July 4th...

... here's to the red, white and blue! After church, we picked Zac up from the airport on his way home to take his finals in Eugene. We had spaghetti and chatted for a bit before he headed off to home and studies. Since it was almost dark, we decided to head towards the waterfront to watch the fireworks. We jumped on the max train and wow! there were a zillion people roaming the streets of downtown and then getting to the waterfront ~another zillion! We arrived just in time to see the fireworks in full regalia, it was amazing and always seems to bring me to tears. I know it's silly, but just seeing the flag and the fireworks, the people all cozied up as families or sweethearts~~it just makes me get a big lump in my throat and I have to try hard not to burst into embarrassing tears. The fireworks I think, are launched from one of the tugs out in the water so it almost looks like it is coming from the hawthorne bridge. As always, Portland puts on such a great show for us who love fireworks. We decided to hang out for a little while to let all the zillion people load up, jump in their cars or the train and head home. We only live a short walk over the river so we walked along the waterfront and enjoyed watching the people, the boats and just enjoying something we loved when we lived here about 8 years ago. We decided to hitch a ride on the train but once we arrived at the Skidmore station we saw the train all jam packed with riders (more like sardines!) we walked over the Steele bridge and home. It was a perfect day to remember this incredible country we live in, to enjoy family and friends and to bask in this lovely city that we have missed. Aw, Portland... I LOVE YOU!