Happy Birthday to Me! : )

We celebrated my 39th birthday with my best friend in the world, Leslie. Our family was invited over to Mark and Leslie Hughes' house to spend the day. My wonderful husband bought me my very own kayak and I love it so very much!!! Leslie wanted to make me my own special birthday dinner and this is what she sent me a few days before the celebration...

Dear Mrs. Neyman,

Thank you for choosing the Hughes Hillside Bistro for your birthday dinner celebration. We are looking forward to a memorable evening! Please take a moment to review the following menu suggestions. Feel free to combine dishes to create your perfect custom meal and if you have something in mind that you don't see on the menu, just ask. Our Chef is more than happy to accommodate special requests.

All meals are served with fine wines and end with our famous Tres Leches cake.

We can't wait to hear back from you!

In celebration of YOU,

Executive Chef Lester

The Grill

Your choice of steak grilled to perfection then topped with blue cheese & grilled mushrooms

Red garlic mashed potatoes or baked potato

Green Garden Salad

Asparagus

The Nor'Western

Grilled Salmon with Basil butter

Artichokes with dipping sauces

Wild Rice Salad

Garlic Bread

The Crab Feed

Cracked Crab with warm garlic butter

Corn on the Cob

Cole Slaw

Warm Rolls

The Sea O' Plenty

Seafood Fettuccine (prawns, clams & scallops in a garlic alfredo sauce)

Caesar Salad

Garlic Bread

Little Italy

Rustic Sausage & Basil Lasagna

Italian Chop Chop Salad
Minestrone Soup

Garlic Breadsticks

The Asian Grill

Teriyaki Shrimp & Veggie Kabobs

Thai Style noodles

Asian cabbage cole slaw

The All American

Grilled Hamburgers or Chicken Burgers (available with grilled pineapple, mushrooms, blue cheese, avocado, bacon)

Hand cut french fries & home made tartar sauce and fry sauce

Choice of salad

Me and Leslie on our first kayak adventure together! I had to get the lipstick on before I hit the water.

my new kayak that I got from Marty. We all had such a wonderful day together. Love you guys!

Crazy Moms taking 5 squirrels bowling

Leslie and I decided that it would be a good idea to take the kids bowling. The kids had a good time, it was just a little too early in the day for Leslie and I to have a beer to make the experience a little less painful for the mommys! : )

My Momsy took me to Wicked the musical for my birthday! I loved, loved, loved it and can't wait to see it again someday!!! Thank you Momsy, you are the best. I love you.


After seeing Wicked we stopped at the CORNELIUS PASS ROADHOUSE & IMBRIE HALL for a Ruby. The house is a very old farm house which was bought by McMenamins several years ago and converted to a restaurant and pub. The house use to scare me when I was a child, go figure!!!

Lil Cooperstown

We enjoyed a most excellent dinner at the new restaurant that my sister Sandie works at,
Lil Cooperstown. Great food.



Avery enjoying her taco salad.
Paxton had mini burgers and mini hot dogs.

The Doziers + Petrone = Good Times

My friend Sheila is going back to school to get her RN. She finished her first course in Micro~Biology with flying colors. A great feat considering she is working full time and a mother of two boys. We celebrated with a flank steak grilled to perfection thanks to her husband Tommy. We topped this off with shots of Petrone. Good times.

The kids, Thomas, Corbin, Paxton and Avery enjoyed a bowl of ice cream after dinner.

What a cute couple!!

Another End to Wrestling Season

Paxton had another great wrestling season this year. He took second place at the Kitsap County Wrestling Championships this year. He is getting better and better every year. We are so proud of you Paxton.

Crownhill Science Project 2009

Paxton got 2nd place at the the Science Fair this year. His project was "bouncing eggs." He soaked eggs in white and dark vinegar for a few days and wanted to see how much they bounced. It was a stinky project!!! Oh I am glad that the Science Fair is behind us for the year.

Big Marv

Marty's former student Marvin Williams came to one of the BHS basketball games to retire his old BHS jersey #24. Paxton has been the ball boy at several of the home basketball games this year and wears one of Marvin's old jerseys that Coach Lindberg gave him. When he heard that the jersey was going to be retired, he asked his dad, "Does that mean I can't wear Marvin's jersey anymore?" and was relieved to hear that he could keep and continue to wear Big Marv's jersey.

