The past couple of weeks or so I feel like I have been living in the dark ages. No tv, and no internet make Katie go something something....(get the reference??):)

Yes, two and a half weeks ago we moved up here to Portland to be close to Dave's work. It's great because instead of driving an hour to work, he rides his bike in about 15 minutes! And it's a nice area. Probably too expensive to buy a house in, but for renting it's perfect. I hadn't even seen the place until the day we moved in and I was pleasantly surprised. Two big rooms, big living room, and new carpet, all for just under $700 a month. For the area, it's a great deal. We were able to find it through one of Dave's friends sister's who manages the apartments, so it worked out for the both of us. Hopefully house prices will come down more so we can afford something in the area. That would be nice.
So, since we moved up here we haven't had any television or internet hook up at all until today! We tried to get it hooked up the first few days we moved in, but I guess it's a busy time of year, because they couldn't squeeze us in until today, but at least we have it now so I'm happy. Poor Dave has been suffering probably the most, missing out on all his football games! And from what I hear he missed out on quite a few upsets over the weekend! And Oregon State beating USC! He was bummed about that one. But at least he'll get to watch Utah beat up on Oregon State this weekend! :) snap.

So in the past couple of weeks a few things have happened. Right before we moved one of my best friends Savannah came to visit me! It was so nice! And she told me about some wonderful news! (Hope you are feeling better!) We had a nice visit, and it was good to see someone from Utah!

And then last weekend, I finally after only 4 years of marriage, finally got to meet Dave's grandparents from California and one of his uncles! It was great being able to visit with them for a couple of days. They are wonderful, nice people and hopefully it won't be 4 more years until we see them again. We spent Saturday at George and Nancy's house visiting all day, and then on Sunday we met them up in Portland.


George's parents George Sr. and Betty, and his brother Frances


A Futile effort trying to get a picture with the grandkids


listening to Mark play


walking all over!



So now life up here in Portland is different, but good. I am a little frustrated with trying to navigate the area. I don't know where anything is and couldn't possibly try to follow directions at this point. Downtown is full of one way streets, so you try to get somewhere across the street but have to drive around the block a few times till you find a street that will go down that way. So it's a bit difficult if you've never driven downtown before, and I fall into that category. Hopefully I'll figure it out soon. But really....it's hard. I'm not just stupid. And you can't park anywhere in the city for free. You have to pay, everywhere! And if you try, they'll give you a ticket, even if you are in visitor parking at your sister in laws apartment that is supposed to be free but they give you a $70 parking ticket instead! Yep, even then. So although it's a very pretty city, I'm not entirely in love with it yet. I just hope I don't get distracted trying to find my way around driving that I plow over a biker, because they are also everywhere in the city. Portland's the most bike-friendly place! And they sure love their dogs too! If you walk a mile from our apartment you will see at least 5 businesses related to dogs, whether it's for grooming, doggy-sitting, doggy-walking, doggy restaurants, etc etc.....I don't mind so much because I love dogs myself, but it seems people in Portland love dogs more than children. That's alright by me, just not what I'm used to coming from Utah where, well, you know, there's just a lot of kids!

So anyway a lot to get used to. I like it, and I'm sure I'll like it better when I can drive somewhere without getting lost!