Easter, they just eloped, and it was her birthday = a perfect time to visit. My other sister Jillian and her husband Brian also booked some tickets from Indianapolis to make it a family affair. Catheryn hadn’t met Ivy yet, so we HAD to bring her! Plus, I was excited for her to have her 2nd airplane ride (1st was to Scottsdale, AZ) and to see some new sights.

DAY 1

We started our journey hitting the town and ate at Tasty N Alder. DELICIOUS. We had a bloody mary and shared a bunch of brunch items. This was the best meal we had ALL weekend! As we chowed down, I got used to nursing in public, which is never the easiest, but Ivy took a little snooze as I was inhaling a fab meal.

Next, we dashed to some breweries – Rogue and Deschutes. We did a sampling of beer flights, and they were all so so good. We ended the night at a rooftop bar called Departure to soak in some views of the city.

DAY 2

The next day was our WINE TOUR of Willamette Valley. Jillian, AKA Master Planner, put together a list of wineries to go to and John and I were THRILLED. Ivy napped on the drive there so she was all rested and ready to have her “cracker tasting” at each winery :)

First up, was WillaKenzie. Pulling into the driveway of this winery was like a dream. The views were just majestic with lush green everywhere. So beautiful. This is a larger winery and I looooooved every wine we sampled. I took advantage of a firepit overlooking the vineyard and nursed Ivy. It was quite amazing. Usually nursing in public is in a corner of a bathroom or something, but this, this was a spot I could get used to. That fire, the trees, the vines, the grapes… take me baaaaaaack.

Proud Uncle Brian and Auntie Jillian! Lookin’ like naturals.

2nd stop, we hit Lenne, a beautiful building and scenery. Very intimate setting.

3rd stop was Saffron Fields. This place had architecture that was just incredible!

Ivy enjoying her cracker tasting

4th stop was the BEST stop. Atticus Winery. This was a very unique experience because it was not a business location, we actually got to go to their home for a private tasting. Their home was SO neat. Rustic country with a view that was to die for. Vineyards in your back yard?! Yes please! I’ll take 2. The woman was so nice and we pretty much took over her house. We brought our lunch – meats, cheeses, crackers, dips – all from Trader Joe’s, paired with some delicious wine samples, and this was the best hour we had.

Ivy finally got some playing time

After the wine tasting, we went outside to see the vineyard and it was just dreamy outside. We took advantage of the setting for some stunning family photos

The Keating Girls

Umb, could this be ANY more perfect. Eyes open, everybody’s looking, and everybody’s smiling, EVEN IVY.

Newly eloped!! Michael and Catheryn

DAY 3

The 3rd day we went to Irving Street Kitchen for lunch, then went for a stroll through Washington Park. The food was delectable and the sights were delightful. The park was extraordinary! Abundant trees and green, walking paths, and a rose garden (this would have been GORGEOUS if they had been in bloom) made for a sweet cruise through the park.

Only gourmet for baby ;)

Hey guys

Daddy slingin’ it

And that made the end of our trip, wine, beer, food, and family. Until next time Portland, xoxo.