Summer. Finally.

The weather in Portland throughout the month of June felt more like fall than summer.  This all finally changed the first of July.  To quote one forecaster, it was "like someone flipped a switch" on the first and the heat wave finally hit us.  And I was SO ready for it.  In fact, I've been so vitamin D deprived that I have intentionally avoided using the computer during daylight hours. This of course means I am waaayy behind in my writing so here is a brief recap of all things blogable for the summer of 2010:

We kicked off the summer travel season during the last of week of June with plenty of mist and fog in Quilcene. All the usual friends were there as we enjoyed our first ever experience in a fifth-wheel trailer thanks to cousins Lynn and Blake.  They own a good piece of property on the Quilcene river and have offered it to us several times but we haven't been able to coordinate a trip up there until this year.  Lucky for us, we don't need to depend on Mother Nature to have a good time.

Side effects may include nausea, heart palpitations and fatigue.  Ask your doctor if Lumberjackin' is right for you.

The infamous Maura dance. 

James and Iliana.  Good buddies.

April, D. and me.  Three silly ladies.

It's always nice to see the Cains.  Even when Misty imitates my cheesy poses.

"No, I haven't seen that You Tube video... can you show me what I'm missing?"

"Why did I bring my phone?"

The birthday girl dons her tiara

The next weekend was a long one due to the holiday so we took another trip up North to PT to celebrate my sister-in law's 40th birthday and did she ever do it in style.  First we had dinner at Lanza's -- one of our favorite places in the world.  They serve excellent food in a charming setting.  Seriously people, it's worth the trip alone.  After we stuffed ourselves on pasta and wine, our plan was to head home for a bit of lounging and catching up with the in-laws.  Our plan was foiled, however, when the sounds of live music from the seedy bar next door filtered out in to the street.  Since she was already tipsy from the Chianti, Jaime sauntered in to the Uptown and proceeded to buy a round for everyone in the joint, even at the bartender's behest.  Matt and I had to chaperon for a while which was fine since the two piece bluesy rock band playing that night was actually really good. (Kind of a funkier version of the Black Keys -- I wish I could remember their name!) Luckily reinforcements arrived before I'd spent too much time on the dance floor and we could head home knowing our party girl would catch a ride back to her parents' thanks to her dear friend Reuben. 

"Duuuude, it's my birthdaaay!"

 

 

The next day, after overcoming mild hangovers, we continued the celebration with the extended family from Sequim.  We had a full on BBQ of chicken, burgers, oysters, and fresh Dungeness crab that started out sunny and warm and ended in the evening around a little campfire.  It was a great end to a great summer day!

Matt and cousin Julie.  It has only taken 14 years for me to be able to tell the twins apart!

Happy birthday to my sister!  She takes such good care of Narn and Dard, it was great to celebrate her on her b-day.

Aunt Nancy has her party hat on!

Even Shadd joined the party.

The next day we hurried home to another BBQ, this one in honor of Ryan and Sharon's engagement.  Yep.  Finally, after 18 years they are taking the plunge.  Unfortunately, I was so exhausted from the drive that my camera didn't make it out of my purse.  It it had, you'd see pictures here of about 13 of Sharon's nieces, nephews and cousins swimming in their pool and a huge spread of delicious food prepared by her various friends and family members.  We ate and drank a lot more before heading to Vancouver for the last BBQ of the weekend at the Bills' house.  We decided long ago that because the legal fireworks in Washington are so much better than Oregon, we never need to go anywhere but their cul-de-sac to get a good show.

...And the rocket's red glare!

The Courtneys do love their independence.

We spent the next few weeks getting ready for the annual Little Fan trip, AKA the Grandaddy of Them All. A separate post will be forthcoming to properly highlight this event.  Weather permitting, of course...