Father's Day

Yes, homemade strawberry shortcakes finished off the evening in a delicious way. Before that we had some amazing steak cooked on the new grill.  Before that, we had to figure out how to turn on the grill. 

Luckily we still have Eric here, (that kid is not allowed to leave home, we'll be in big trouble since he's the one we rely on to help with anything from figuring out how to use a new camera to reading small print, to solving computer troubles to getting a new grill working). For Father's Day this year I told Keith we would buy him a new bbq grill, but I wanted him to pick it out.  Now that we know how to use it, I think we're going to like it!

 Most of the day was spent getting ready for the John Day River trip the scouts were taking the next day.  Everyone met at our house Saturday night to wash and load the kayaks onto the trailer. They are already packed full of boys stuff for the trip.

 Keith is trying something new this year with this float tube.  It should handle the rapids real well.

Happy Father's Day to a guy who's usually taking care of everyone else.  Sure love you, hon!

Richard Graduates!

After many rigorous years at the Seattle Art Institute, Richard has completed his studies there with flying colors!  He was busy impressing large crowds at the Portfolio Show held in conjunction with graduation.  Mom & I loved being able to attend the show held at Benaroya Hall.  Congratulations to Richard on work well done!

Grandma Hart's Birthday Bash

Birthday parties come in all shapes and sizes.  This year mom treated us all by hosting dinner at her house.  Then we played games into the wee hours of the night.  Paul and Wes were here for all the festivities.  For dessert,  I made mom's favorite, german chocolate cake, and then also threw in some cream puffs... just for fun!  Happy Birthday to a wonderful lady and a great mom!

Carson's Graduation

Congratulations to Carson!  A beautiful evening at Mt. Baker High School.   Glad we could be on hand to witness the celebration.  We're happy for him and wish him the very best for his future!

Ward Luau

Eric and some of the other brave young men in our ward performed the Haka war dance.  The war paint sure adds to the fierceness!

Jenna performed a lovely and graceful polynesian dance for us.

This wonderful family not only provided lots of entertainment, they also cooked 24 lbs of Hawaiian pork for the dinner, and made a large cake!  Thank you Fonoimoanas! 

Jason Kaopua and his son Ammon sang beautiful Hawaiian music.

Dinner was rice, pork, salads, rolls, punch and Hawaiian Dream Cake.

We encouraged everyone to dress for the occasion.

Hula Hoop contests and the Limbo rounded out the activites for the night.

Sweet Baby!

Brat Fest!

Uh, that's pronounced brought, as in bratwurst.  Yes, there is such a thing, and I saw it for myself in Madison, Wisconsin over Memorial Day weekend.  The weather was warm, the trees were green, and the food was plentiful and tasty.  After choosing either a brat or a double johnny, which means two brats on a hamburger bun, the real decision making begins.  There are about 10 different kinds of mustard to choose from!  The results were delicious, as you can see here:

There were other yummy foods we indulged in as well:

like funnel cakes and elephant ears. 

A healthier option that Katie took advantage of was the corn on the cob:

Sweet & Delicious!

And Eleanor was perfectly content to be carried around by Daddy all afternoon. 

This was a great afternoon of meandering around, enjoying the crowds and the food and music.

And a nice break from moving Katie and Josh into their new house:

It's a great place, and they will be very happy here!