Orlando 2009

Marty and I took the kids on an awesome 10 day vacation earlier this month. We went to Orlando, FL and enjoyed all of the Disney theme parks. We went to Magic Kingd0m, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. We went on some wild roller~coasters, saw some amazing animals, took in several great shows and had a super fun time.

Paxton next to a large can of Play~Dough in "Honey I Shrunk the Kids."

Paxton and Avery at Hollywood Studios.


The kids playing around in the parking lot while waiting for our shuttle.
Paxton and Marty after we all went on the Everest Rollercoaster. It was wickedly crazy. I spent the entire ride soothing Avery, which actually helped me from freaking out myself!!!
Flamingos that we spotted on our safari ride
Our Safari bus
We went to Rafiki's Island where they have one of the largest animal hospitals in the world. We actually got to observe the doctors perform a surgery on a small gazelle. She made it through her surgery without any complications.



Avery on Marty's shoulders while waving at all of the princesses in the parade.

We enjoyed our front row seats to "Off Kilter" a Celtic band that we all enjoyed.







Enjoying a couple of sweet treats at the bakery in Holland at Epcot.


A very, very wet ride that soaked all of us.


Some of the animals that we saw on our safari tour

Some crocs catching some rays

Avery and Marty went on this dreadful looking ride "Hollywood Tower" where they went up on an elevator and dropped several stories!!!

My Mommy's Hummingbird

My mommy sent us a picture of one of her loyal hummingbirds. She looks like a very sweet gentle soul; her name shall be Helen Hoyt, the hummingbird.

Home For the Holidays

Winter came early this year. And it is STILL snowing! We went to The Erickson's house for the annual Christmas boat parade on Phinney Bay. This year there was only about 5 or 6 boats, but it was great. Eric had a roaring fire down by the water that kept us warm. Late into the night, we all headed back to our house and went in the hot tub and we soaked way into the night. The Ericksons headed home on foot about 3:00 in the the morning. Good times.

Avery, Paxton and Carter took turns running around in the snow in their swim suits. Paxton ran in the snow all the way around our house in his swim trunks and Avery was went for a little swing on the swingset!

Me getting ready to hit the great outdoors.

Making Christmas cookies.

My Sweet Baby Aves

This past weekend we went back to the same Christmas tree farm in Seabeck that we have been going to for the past several years. We decorated our Christmas tree when we got home with some of our favorite ornaments. This is one of Marty's childhood ornaments that we always find a special place for on our tree every year.

Paxton, weapon in hand, helped Marty cut down the tree this year.

Avery was so happy with our tree she just wanted to give it a little hug.

Thanksgiving 2008

This year we were able to use Marty's parents beach house for Thanksgiving. My parents joined us as well as Sandie and Bruce. We had a real nice time. Cheers!

The last night we were there we headed down to the Pub on Lake Lytle to watch the Civil War game. Oregon won and the Beavers didn't make it to the Rose Bowl. Maybe next year.

The "Kids" enjoyed playing at the arcade downtown Rockaway.

Sadly, we didn't get to spend too much time on the beach. The only time it was nice enough to go down to the beach, the tide was way too high. And the waves were wickedly phenomenal.

My mummy and dadden

We played lots of games of Yatzee and Scrabble. Who is the Scrabble Champion??? Me!!

My sister Sandie, posing for a picture? No not Sandie.

Avery enjoying a little R&R watching a movie on her special bed.

We brought the bikes and Avery is officially training wheel free!!!!!!!

Catching Crabs

The boys went down to the Jetty to go crabbing in hopes for a Big Crab Feed.
Parking Pass: $10
Licenses: $14
Bait: $18
Boat Rental: $70
Price per crab (2): $56
The Experience for Paxton: Priceless
Above: Paxton and his Gampy. Below: Marty and Paxton, very wet and very cold.

Deadliest Catch in his future? Probably not.

The boys (My dad, Marty, Bruce & Paxton) are in the boat on the right.

Avery and Aunt Sandie waiting to fill their bellies with crab.

