In Which We Descend Upon Mercedes’s House

When we arrived in Portland, it was the middle of the day and All Roads was still in session, so we drove around a bit rather than interrupt Mercedes’s working day. We visited a coffee shop, Trader Joe’s, and then the Reed Campus. The kids fell asleep in the car and we drove around a bit more. I think there was more coffee involved. Finally we arrived as the last few children were being picked up at All Roads. It was a joyful reunion. Then there was diarrhea. Everywhere. Travelling doesn’t agree with one little member of our family. Mercedes and I renewed our friendship by mopping and disinfecting her new classroom. (Really, M, I’m still so very sorry about that.)

The next day was Friday and (after we woke up at 4 am and spent about 3 hours at Starbucks and driving around) Ruby and I spent the morning observing in one of the most beautiful classrooms ever. I love that place. It was so great to see Mercedes and Alicia in action again, and to acquaint myself with the other two new teachers. Chris took C to Powell’s while Ruby and I were at All Roads. We met Brent and Sally for lunch (Oasis Pizza taken back to their new condo). The day was ended with a lovely meal by Ben.

Saturday morning dawned bright and way too early for us, though we were beginning to adjust to the jetlag. Good thing Starbucks opens at 5 am. Mercedes hosted a brunch for us, and it was so nice to see everyone in one place again. Kim made some really delish eggs benedict (a recent obsession of mine), and there were bagels and cream cheese and salmon and all other sorts of lovely things.

This is Edison’s inside bike. Despite having full knowledge of this being an inside only bike he took it outside. Then he washed to wheels.

This is the old classroom, now reclaimed as part of Mercedes’s house. Jim and Edison are talking on the futon, Lauren is playing with Phin and Ruby is monkeying around on the rocking chair.