I lived in Portland, OR for about 7 years. I love that city!
(Before that I was in Seattle which was much bigger. After living in Seattle, Portland was like a small town. So some of your experience might depend on where you are moving from!)
It is a WONDEFUL place to have small kids. I'm so glad I was there when my son was small. Lots of resources: zoo, children's museum, incredible science museum (all with awesome summer camps). Lots of green space in the city and surrounding areas, that is really accesible. Great bike paths along the river too. Plus you can drive out of the city and be in farmland in about 20 minutes.
I personally, lived in the suburbs west of the city (specifically Beaverton). IMHO better schools, better Parks & Rec departement (which is one of the most comprehensive I've ever seen. Tons of kids programs, adults fitness programs, camps, etc...). And the library....I LOVE LOVE LOVE the library there. Unless you like the 'city vibe' I personally wouldn't choose to live on the East side of the river.
The weather: I grew up in the Northwest so it was no big deal. Gets some rain...can be a bit dreary by the end of spring when you are waiting for summer. But summer is beautiful. July, August...totally lovely. Never really gets that miserable heat or humidity that some places do. And fall is quiet pleasant too. We spent lots of time outside in fall evenings. I would definately say the weather is better than Seattle. In my experience the weather systems in Seattle bump into the Cascade Mountains and just park there on the city. That can be gloomy. In Portland the weather seemed to move through the city (since there isn't quite the same mountains to the east). I never felt like the weather systems just sat there and parked on top of Portland for what seemed like forever.
I would totally recommend Portland and definately Beaverton!!
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