Flock of Seagulls

Avery and Paxton enjoyed feeding "Grandma's Chicken's" at the beach house. We saw Jonathan Livingston Seagull as well as Steven Seagal. There were also a couple of sightings of Cheryl Crow as well as Russell Crowe.

Below is a short video of Avery feeding the Seagulls. They are loud little buggers!!!

Sunset

We went down to Marty's parents beach house for Thanksgiving this year. On the way down we saw the most amazing sunset shortly after we passed through the small town on South Bend, WA. I had to get out and take a couple of snapshots it, but of course, these pictures do not give it justice.

Sunday Brunch at Hi~Lo's

We went out to brunch this afternoon at one of our favorite spots, Hi~Lo's 15th Street Cafe http://hilos15thstreetcafe.com/merchandise.php Since the seating was pretty tight inside, we were asked if we would like to sit at their special dining table....their Volkswagon Van that they named Obe-wan-kanobi. It was a beautiful day to eat outside. Avery enjoyed her "fluffer nutter" sandwich and Paxton had his usual pancakes with blueberries.

Golden Eagle vs. Hawk

The kids spotted this bird in the front yard this morning. We all thought it was a hawk and named her Kitty Hawk (named after a small town in the Outer Banks of North Carolina as well as named after what we hoped she wouldn't do to our kitty cats!!!) However when Marty saw the picture, he declared that it was a Golden Eagle. Anyway, he was beautiful with a huge wing~span..... Fran and Bea didn't care for her though.

Dexter

Welcome Dexter Sundquist. We were able to meet my new feline nephew this past weekend. My sister Kim and her hubby Eric have a new addition to their family. They have a new baby kitten, a beautiful Red-haired Abyssinian that they named Dexter. He is a fun, friendly and very playful kitty. He looks like the "bratty red-haired kid from down the street" from growing up. I think that they should have named him "Bonaduce?!!!?!!?!??!"....... : )

Halloween 2008

This year we were able to head down to Portland for Halloween. The kids went Trick-or-treating in my sister Sandie and her husband Bruce's neighborhood with their cousin Carter. The kids ended up with a lot of loot! (I am sure that sometime in July I will be tossing their remaining candy from their goodie bags) My mom made a huge pot of spaghetti for dinner when we got back to the house after a very busy night working the neighborhood.
Below: Paxton on the left as a character from Harry Potter and Avery as a horse-riden-cow-gal.
Paxon and cousin Carter

Avery waiting by the front door for it to get dark outside so she can start her night.

My sister Sandie dressed up as Dorothy with Toto in her basket.

Corn Maze

http://mazeplay.com/ We completed all six check points at the corn maze in record time!!!

BHS Mini Cheer Camp 2008

Avery attended the Bremerton High School Mini Cheer Camp on Saturday. Coach Baby Dahl (AKA Kara Lindberg) made all the arrangements for the camp and did an awesome job. All the girls that attended the camp were invited to join the official BHS Cheer Team at the football game next Friday night for a special halftime show. Avery had a great time and learned some new dance moves. GO KNIGHTS!

Below is a short video of one of the cheers that they practiced.

National Breast Cancer Month

We all have a special friend or even a family member who has been touched in some way by breast cancer. For the past four years I have made these breast cancer cookies in honor of my friend and co-worker Anne. Today I made about 9 dozen cookies and will be bringing them in to work tomorrow. It is a delicious recipe (sour cream sugar cookies) that I got from my pal Donna. I will keep a few cookies at home for my family to enjoy. As Paxton said earlier tonight, "Mom, I love these cancer cookies!"

Clear Creek Trails

The kids and I decided to go on a hike on the Clear Creek Trails in Silverdale about a month ago. It was a beautiful sunny Sunday afternoon. I wasn't sure how they would do, but they did awesome! Avery is quite a hiker; she lead us the entire way. We decided that we would do the same hike once a month so we could compare how the landscape, insects, critters and the change in the foliage from month to month. We also decided that each month we would invite a special guest to come along with us. Our first guest was my mom "Gammy" in September. Our October guest was Marty. So far we have seen a frog, snake, grasshoppers, Canadian Geese, cows, dragonflies, butterflies, caterpillars, one tiny fish, a pheasant, a douglas squirrel, a dead vole ( had never heard of a vole so had to look it up when I got home http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vole ) and we have seen many, many pet dogs.

