Spring is beautiful in Portland. We took a nice bicycle ride across the river and alongside cherry blossom trees. We also attended our family friend's daughter's 2nd birthday on this trip. We brought these adorable little milk chocolate creatures from Moonstruck Chocolate. I could only find a good shot of the donkeys (below), but we brought a herd of little cows—so cute! The birthday girl was delighted. She wore a pretty little green dress that reminded me of a Josef Frank print and house was decorated with paper garlands, much like the one above.





[1. & 2. millalove; 3. one_take_movie]

Today we leave for San Francisco where we will finally be on our way to the beautiful Redwood trees of the mountain and the warm sunshine of Napa Valley. I can't wait to celebrate M's birthday, see how F's girls are doing, and find out what Max has been up to. There's lots to do in S.F. too with a possible end of the week trip up to Portland to see friends.

[1. Jim Held 2. Jerri L. 3. dkkkkk]

Shortbread cookies cut into pretty flowers with flavors like honey lavender, chocolate orange cardamom, and brown sugar gingerspice--who wouldn't love these?

I saw a selection of cookies on offer at Whimsy & Spice on Joanna's blog and knew they'd be perfect to send to my sister T for her birthday.

[1-2. Whimsy & Spice Brooklyn Confectioners]