Steam being let off into the woods from the steam train at the Oregon Zoo
Oh, snap! Andy had a big birthday on Sunday, and we had a truly magical weekend. Our niece Brooke and nephew Max and Andy's mom came all the way from Chicago to spend a couple of (too short) days with us, and we seriously painted the town. We rode the street car, went to Little Big Burger, read books at Powell's, sat by the river, watched an omnimax movie at OMSI, had dinner at the brewpub, went to the dog park, played games at Wunderland, made pizza, finished a puzzle, stopped (of course) at the Waffle Window, toured the zoo, and hitched a ride through the woods on the zoo train. Best birthday ever. Ever ever.
Zzzzzzzzz. Aunt Alicia needed a nap after that, must confess.
Today it is too quiet and too clean (and, er, too cold — it's barely made it out of the 50s in too many days to count). Everyone is back at home, and Andy's back at work. The house has been put back in order, the air mattress deflated and tucked away. Towels and sheets are in the washing machine, the dog is back on the sofa, smooshed up against me as I write, and the presents are stacked and organized. The French Open is on. And there is cake left in the fridge. Mini-post-celebration — cake for breakfast. I like it.
Happy Birthday, Andy! (Save some cake-for-breakfast for him, Alicia!)
Posted by: Amy Kortuem | May 31, 2011 at 10:12 AM
Happy Happy 40th Mr Andy. Life gets better now, or that’s been my experience anyway !~! May you celebrate for another 40 years.
Posted by: Lynda M O | May 31, 2011 at 10:15 AM
Happy Birthday, Andy! I hit the big 4-0 this weekend too!
Posted by: Amy Hodge | May 31, 2011 at 10:21 AM
happy birthday andy...welcome over the hill...alicia...don't wait, come on in, the water's fine....but i do confess just HEARING about the special weekend made me tired! oh, and if you are too chilly there, head for the east coast where today, we are looking for a record breaker of 100!!!! far far far too hot for may (or june, or july, or august for that matter!)
Posted by: sharon from farm and fru fru | May 31, 2011 at 10:24 AM
*H*A*P*P*Y* * *B*I*R*T*H*D*A*Y*!*!*!* to Andy from your pal in the gorge! You are a wonderful age, enjoy it - time moves so quickly.
((hugs)), Teresa :-)
Posted by: Teresa Kasner | May 31, 2011 at 10:24 AM
Please wish Andy a BIG belated HAPPY BIRTHDAY for me!!
Posted by: HeidiAnn | May 31, 2011 at 10:26 AM
I must admit, cake for breakfast is a hands down favorite. the happiest of birthdays to andy. ...to many, many more.
Posted by: Michael - Innkeeper | May 31, 2011 at 10:30 AM
Happy Birthday Andy! :)
Posted by: greenrabbitdesigns | May 31, 2011 at 10:30 AM
Happy Birthday, Andy. One of these days soon we'll have to drive 3 hours North and spend a fun weekend in Portland...seeing all those things we keep putting off. Oh, and I agree about the weather. I keep looking at the plants in the garden and hoping for SUNSHINE...
Posted by: Dianne | May 31, 2011 at 10:34 AM
Happy Birthday to Andy. It can't be that 'big'.
It sure doesn't sound like you need any ideas from your readers about where to go, things to see and do in Portland! You guys are doing it all!
Posted by: Hollace | May 31, 2011 at 10:35 AM
Happy belated birthday, Andy! Welcome to your 40s--they are AWESOME. Kicking them off with cake for breakfast is a must. xoxo
Posted by: irene | May 31, 2011 at 10:43 AM
Happy Happy Birthday Andy!!!
Sounds like such a wonderful day. Oh and birthday cake would tempt anyone at breakfast time.
Posted by: AManda | May 31, 2011 at 10:54 AM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY,ANDY!!! It sounds like you had a great celebration.
Posted by: shar | May 31, 2011 at 11:05 AM
Happy Birthday Mister Paulson.
How marvelous to celebrate with so much happy-happenings.
Posted by: Natalie VV | May 31, 2011 at 11:06 AM
Happy Birthday Andy! Life begins at 40 :)
Posted by: Chris Howard | May 31, 2011 at 11:06 AM
Happy birthday Andy! It just so happens that it was my sweet husband's 40th birthday yesterday. We also had a fun and family-filled weekend celebration.
(And I also have the French Open on right now too... but sadly, no more cake)
Posted by: nicole | May 31, 2011 at 11:19 AM
Happy Birthday to Andy! Cake for breakfast? SWEET!
xo, Cheryl
Posted by: Whosyergurl | May 31, 2011 at 11:23 AM
Happy birthday Andy..
Posted by: Lee | May 31, 2011 at 11:58 AM
Happy Birthday, Andy! Cake for breakfast is the best!
Posted by: Lisa | May 31, 2011 at 12:29 PM
Happiest of birthdays, Andy! Much much love coming y'all's way.
Posted by: April | May 31, 2011 at 12:32 PM
Happy birthday, Andy Paulson! Four oh sounds a lot better than four nine, which is what I'll be facing in July--though in my head I'm three five.
Posted by: Sharon D | May 31, 2011 at 12:35 PM
happy birthday Mr P!
Posted by: charlotte | May 31, 2011 at 12:46 PM
Happy Birthday Andy! I remember 40 fondly. 40 is great. Enjoy!
Posted by: Sara | May 31, 2011 at 12:51 PM
Happy Birthday! I celebrated the big 4-0 last month. Fun, fun.
Posted by: Lori | May 31, 2011 at 01:07 PM
***HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANDY!!!***
Cake for breakfast is the greatest thing ever!
Posted by: Julie G. in Iowa | May 31, 2011 at 01:10 PM