Yesterday was hubby's birthday and we had a busy day. Here's a recap, especially for hubby's brother in So. Cal, who knew more about hubby's birthday than he did due to reading this blog!
The baptismal was lovely followed by a yummy luncheon. Everyone including the priest wished hubby a happy birthday. The kidlets hated to leave. Where else could they find approximately 30 other kids to play with at one time? I was amazed the family could not only pull something like this together right after Christmas with a week year old baby (and nine other children ages 16 years to 15 months), but invite and feed over 50 people in a spotless house. Only in my dreams could I manage something like that!
We ate dinner at a German restuarant in NE Portland called The Rhinelander. The Bavarian decor is charming. Accordian players stroll around entertaining diners with songs and they take requests. The food is tasty and the servings large. Cheese fondue is included with each meal. There's no way you can walk out hungry. Here's a picture of hubby with The Rhinelander's executive chef. Our charming waitress serenaded hubby with a song Elvis Presley wrote when he was stationed in Germany. She sang the lyrics in both German and English, not only feeding him a bite of apple struedel but dabbing a spot of whipped cream on his nose.
After dinner, we drove a few blocks east and went to The Grotto, a beautiful sanctuary dedicated to the Sorrowful Mother that is taken care of by Servite friars. Each year, the Grotto puts on a Festival of Lights. One of the highlights is beautiful life-size Nativity scene that was carved in Italy.
In addition to all the lights strung around the grounds, there is a petting zoo with bunnies, sheep, goats, a miniature pony, donkey and llama. The kidlets loved the puppet show about the Christmas Donkey. There are also carolers, biblical-time reenactments and concerts in the Chapel of Mary. The Grotto is a wonderful place to visit no matter what time of year you're in Portland.After the Grotto we drove through Peacock Lane, a street with charming gabled houses decorated with lights, figures, you name it. And then it was home for cake!
Hope everyone has fun celebrating tonight! I still have pages to write so that's what I'll be doing later. Though I will take a break for a glass of bubbly and a kiss when the clock strikes midnight!
