Melbourne, Oregon.

Jen’s immediate family is not small, and is in fact closer to the population of a small country than the ‘parents and two-kids’ model that I grew up in. So after learning everyone’s name, a two-year process in itself, it was time to extend the circle and meet her Uncle’s and their families in Portland, Oregon. After our classes on Friday, we set off for Chicago, and after a quick stop in Denver, we arrived in Portland, looking as great as ever after a 14 hour trip on planes, trains and automobiles. While at night it was hard to get a feeling for the city, the following day I felt completely at home, and realized that I had arrived in the American version of Melbourne (yes this is bias…and yes Melbourne could be the Australian version of Portland…but I am writing…so it is as it is). We were welcomed warmly into Jen’s uncles homes, greeted many of the family from LA, and starting Saturday morning, began our whirlwind tour of Portland and the surrounding area.

It was an amazing few days, with all sorts of weather greeting us as we toured magnificentt waterfalls and scenic lookouts, the city of Portland and a possible school for Jen, as well as riding four-wheelers around Jerry & Wendy’s beautiful property away from the city. While staying with Luis & Christina, Luis provided background music for many of our adventures, as well as proving to be a most capable tour guide, complete with ‘hole-in-the-wall’ eating recommendations and cheesy jokes. Finally, Lucas and Kirsten happily set aside any possibility of getting something accomplished over the weekend, and were more than willing to provide us with hangovers to take sightseeing the next day. In all, the time went far too quickly, but thanks to the entire family, we were able to see so much in just a few days. Now it is back to reality…and the six-week countdown to the Christmas break.

Pictured: Scenic lookout and waterfalls; Jen four-wheeling; Portland.