BBQ: Noelle & Steve's

Here we are again with Steve doing all the work...well not really but it sure looks like he does from this picture does it? Ben played babysitter as Hunter's mom (Danielle K) and Grammy (Noelle) went to pick up cousin Landon. Picture from the deck above- Danielle K and Landon are back and they joined Danielle and Will in the back yard.

See, Steve doesn't work constantly. He and Mom are enjoying watching the kids play.

Korbin loves playing football but I think Logan is pouting about the last play!

Cooper is such a happy baby. What a cute picture!

Landon and Cooper are playing "peek-a-boo"!

The boys have been playing so hard it's time for a rest. But enjoy the quiet, it won't last long!

Time for Danielle to head to work. We get to keep Hunter til Matt gets here after work.

The boys convinced Ben to come play football with him.

Jessica and Rolo are keeping Cooper entertained.

Yeah- Ashley and Brady are here! {We weren't all able to be here... Allisa had a class today and Anthony was unavailable. Stevie had to work and Autumn had a sadder reason for not being there- Ainsleigh is sick. She will be in the hospital for the next few days to stabilize her little body. But she'll be okay- Ben and I stopped at the hospital on the way home to bring Autumn food. Ainsleigh is a trouper!} By the way, look at that yummy Key Lime Pie in her hands! Wow, they brought a lot of food with them.

They hadn't been there long when the boys recruited Ashley to play football. But they quickly turned on her and tackled her to the ground. Wait a minute, isn't that Brady's legs? I think he is standing there laughing!

{See part 2 of this entry for more of the boys' antics}

Hours and tons of food later, everyone is ready for a nap!

Especially Noelle. She smiles but she is a very tired Grammy!

Time for Danielle, Will, Logan and Cooper to head out. See you soon!

Mom and Korbin share a few minutes alone. SO CUTE!

What an elated face! Having fun with Great Grammy!

BBQ: Noelle & Steve's (Part 2)

You can imagine that they are talking about the chicken or the tofu or something pertaining to the grill. But that is not the case. I took this picture because I heard them say "no good can come of this. If we pretend not to see, they can't blame us." So I turned my camera to the place they were trying to ignore... It all starts innocently enough... moving a chair closer to the tree...

positioning it to just the right place...

trying it out for size...

Are you sure we should be doing this? I think this chair is too short...

a little teamwork is all it takes to get the job done...

look, it gets us so much higher up...

pull the other chair back around, I'll be on the lookout...

No good I tell you, no good... wait, turn around, pretend like you don't see...Noelle's coming, we're not getting in trouble too...

Grammy is reminding you that climbing trees when Landon is not feeling well is not a smart idea...

Grammy is going to move this chair back and I will return for you Logan. Don't think I can't see you behind that tree... And I will be back to deal with you two by the grill in a moment!

Peanut

Ben has a pet! Look carefully to his right on the middle panel and you can see him. He's the most adorable little squirrel. Ben's been feeding him for weeks and the squirrel finally is brave enough to let Ben get really close to him. At first Ben talked about using the peanuts to fatten the squirrel for gumbo but I know better. He is really Ben's pet now! How do I know?? Ben put out a blue peanut M & M and the squirrel ate it. (Ben loves M & Ms almost as much as he loves cake so it only figures that his pet would love M & Ms too!) You know how else I know?? I jokingly called the squirrel "Peanut" and the name has stuck. He's a pet!!!

BBQ: Ashley & Brady

Brady and Ashley grilled us the most yummy chicken and fruit kabobs. They marinated sweet onion, pineapple and chicken with Island Teriyaki Sauce. Add some Jasmine rice, some corn and black bean salsa and you have been served a magnificent dinner. Yummy!
Poor Buster, he had to stay locked in the living room while we ate. So sad! Never fear! "Bolt" is here to protect the house (and the ferrets)!

One more trick to prove that Buster deserves that diploma they gave him at obedience school! Thanks again Ashley and Brady for a great meal and a great time visiting.

Saturday Market

Time for a trip downtown! We got up early so Mom & Dad could pack (I have to share them so they're heading to Steve and Noelle's later). Then we went to Portland Saturday Market. It's got a new home- well that's what they say- but it's in the same place under the Burnside Bridge. It's just expanded. There was lots to look at ... Look how happy they are. I think it's because the wedding is over and they can relax now!

Look how funny my Mom thinks Steve's jokes are. Either that or she was laughing at his expense!

Noelle & Dad are much more serious.

I think this conversation had something to do with how Dad has been looking at houses for us that include "mother-in-law cottages." I'd love it if they moved back to Oregon!

Look how sweet...my dad and mom still hold hands after 50 years. Mom found some beautiful earrings made out of ash from Mt. St. Helens. After searching for just the right ones and learning the shop owner's life history, she made her purchase. How appropriate is this display? LSU is above the Huskies... now and in September! GEAUX TIGERS

Dad and Ben are admiring these really cool brass tubes with a glass ball intertwined in the tube. We were all fascinated as the tubes spun back and forth. So pretty in the bright sun! The best part of the day was the people watching. And there were lots of characters to watch including these! Portland has an unofficial slogan that everyone knows and everyone embraces. It's what makes Portland such a great place to visit and to live!

Before Mom and Dad left to go to Noelle's, we headed back to the parking garage. We passed the world famous Voodoo Doughnuts. It smelled so good but ... look at that line!!! No thank you, maybe another time!