Boxing Day

It is has become a family tradition for our Trio to set out on a local adventure in the aftermath of Christmas Madness. Our worthy goal? To wander around and find a new microbrewery. Last year we ended up at Ecliptic Brewery on Mississippi Avenue. This year we made a spontaneous decision to pack up a stroller and ride the MAX downtown to explore and imbibe. It was a glorious afternoon of strolling and discovery!

On the train

                                   

Cool things to see in the Pearl District--

Lovejoy Columns

Column paintings by Greek immigrant, Athanasios Stefopoulos

Another depressing rainy winter day in Portland (:

Digging these hearty planter plants

We made our way to a new brewery called Fatheads. Big bustling place with very good beer. I love that the restaurant loaned Mim an Etch-a-sketch to use while we enjoyed our beverages and nibbles.

Her creation, which she named "Whiffles"

Cute (wet) baby hand

The stout (and Tim's IPA) was very good, as was the giant pretzel with two mustards. Their kids' menu had pierogies with sour cream as an option -- Mim gobbled them up!...proving she may look Irish but she's got Eastern European blood pumping through her veins.

Swinging in a very urban playground 

Elephant in the background

Beer Bonus!: we stopped into Pints, a four barrel microbrewery, before we hopped onto our train to get home. Cute intimate space, brick building, twinkling lights, nice art.

(Is Tim in shock??)

We love that Miriam finds ways to entertain herself; here she is sorting out roasted barley, dark from light.

This description of the IPA is a little overblown; it was good but it didn't "shake Tim's belief in the IPAs he has been enjoying up to now"...

Seismic IPA and a Bourbon aged apple cider (distinctive, dry and tasty)

Miriam getting goofy

We love our new tradition and look forward to wandering, exploring and sipping again next year.

Happy 2015, everybody...