This is our first year living in a climate that experiences FOUR seasons. It’s amazing. Thankfully it doesn’t snow here (often) in Portland (okay, except lightly this year).  Winter here is mostly cold and wet/rainy. Otherwise it’s SO WORTH it, because the other season are unbelievable. There’s many “layers” of Spring here in Portland. I’m that driver that’s gawking at the (new to me) blooming tree or plant and either pulling over to gawk at it some more and snap some photos or making a mental or audio note on my phone so I can remember to plant it in my future yard (when we own our own home again one day).

Now it makes sense why this area of Oregon is so lush and green and full of life (plants and wildlife) hence all the winter rain. Anyway, this past summer when we moved into our current rental house we couldn’t figure out what kind of [weird] tree was in the front yard. It shed these odd looking things that looked like they fell off a tropical plant, kinda like pine cones, but not and way smaller. We kept awaiting blooms but nada. THEN…. late February all through march is EXPLODED in pink magnolia blooms. Mind you, the magnolia trees I grew up with had big white blooms that smelled lemony, weren’t nearly as abundant in blooms per tree and lasted a lot longer. I’ve never seen this kind of magnolia tree.  It was the most beautiful tree on the whole street (and it’s a long street). You could see it coming from a mile away. Amazing.  It’s too bad that these amazing blooming trees don’t last the entire season or longer. I guess that’s what makes them so special.

What a gift to experience this right out our front door and every time we pulled into the driveway! Here are some photos I snapped of Brady playing under the tree one morning (no he doesn’t always don suspenders, but what better an occasion than this to wear them?!) Also, BONUS –> the “Mail mail guy [lady]” delivered mail as we were standing out front. It was the highlight of Brady’s day. He announces every time he spots a “mail mail guy” around the city.