R.I.P. Finn D. Gough

I have had my pet fish "Finn-d-go" (my "indigo-colored” beta) on my desk at work for over a couple of years now. The past few months he has suffered an ailment that he just couldn't shake. We contemplated putting him on Hospice, but Finn was afraid that his HMO would not cover this expense. Of course working with nurses everyone had their own opinion as to "help" hasten Finns pending demise. Suggestions were made including the following #1 sending him down the waterslide 2# putting him in the freezer, with hopes that he would suffer from hypothermia and slip into a state of unconsciousness #3 or creating a special potion of lidocaine mixed with vodka to soak him in. However, Reb and I, in the social work department, felt as though no matter how unsightly the growth on his back was getting, he was still able to maintain his dignity and quality of life. It was felt as though he was free from pain up until the very end. Early this morning he was pronounced dead by one of our licensed nurses. Finn, you will truly be missed!

Go Pirates!

While Marty was in North Carolina he decided to go see a college football game. He went to the East Carolina's Pirates stadium to watch them play again the Houston Cougars. He called me excited on the way to the game, saying that he wished that I was there. I told him that if I was there, we "sure as heck wouldn't be going to some football game!"

Fort Macon

Marty went to North Carolina and spent some time on the Crystal Coast. He took time out of his day to do some sightseeing where he went to Fort Macon State Park. He was impressed with the structure that is made entirely out of brick. Below is a picture of the bridge that leads into the fort.

Here is a picture of the fort as Marty drove up to it. He had first thought that he got "ripped off" because he didn't see much of a fort. As her got closer, he saw that the fort was below ground level. He enjoyed his private tour and here are some more pics that he took.

Halloween Past

We all enjoy Halloween every year. Over the past several years we have gone Trick or Treating in different places. A favorite has always been a crisp beautiful evening downtown Poulsbo, trickortreating at the various shops, followed up with Halibut Fish and Chips and a cold Dosewallips on tap at J.J.'s on the Bay downtown Poulsbo. This is downtown Bremerton last year. Avery a devil, hmmmm. Paxton and alien. SBK (aka Sweet Baby Kaylie) not enjoying the festivities this year. Malia was a perfect Geisha and Josh a samuri or sorts.

A couple years before Avery was a witch and Paxton was Yu-gi-o (sp)

Avery as a fairy pricess...
and Paxton as the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle...

Autumn is here!

A Busy Week!

We have had a couple of busy weeks here. Marty went to The Emerald Isle in North Carolina for a conference. My mommy also came up to stay with us for over a week. We sure miss you mommy! ! ! It is always so nice to have her up here. We kept busy during the week. We dined out a couple of times, we went on a long 5-mile hike with the kids and even took in a couple of movies at the Rodeo Drive-in http://www.rodeodrivein.com/ which is apparently the oldest drive-in in the Pacific Northwest! Thanks for all of your with the kids mom! WE LOVE YOU!

Sunday Night

Monday mornings can occasionally be a bit rough with my little Avery. We are getting into the routine of picking out our outfits the night before. So far this school year it has been working fairly smoothly. That is until last Friday when Paxton through us a curve ball; he announced, after Avery was already dressed in her Friday attire, "We have a Spirit Assembly Today! Gotta wear purple!" That put a small wrinkle in our morning, but we were able to pull through. Below is a picture of tomorrows outfit and we also have the pink rollers in the hair. My fingers are crossed.

Zipping In the Jungle of PV

This is the last post of our trip this past summer to PV. Towards the end of our trip Marty and Paxton along with the Erickson's went zip-lining with Los Veranos canopy tours http://www.canopytours-vallarta.com/ Here are some pictures of their most exciting, crazy fun day while Avery and I held up the fort back at Samba. Below is Paxton and Carter getting ready for their adventure.
There was a small zoo that they were able to explore where they had various animals including squirrel monkeys!

They ate right out of my baby Paxton's hands.

The monkeys were apparently quite playful. They were wise to try to get into the visitors pockets where one acquired a container of toothpics out of Marty's pocket and another monkey got ahold of Carter's camera case. They were some misbehaven monkeys!

Paxton going across one of his first lines.

