Early Sunday morning, I received a phone call from Lin & Ward. They invited our family out for breakfast. I declined, as everyone was still in bed & wouldn't be ready in time. I asked her for a rain check & told her to have fun.
Minutes later, I heard tires screeching & the consistent honk of a car horn - in our driveway. I ran to the window to see who was making all the commotion; and see the Kellogg family. The Kelloggs came inside and said they were not taking NO for an answer. We had to come to breakfast with them. Ward & Lia ran upstairs to wake Nas & Matty (who were not amused). Omid & I were still in shock - wondering WHAT just happened. The next thing we knew, we were (Remy & Jack included!!) on our way to
Tin Shed Garden Cafe for breakfast.
Favorite new PDX find!
Unfortunately, Lin & Ward neglected to make reservations and we had to wait for over an hour (in the COLD) for a table. The food was definitely worth the wait!
Waiting in the warm car.
Still waiting!
Omid, Jack, Ward, Amy & Lin braving the cold.
Jack & Remy - waiting for goodies.
I really want a bite of something!
I heard from a friend about a great new (& FREE) app called Instagram. Here's a photo of Remy at the restaurant before I touched it up with Instagram.
After Instagram!
Bottom line: We had a great time dog-watching at this restaurant! The food was super and I can't wait to go back for dinner. Next time, I will make sure to ask for a chair for Remy. He was definitely unhappy sitting on the ground.
Take one sheet of phyllo dough. Spray the sheet completely with Pam cooking spray.
Layer a second sheet of phyllo on top of the first. Spray it as well.
Bake at 350* for 4-6 minutes. Keep your eye on them as they burn easily.
Eat the ugly ones as a snack. Fill & serve the others. 
Favorite new PDX find!
Waiting in the warm car.
Still waiting!
Omid, Jack, Ward, Amy & Lin braving the cold.
Jack & Remy - waiting for goodies.
I really want a bite of something!
I heard from a friend about a great new (& FREE) app called Instagram. Here's a photo of Remy at the restaurant before I touched it up with Instagram.
After Instagram!
Here are just a few of the cute tags.
I found these cute cupcake liners at Fred Meyer. 
Nas' favorite cake: Funfetti!
Fun Fact & Money Saving Tip: Ask the bakery at your local grocery store for take out whipped cream icing. It's inexpensive (less than $5 for two 16 oz. containers) & tastes delicious! I also asked if I could purchase sprinkles. A 3 oz container in the baking section cost over $3 & the sprinkles weren't that cute. The bakery sold me a huge container (over 8 oz) for .56 cents!
Nas & Remy with the finished cupcakes.
Deliciousness!
The beautiful Grotto.
Elevator: 110 feet to the park above.
Meditation Room
Grotto Monastery
New last year: The Grotto Labyrinth
Fun Fact: I found out today that my friend Sarah got engaged at The Grotto.
Spotted in the park: a monk!
St. Thaddeus
Spotted near the elevator: a nun!
Prayer candles
Our prayer candle
No words needed.
Close up.
It was good day to reflect on what we're thankful for & for remembering the people/things on our prayer list.
The world's largest frying pan. Check out http://www.roadsideamerica.com/ for quirky stops all over the USA. I typed in Long Beach, WA. The site said Long Beach had TWO interesting sites. After we visited the frying pan, we headed across the street to Marsh's Free Museum. This store is home to Jake - The Alligator Man. A must see according to Roadside America.
Nas with the two headed calf.
Jake
It took a while to get into our gear. Clamming is a wet & dirty activity. I am always surprised when I see clammers wearing only jeans. Jeans are so uncomfortable when wet!
It was a gorgeous day! 
Our haul: 60 delicious clams!
