Great Oregon news

After the initial couple of weeks in Vancouver, Graeme returned to Portland for a few days to support our friends on election day. To our surprise and delight, it was announced that a big court decision would be released in Oregon when he was in town. May 19, 2014 will be remembered as an exciting and special day - U.S. District Judge Michael McShane struck down Oregon's ban on same-sex marriage. Memorable day as many friends in Oregon now have the same opportunity to get married as we do.

We were moved by the words of Judge McShane:

"Where will all this lead? I know that many suggest we are going down a slippery slope that will have no moral boundaries. To those who truly harbor such fears, I can only say this: Let us look less to the sky to see what might fall; rather, let us look to each other...and rise."

Also, that day was a moment of reflection as it has been a long journey for Oregon. Graeme door knocked in 2004 with family to encourage voters to vote NO on Measure 36, which amended the Oregon constitution to define marriage as a union of one man and one woman.

So glad we can celebrate the true meaning of marriage this year.

Speaking of the polls, the big reason to be in Portland was to support our friend and officient Jules Bailey on Election Day as he ran for Multnomah County Commission. An important night for his career and the state, it was great that we could call it a victory shortly after the polls closed.

 As Jules gave his election night speech, he referenced the big marriage announcement from the day before.  He spoke about his wife, Jessica, being the "rock" in their relationship during this election cycle and shared the importance of the previous day's court decision on their own relationship:

"Our love...our marriage is stronger when it could be recognized by a community that celebrates everybody's love."

We agree.

With that belief, we are excited Jules will be standing with us to recognize our love, our marriage and our future together on October 19, 2014 (5 months after U.S. District Judge McShane struck down Oregon's ban on same-sex marriage).

Final weeks in Portlandia

Well, the last few weeks are a bit of a blur for us as we packed up our lives in Portland and began the move north to Vancouver to start our next adventure (thanks to Stacey's new job with lululemon athletica).

It was an exciting and sad time seeing our friends and family as we packed up. A few highlights:

• Exploring the PSU Farmers Market and visiting with our favorite butcher - Pono Farm & Fine Meat. We will miss seeing them every week at the market, but excited to visit their new restaurant in the Hollywood District in the coming months when we visit. Jowl Bacon wrapped Filet Mignon - yum!
• Attending the OLCV Eco-Prom with our good friend Jules Bailey. It was an honor to support him and watch him give the big pitch. We think Jules was just warming up for his big role in October in Ojai.  
• And a special visit from Scott Stein - he helped us move into our Portland apartment, so it was only fitting that he flew back from Washington DC to help us move out. Thanks for taking Daisy with you this time. 

Thank you to everyone who stopped by our apartment with food, helped transport Stacey after surgery (recovery is going well!), came by an event to give us hugs and well wishes. Portland holds a special place in our hearts and we will be back. More to come from above the 49th parallel soon. 

Who is going to be our first visitor?