Eric and Carter in a race!
Carter looks like he is way ahead, but I believe that Eric was the winner.
And here goes Jenny and Carly...

A little educational class before they went zipping of the "Do's and Don'ts" of zip-lining.

On the way home they stopped at Los Arcos for some pictures. They decided against the bungee jumping at Los Arcos.

First Day of School

The first day of school was today. Avery is in second grade and Paxton is in fourth. We anticipate another great year at Crownhill;

Go Huskies!

Looking back over the past couple of years~
Paxton starting Kindergarden @ Crownhill 2004 Avery's first day of Kindergarden 2006
Paxton's first day of second grade 2006
Paxton and Avery making a book tower the night before Paxton starting third grade and Avery starting first grade.

Blackberry Fest 2008

We went to Bremerton's Blackberry Festival which is an annual event. We met the Hughes down there. The kids enjoyed gnawing on some corn and we all enjoyed the music.

Golf

Marty and I went golfing last weekend. It was my second game of golf this summer; my mommy and I went earlier in the summer. Avery came along with us as well and she did a great job keeping track of my points? hits? strokes? score? Needless to say, I didn't do so well. Maybe next time. Avery did some caddy work for me.

Good Times With The Smiths

We spent Saturday hanging out with Todd, Melissa & Sydney Smith. The day started out at the Kitsap County Fair. The weather was nice and warm, the kids went on endless rides and we had some good eats. (Thank you Leslie for the mini doughnut recommendation, they were delicious!) After K. C. Fair we went to The Smith’s house to hang out. The kids played in the pool and on the beach. We went to their Tiki Bar where Todd fried up some very tasty Lumpia and grilled up some dogs for the kids. Late into the evening we walked down Marine Drive to a “kegger.”… Good Times… Don’t ask… Down at the Tiki Bar

Aves and Syd
Avery found a special shell on the beach.

Pax and Syd taking an evening swim in the Sound.

Balancing on a rock after dark, Very Impressive!
The kids relaxing in the sun after a hard day at the Fair.

Our bartender Melissa; she only charges 10 Peso's an hour!
We honestly did not plan our outfits.

Syd bailed out the water from the boat so she could take Aves on a little excursion.
Todd taunting Melissa with a pink monkey

Chillen at the pool after the Fair Sweet Syd

Some thrilling rides at the Fair


I fell in love with this darling clown that I found at the Fair. : )

Bucerius Mexico

We decided to make the short trip to Bucerius Mexico. It was the closest town to our resort; Bucerius has a small flea market as well as a few restaurants to choose from. We had acquired a coupon for a round of drinks on the house at El Gourdos (The Fat Boy) and much to our surprise; we were all very impressed with the delicious food. The margaritas were the size of a football and they went down with ease. Marty and I had fish tacos and they were an absolute delight. The restaurant itself looked a bit scary to say the least, but the hospitality, food and drink made up for it. We ALL loved it so much we decided to go there again the following night for dinner. Jenny and I had a most enjoyable visit with a few young gents from Australia, Finland and Norway. Blain described one of the guys as looking like Mark Walhberg, but with very blue eyes. : )

The kids went out to get some cotton candy. The boys decided on the blue flavor and Avery picked out the pink flavor, big surprise there!
Marty made friends with a couple some of the workers at El Gourdos.

Me and Baby Aves at the Flea Market

The girls texting during their authentic Mexican dinner.

The gals in Bucerius The Erickson's~waiting for their taxi cab


Jenny and Carly hoping to get a good deal on some souvenirs.

Jenny and Eric got the Seafood Platter for two. It was quite impressive.

Paxton with his very first slingshot.
The "sales associates" honed in on Marty and Avery at the flea market. They draped Avery with multiples pieces of jewelry “for the baby” and who was Marty to say “no gracious.”

Perks in Longview

We went down to visit The Perkins last weekend in Longview, WA. We went to the Saturday Market downtown Longview and the kids got to check out the S.W.A.T. vehicle. All the kids got their own personal balloons designed.
Sweet little Gracie Dawn Perkins.

Pax
Kim and I did a little school clothes shopping at Ross Dress For Less and found the girls matching Espirit sweater dresses.
KP in her newly remodeled kitchen! It is lovely.
KP enjoying a margarita.

