Happy 80th!

We all went to Portland last week to celebrate dad's 80th birthday!

Here he is at 3 years old, back in Japan...

...and here is his modern day "mini me" at 3 1/2 years old! 

Uncanny resemblance!

We took a beautiful drive up to the Gorge, stopping at the Vista House for a look.

The Vista House was built in 1918 as a memorial to Oregon pioneers and as a rest stop on the historic Columbia River Highway. 

Cool building!

Then a stop at Multnomah Falls, the second tallest year-round waterfall in the country at 620 feet. 

Posers!

It was nice and cool here, a great escape from the hot city.

This was taken on the upper bridge.

A little reward snack for hiking up to the bridge.

We took the back road to Mt. Hood, which was very long, but very beautiful.

All smiles by the time we arrived at Timberline Lodge.

The lodge is beautiful - massive timbers, local artisans did the stone, steel, and woodwork throughout. A real gem of a landmark.

Uncle Tak and his favorite nephew.
 

Jiji and his favorite grandson.
 

We had a delicious dinner at the lodge restaurant, complete with an enormous cake for dessert.

Naomi and Maya told the baker to do a cake with Jiji drawing Mt. Hood - nailed it!

And an actual family portrait!!

A walk along the waterfront...
 

And some carnival action, set up for the Rose Festival!

And more snacks! 

Spoiled and sugared-up kids.

Naomi asked for help making Swiss meringue buttercream -  I was more than happy to help this budding baker.

The cupcakes, vanilla with a lemonade strawberry filling, were delicious!

The kitchen? A disaster.

We made a quick but awesome stop at the Washington Park Rose Garden, just minutes from Kara & Henry's house.

The roses were in full bloom and, despite the drizzle, it was gorgeous! 

 

The roses seriously looked like something out of "Alice in Wonderland!"
 

 

Photo not enhanced...these were so gorgeous!

We stopped to smell the roses, yes.

Just in love with the dogwood too!
 

We had a great time staying with the Alvarez family for a couple of nights too!

Saying good bye to Grandma and Jiji!

And in true "Portlandia" fashion, the outgoing carpet at the airport has a cult following. 

It's been in the airport since the 80's and is now being slowly replaced. Now that the beloved carpet's days are numbered, hipsters everywhere are laying claim to this iconic design. 

Haha...only in Portland!