I realized last night that I hadn’t yet posted all the photos from my Brother’s visit way, way back in February. I blame this oversight on my crazy work travel schedule, Spring Break and the allergies – oh, the allergies.

I love cherry blossoms but hate that they’re slowly trying to kill me with their beautiful pink blooms. If I weren’t so vain, I’d skip the mascara in the morning and rub my eyes all day crying “WHY ME!!!” I know there are far worse ailments but, honestly, right now I feel like gouging my eyes out.

Sorry – sidetracked. Back to February.

My brother, Ben, his wife Emma and two-year-old Charlie came for a long weekend visit in the middle of their multi-city US trip. It was wonderful to see them and Portland did it’s best to make them feel welcome by raining buckets and buckets. I think it was nature’s way of saying “I know I’m having a great time ensuring Australia dries up into a shriveled prune, but look what I can do on the other side of the world! I’m multi-talented.”

Still, we had fun finding ways to keep three boys entertained. We dug the Toy Story box out of the basement, planned a trip to the indoor playground, saw the Lego Movie, did some shopping downtown and took a break for some ice cream on Mississippi. This wasn’t Ben and Emma’s first time to Portland so we didn’t feel the pressure of showing them the sights. Instead, we were able to relax and let the cousins get to know each other a little better. Thomas relished his role as the big kid, Samuel enjoyed not being the youngest for a change, and Charlie? Well, Charlie just followed them wherever they went and laughed at all their jokes. Friendships were definitely forged.

If all goes according to plan, we hope to get these boys back together again soon.

They’re all waiting to jump out and scare Kei.