10

My baby boy turned ten years old today; he was born August 5th, 1998. He was born at 12:50PM. He weighed 9# 6oz and he was 21" long. We celebrated his birthday @ Red Robin. He invited a couple of his favorite pals, Garrett and Keaton, to help celebrate his special day. Paxton's older sister Blain was our waitress for the occasion.
The boys played a mean game of monopoly when we got back to the house.

Everyone enjoyed an ice~cream sundae dessert.



Blain and her entourage came out and sang the infamous Red Robin Birthday Song! Click on the arrow below.

Locks of Love

Avery's friend Sydney donated her lovely long hair to Locks of Love. http://www.locksoflove.org/ That is such an awesome and selfless thing to do. We are proud of you Syd!
Before...............................
And After...Short and Sassy!

El Panorama

The adults went out for a spectacular dinner at El Panorama downtown Puerto Vallarta. The evening started with a cab ride into the city with a lightening and thunder storm that was more than alarming. Lightening bolts were EVERYWHERE the rain was an outright downpour. Our cabbie took us though a side street with standing water so high I thought that we were going to float away. In fact, my back end got wet from water seeping through the back seat of the cab from somewhere. We finally got to our destination and were quite pleased.We all had some kick-ass Margaritas with our wonderful meals. We all had various shrimp entrees and they cooked the shrimp next to our table.
The restaurant sits up high over the city. From there you can see views of the harbor, the Malecon, Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe and the everyday hustle and bustle of city life in Puerto Vallarta.

There is a 7-story drop next to Marty's seat. He was very lucky that he was behaven' that night : )

They let us go up to the roof to take a look which was closed for the season "the rainy season," and I must say there were some incredible views from up there. And did I mention the amazing lightening show...


And of course we had a special performance by these two gentlemen; Marty and Eric gave them a very generous, perhaps a little much, of a tip (I believe they gave them over a 10 US dollar tip and after a couple of songs they offered to sell us their CD, Jenny and I thought that we should have gotten it "fo free!")

Samba Vallarta

This is a view of the lovely Samba resort from the lobby. We had a spetacular 11-day vacation with the Erickson's. Thank you for putting up with the Neyman's! You were a wonderful family to vacation with, we had a great time. We will miss morning breakfasts, pool time, beach time, bingo, excursions, dinners, evening lounge time and doing it all again the next day! ! ! !I enjoyed sea kyaking. I loved riding the waves in and charging them head on paddeling out. Jenny is in a kayak in the way distance. Eric and Carter are out there too in the distance on the Jet Ski.
Eric, Carly and Marty enjoying the beach under the palapas.
Blain who was even glammed-up on the beach in her bling.

The three amigos.

Paxton, Aves and Carter playing in the sand.
Avery and Carly got their hair braided by Maria, Jenny swung a sweet deal for the two of them.

Paxton and Carter partaking in a game of water polo.

Paxton could boogie board for hours. We had to drag him off the beach each day.
A view of our resort from the beach.
A look south of our beach and...
a glance north with Bucerius in the distance.
Downtown PV Eric found the Tobacco shop where he found some special cigars that he brought back for some friends in the States.

Public transit.... we said that it was like a ride at an amusement park, minus any safety precautions whatsoever.

Me and Pax in the back of the bus.
Blain and her friend Nioka.
When we were downtown we stopped for lunch at one of my favorite restuarants (La Fuente del Puente) right across the street from the flea market.

This young man (about Carter and Paxton's age) prepared the tobacco leaves to be rolled.
Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Carly outside of her favorite place
Iguana outside the market place

There were tons of iguana's in the trees above us in the market All of us enjoying lunch at La Fuente del Puente

There were a lot of sand sculptures on the beach along the Malecon.



