August Shenanigans

08/18/08

This past weekend, Cade, Tucker and I enjoyed a weekend in Merlin, stopping first for an overnight stay at the Red Lion in Eugene. I enjoyed Thai food from Mekkala's and Cade & Tucker ate pizza poolside. Sean wasn't able to make it as he played in a baskteball tournament in Vancouver with Uncle Dennis (see Janice's blog), and is now in Springfield, Ill working hard.





We left Eugene Friday morning and the boys enjoyed their first (and likely, last) trip to Wildlife Safari. While we all had a good time, once is really enough to visit there. We saw lots of animals - lions, tigers, bears, camels, bald eagles, ostriches, giraffes, monkeys, etc... After W.S., the boys enjoyed a trip to Abacela winery with me where I tasted several wines for wedding gifts and bottles to enjoy over our weekend with Grammy, Big R, Uncle Randy, Auntie Sarah, Max, Jake, Baby Claire and GG.





We had such a great weekend in Merlin. Our biggest excursion included a Bloody Mary brunch with Dawn Welch, Larry Miller, Deb & Fritz. That set the tone for a weekend of food and fun around the Ealy pool where most of our time was spent. All the boys were angels and Claire is such an amazing addition to the family. Cade LOVES her! Cade's newest phrase is, "OK, first things first." Tucker's newest is, "didn't see that one coming."

All four cousins got to enjoy visits with GG (Great Grandma). She, of course, brought many things for the boys and they enjoyed THREE rounds of special gifts just for them.

After our drive home from Merlin, Cade & Tucker were very happy to go see Clone Wars with their Portland cousins, Ashe & Finn and Auntie Janice (once again, see Janice's blog).


We have been lucky that this is our second weekend we've enjoyed spending with the Ealy clan. Last weekend was Randy Jr. (Drew)'s birthday where we invited ourselves out to Colton to spend the weekend. Pam & Randy came up from G.P. and we all spent Drew's birthday in the country, once again eating and drinking and with the boys going crazy.






Speaking of Colton, we were introduced to Rock Band while we were visiting. OMG!!! I LOVE and can't get enough of it. The boys tolerate my singing and drum solos, but I'm sure would rather not. Sean, of course, wants nothing to do with it as he can't understand why we would pretend to play fake instruments instead of the real thing.





After a great weekend in Colton, we spent Sunday afternoon bowling at Grand Central. A great time had by all!