THE BEGINNING OF SUMMER

The pictures from my Memorial Day post were from previous years. This year we spent Memorial weekend in Portland with the family.

Dan got an extra day off so the three day weekend became 4 days. It was really nice because we had no agenda, except for Dan and Sterling to take Angi to look for a new car. They convinced her a single lady needs a convertible not an SUV. She test drove a convertible and completely agrees with them now. No purchase has been made yet, but I have a feeling it won't be long.

Dan and I arrived early Sat. afternoon. We were pleasantly surprised that our friends the Hanson's were in Portland too and would be joining us for a BBQ that evening.

I have to tell you it is sure nice to see my daughters doing the entertaining and cooking. I'm glad they both have the hospitality gift like their mom. I have recently passed down my 18 qt. NESSCO roaster oven to Dani. Angi wanted to know why she didn't get it, I told her because you haven't given me another son in law or more grand kids yet. Anyone know any nice single guys?

We enjoyed our dinner and company that night. After the Hanson's left. I suggested playing the WII. I had never seen how they worked. I tried my hand at a few rounds of bowling. Pretty much like my real bowling. A wicked curve ball. It is nice not to have to hold a real ball. I wouldn't be able to really bowl anymore. I use to be on a couple of bowling leagues. Back in my younger days.

Anyway then the grand kids had to SHOW me HOW to DO IT. They're so cute. Then they had to go to bed. Dani and Angi played a few games of tennis,that was hilarious and they did some cooking, it just looked like a lot of shaking and jumping going on. I was trying to stay awake.

Dan and I went to Angi's we usually sleep at her apartment.

The next morning was Sun. we went to Church together at Portland First. After Church we went to Hometown Buffet. It has kind of become a tradition I guess the kids love it, because they are allowed to pick whatever they want. They are good eaters so no problem with them not taking a variety. (I remember Dani at a Church potluck she was about Mercy's age 4-5 I checked her plate she had 5 different types of bread and rolls she was a carb addict way back then.) Mercy thought she would even try breaded shrimp this time. She liked it. Along with her mac n cheese and ham (which she calls steak). Then came the good stuff her dessert which mom and dad allow on these special Sundays. She picked carrot cake topped with chocolate ice cream. Yep chocolate. YUMMY.

After our Naz naps. We went to the (OC)Oregon City Nazarene Church. A previous Pastor we had in Brookings for 10 years is the Pastor there, it's about a 30 min drive on Sun. to get there. We enjoyed seeing him and his family and some friends of ours that attend there. After the service we all went together to a McDonald's that still has a playground indoors it was nice the kids played while we visited. Good times.

Monday was a lazy day. We got over to Dani's about 11 a.m. the kids played outside on the Slip N Slide and on the trampoline. The guys went car hunting with Angi.

That night Dani fixed a feast, we had her famous Coconut Thai Chicken a recipe she got from a friend, thanks Bethany. SIDE NOTE: If you want the recipe look at the websites on the right side for the love of grub.

She also had made home made pita bread. We had that later in the evening with hummus, while we played Canasta.

The next morning was Tues. back to work for Angi. Dan and I packed up. We went back to Dani's to say bye. Then we headed back to Brookings. Dan timed it so we would be in Eugene about lunch time. We stopped at The Roadhouse Grill yummy.

It was a great weekend.