Avery painted a gato at a booth set up near our hotel pool

This was a dinner at the steak house at our resort
Our waiter made a tastey Mexican Coffee after each meal
Senior Frogs

Carter, the other blonde boy in our group
Sunset at our resort
Blain cooling off in the pool

We went to Venezia which was an Italian restuarant at our resort for Eric and Jenny's 18th wedding anniversary

Blain, Avery, Carly and Nioka
Carly and Avery got matching henna tats of a mexican flower; once again Yenny (I mean Jenny) swung an awesome deal.
Blain and Nioka waiting for the nightly show

A game of chess between Paxton and Carly
with some help from Marty, Eric, Carter and Avery
The tatoo artist himself

Mexico

Hola everyone! We are having a great time in Mexico, only two more days : ( We have taken a lot of pictures and are looking forward to sharing. Thank you Leslie and Sheila for keeping an eye on the kitty cats for us.
Buenos días
The Neymans

Mexico Here We Come

I made personalized drink mugs for everybody in our group that will be going to Puerto Vallarta. Eric, Jenny, Carter and Carly
Avery, Lisa, Nioka, Blain & Paxton

Beach Friday

We were invited to Dave & Danielle Walsh's house for beach friday at their lovely Marine Drive home. Apparently anybody who is anybody lives on Marine Drive. As for The Neyman's? We are inland folk. Paxton's buddy Garrett
Conner Walsh, Marty named him Sea Pup

We were joined by Todd, Melissa and Sydney Smith Melissa, The Princess
And the PURRfect Fiona Smith enjoyed some beach time herself.
Biker Dave

Captain Garrett enjoyed taking the kids to and from the float.

Golf Camp

Paxton and Avery attended Golf Camp at Gold Mountain Golf Course this year. It was a week long camp and they thoroughly enjoyed it! The last day of camp they got to golf 9-holes at Village Greens in Port Orchard.

The 4th With the Hughes

We spent a wonderful 4th with Mark, Leslie & Kaylie Hughes. Mark & Leslie enjoying the show.
My little Paxton is growing up. He was more involved this year with the lighting of various fireworks. He still has all his fingers and both of his eyebrows.

Blain and her friend Pete also joined us for a little while.




Mark, Marty, Leslie, Tony and Chris.

And the food; the food was delicious!

Earlier in the day Marty and Mark went kayaking across the inlet. Leslie promised to take a couple pics of the boys...

Leslie running speedy quick to keep her promise

And we played some good Bocce.

A Visit to Hermiston, Oregon

The last time Marty's parents were up to visit they mentioned that it had been quite a long time since Marty had brought us to Hermiston for a visit. We usually meet up with them at their beach house in Rockaway Beach, Oregon, but we knew that it was time to take a trip to Hermiston. And to our shock they were actually home! This very busy retired couple doesn't seem to spend too much time in Hermiston themselves these days. Weeks are spent visiting Marty's brother Mark and his wife Tina as well as Marty's sister Melissa and her daughter Sidney in Las Vegas a couple times a year. They also make frequent trips to the Indian Reservation to visit family in Lapwaii, Idaho. If not in Idaho or Vegas they might be visiting Marty's brother Maurice and his wife Rose in Portland on the way to or from the beach house. If not in Idaho, Vegas, Portland or at the beach, they could very well be in North Carolina visiting Marty's younger brother Matt and his wife Renee. While on the east coast they usually take a trip up to Pennsylvania to visit Marty's other east coast brother Mike and his wife Judy.

Like I said, we were glad to catch them them at home!!

Marty and his father worked on painting the work shed. They got a lot done, but the temp of 104 degrees did slow down the progress some.
Meanwhile we spent time at the city pool, inside the air conditioned house or under the crab apple tree.
We met up with a former classmate of Marty's, Cindy Thompson, and had a great time!
And more painting....

My Sister Sandie Gets Married to Bruce

My sister Sandie married Bruce Odle on June 14, 2008. They got married in a posh Presidental Suite at the Jantzen Beach Red Lion in Portland, Oregon. They invited their close friends and immediate family. Congratulations Sandie & Bruce, we wish you a wonderful life together. Sandie was walked out by her son's Carter (on her right) and Travis (on her left.)

Mother of the bride helping her get ready for her special day.

She made a beautiful bride!
I asked Avery if she wanted to be a bride someday and she said, "I hope that you and Dad aren't dead when I get married." Said like a true 7-year-old.
My stunning niece Alyssa who just graduated from West Linn HS and will be going to U of O next year, "Go Ducks!"
Alyssa, Sandie & Travis
A view from the balcony of their Suite.

Two crazy cousins!

Another couple of crazy cousins. Why Paxton, you certainly look quite dapper this evening.