Memorial Day Weekend

Porter's not sure about all the wedding hoopla.

Corban, AJ & Maryanne

JJ & Jana and the gorgeous gardens

It as a busy and fun 3 days. The sun was shinning, it was warm and we had lots to do. Friday night, Al and took a long drive in the Spyder and enjoyed the gorgeous spring scenery. The hops are just starting to grow, the corn is about a foot tall and all the trees are in full bloom. We survive the cold rainy winters in order to enjoy days like this. On Saturday, we ran errands and worked around the yard. Al planted all our annuals and 5 big baskets of petunias and pansies. Everything looks so pretty. That evening we went to church and had dinner with AJ and Maryanne and Don & Cheri Suklis...always a good time. On Sunday, we relaxed until late afternoon when we drove out to the Oregon Garden for Michelle Gordon's wedding. The perfect weather and the beautiful gardens made a lovely backdrop for the event. After dinner and dancing, we headed home. Porter wasn't the only one who was pooped. Then today, our dear friends Jim & Paula Newman joined us for a picnic lunch at Schrieder's Iris Garden. If you've never been out there, pack a picnic and spend a couple of hours enjoying the beautiful flowers. They have lots of places to sit as well as plenty of picnic tables. Even if you just want to walk thru the gardens, it's worth the trip to Keizer. This evening, Maryanne's parents dropped by for a yummy BBQ prepared exclusively by AJ. He even made deviled eggs and strawberry shortcake. In my opinion this weekend was the perfect way to spend a holiday...surrounded by friends and family, celebrating a special event and enjoying beautiful Oregon in the Spring.

Paula and I enjoying a stroll thru the Lupine

Do Blondes REALLY Have More Fun?

As I write, Maryanne is doing Michelle Gordon's practice wedding hair do. Part of the look Michelle wants is achieved with hair extensions. Having been a blonde all my life, I thought I'd try a new look. What do you think?

Yikes!!!!

An Early 29th & 30th

Birthday girl Lauren with some of her lovely friends.

Last Friday night, Corban and Lauren invited their friends over for a combined birthday party. Corban was celebrating his 30th and Lauren her 29th. Both have early May birthdays but they will be out of town when their big days roll around. Corban grilled yummy flank steak and salmon and Lauren made her famous Ceasar salad. The rest of us brought side dishes. And I must say, we had some mighty good eats. Corban's sister Hannah took the cake (literally) with her amazing custom birthday cake. It was really great looking and it tasted fantastic. The predicted rain held off and we were able to enjoy the backyard and patio and some gorilla style badminton. I hope C & L had as much fun as we did.

Hannah's wilderness themed B-Day cake.

Corban, Jake and A.J

We're all waiting to pounce on the buffet table.