BEE BIRTHDAY

One of the best trips everah to Kelly’s/Omega. We were invited months ago to join in Bea’s big birthday camping extravaganza. Preparation/obsession started weeks in advance.  And thankfully my coworkers were along for the ride…

I started last Friday with an “eye on the prize.”  My goal was to embrace our tradition heading into camp-crack a beer at the top of the hill and it should really be completed by the time you make it into camp=goal achieved~

Camp was embracing with both Don and Bea’s individual family members+friends, like a million kids, one Kelleher blossomed into many and four dogs (who all got along great).  The first night was relatively quiet….we needed to set the stage for the next night.  I did break out my first purchase of LED lit juggle balls. Mike was shaming my mimimual juggling skills but his enthusiasim for their beauty was appreciated. Rich got his “drum on” but was oddly able to walk himself to the camper.

Saturday we headed to the Yuba River as a group (minus Overkill Bill).  Growing up close by, I used to go to the river when skipping school but really haven’t revisitied it in decades.  Plus I’m a wuss on rocks…but the exchange of beauty made it all worth it.  The dogs all embraced the river differently, but CJ was not a fan!  He found a place under a downed tree and stayed there most of the day. We found the pool to lounge in and the kids tromped up and down the river even with the Oak Tree crew ;)

And one minute I was sucking down my sandwich, next thing I know is I’m relaxing with my book with everyone around me….next moment (in my mind) I wake up with everyone gone except for Rich napping and Mark totally zonked out.  Next moment Rich farts himself awake and Mark sniffsnorts himself awake-we are too much. The river was magical and made me want to return soon.  Aliya led the troup of kids and the “elders” scoffed from afar. 

Saturday back in camp we started with horseshoes….and I had to breakout my second surprise…cuz if I didn’t do it now…I didn’t know when. So I put my Bee Costume on in celebration of Bea’s birthday…Rich put his Bee shirt on too (thanks husband for supporting me )but the fun was just beginning…I wanted to see how many people I could get to put it on. There were horseshoes and much dinner prep!  It was Mexican night with guac, salsa and the best burritos ever.  More juggling, drummer, Mason in Bee costume (hysterical), but Bea in said Bee costume (GOAL)!  Stories were told, “Cows with Guns” howled and really just a great time was had by all. Bea thanks again for including us-hope to do it again soon.  

Holloway Madness

You know you're up for a "great time" when greeted with a beer. Rich, Chi and I drove to the Russian River, day after the fourth for a mini vackay. The Holloways were kind enough to invite us to the "CABIN," so we packed our food, drink and song for what didn't disappoint as yet another Holloway Adventure. The day I arrived I felt my body slowly absorb the beauty, solitude and slower pace...but all that was thrown out the door when SpiderMANiac showed up. We were minding our own business, lounging on the dock when we were invaded...yes a new record=11 people (two dogs) on the dock!   All was good, but there was a untended child staying at the cabin next to ours that obviously didn't understand "boundaries." Like walking into the cabin, straight into our room and pointing out our Fireworks...lunging for them...only to be kicked out of the house as "off limits." Note that was not the only time for him to be kicked out. When it was finally dark we held our July 5th celebration fireworks extraganza! There was wine and beer drank, mac n cheese consumed and perhaps some theivery. Yes, Rich brought smoked ribs, three racks to share and left them in the cooler. Were they delicious you might ask, "well I don't know" cuz the flippen Raccoons gotz them. Not only did they invade my car in the frontyard...the muddy paw prints as evidenced only to get Chiso's dog treats...their major Score was that night with three racks of ribs. Brian and Lisa heard something overnight...a clunk, then a drag, another clunk and drag...that was those buggers getting them down the stairs.

The next day we headed to Goat rock where there was some surf fishing, Rich braving the waves and many happy faces.  Then for a treat we went to the Crab Shack for Chowdah...so flippen yum.

That night the gurls beaded and Elizabeth made her first pairs of danglingy earrings...but Lisa was eyeing them :D  RIch and I got to try their canoe with Chiso...Love it (did you hear me, LOVE IT) Then we started with CatchPhrase...yes one of our favorite games.  Blake was hysterical, from saying the "secret word" to these unbelievable pulls of exact answers.  And to see Brian trying to get RIch to say "rock" had my side hurting...airguitaring away. Over all I enjoyed laughing with Lisa, seeing Rich throw the ball around, Blakey crazy look in his eyes when he knows he's going to light another firework, Brian zealousness to "put the steaks on" and Elizabeth cleaning her newly pierced ears...all why Tucker is sleeping next to Mom, Coco's in her chair and Chiso has her ball in her mouth. Thanks for a experience that I'll remember forever.

the many faces of CatchPhrase

oh and gyro meat, Ouzo, Tahoe, Snow and one wild wine Robot! Love you Pyles!!!!