Croquet Battles, Beaches & Birthdays

So, the Kroupa clan came to town for a nice 10-day visit. Gary, Lisa, Aaron, and Stacy drove to Silverton from Elko, Nevada – an 11 hour trip, with potty breaks and gas fill ups. The first couple of days were spent knocking “honey do” projects from Grammy Joan’s list. We all pitched in, so we made great progress.

One evening, there was a wild Croquet battle between Grammy, Stacy, Eric, Hunter and Jodi. I’m not going to say there was any cheating involved, but…. Somehow a few croquet balls magically disappeared from an unfortunate location, then magically reappeared in a prime location on the hilly course. Rumor has it that Grammy Joan declared victory. But as they say, we’re all winners! It was great fun.

Our next adventure involved a relaxing three night/four day stay at the beach. We rented a house in Yachats…a place none of us had ever been before (pronounced ya-hots). We got our toes in the sand, collected seashells, photographed seals and bald eagles, drove to the sand dunes and hiked to an old lighthouse. One late evening was spent learning/relearning to play Hearts. And, a cold rainy day of movie watching was also enjoyed. We ate like royalty and had many laughs. A deserved break for everyone.

Upon returning to Silverton, there was an almost-surprise birthday party for someone who turned 40. Here’s how it went. Eric informed me that he HAD to go into work upon our arrival home from the beach. The supposed premise was that he just HAD to do an employee’s annual review and it couldn’t wait. Mind you, he already told me earlier in the week that he didn’t have to go back to work until the 30th, so I was mildly suspicious. On top of that, it just happened to be the last night the Kroupa clan was in town. After Eric headed to work and the rest of us began discussing what to do for dinner, Lisa somewhat innocently suggested that rather than cook, we ought to go out to dinner and celebrate my birthday. This almost made sense, until…she suggested that since Eric was already at Vitality, “why don’t we just go there?”, Lisa inquired. Hmmmmmmm, I thought to myself. Other tip-offs ensued thereafter, which are too numerous to include here (and albeit a little boring for a blog entry). Needless to say, I felt that something was up. But, I played along so as not to spoil the fun (and also because in the back of my mind I kept thinking that I would feel really stupid if I made all of these coincidences into a “thing” when perhaps it was just in my mind) .

“Surprise!” they all shouted when we arrived in the doorway of Vitality. I was so glad to know that I wasn’t dreaming all the coincidences. What a great party. Many folks from work were there, some friends came as well. Eric’s team put together a beautiful spread of cheeses, twice baked mini potatoes (a joke on me since I’m from Idaho, and because I craved all kinds of potatoes while pregnant with Maddox) and the most delicious and moist chocolate cupcakes with peanut butter frosting. OMG! How amazing those tasted! Can you say, YUM?

The theme of the party was “pretty pretty princess,” a harkening back to a color I chose to paint in my condo’s bedroom when Eric and I were first dating. He will never let me live that down. Honestly, I really did just like the color, a soothing lavendar. But he has always found the name of it too funny to resist. The princess theme was carried through by providing me with a pink tiara and magic wand and with some of the gifts (a lavendar-scented “princess” sachet being one). There were many “Princess” balloons, beautiful bouquets and a trip-through-time photograph montage from childhood through high school – including several shots of when I actually WAS crowned one of the Orofino Lumberjack Days princesses.

Very cool! I LOVED it. Many heartfelt thanks to Eric and everyone for thinking to do it in the first place. Especially, trying their best to make it a surprise. As Eric said later, I just need to “stop with all of my sleuthiness” (is that a word? If not, let’s make it one!)

So….now I’m in the fabulous 40 decade. It ain’t so bad. Eric took me to a nice dinner last night (my actual birthday) while Grammy graciously watched the boys. It was the perfect date night.

Today I am 40 years and 1 day old. And, as one of the wellwishers wrote on my giant 20 x 30″ card, “40 is the new 30.” I don’t know about that, but I am one lucky gal, and I feel great. So, 40s…bring it on!

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Flights, Fishing & Fun

So, we recently returned from a 10-day vacation to Iowa. Maddox and I flew one airline and Hunter and Eric flew another. Luckily, our flight times coming and going matched up pretty closely, so we could coordinate schedules. Both kids did amazingly well on the two-leg, five-plus hour flights going both ways. We’re lucky to have (mostly) patient and behaved boys.

As soon as we arrived at Deb and Darrell’s, Eric repacked his suitcase and headed out with Darrell and Cousin Tim for a week of fishing in Minnesota. That left Nana Deb and I to entertain an almost 3-year old and an 8-week old. We’re proud to say that with Uncle Brad’s help, we did just fine. Our schedule included trips to the zoo, the butterfly garden, the park, railway station, Ames swimming pool, a family gathering, a distant cousin’s wedding, a farmers market and an outdoor concert (we listened to The Nadas). There were also dinners at the Great Grandparent’s house, tractor rides and pig viewing with Great Uncle Dan, etc. Through all of it, Hunter was happily wore out each day. Maddox was a trooper as well. He allowed countless car rides and packing in and out of the carseat. The weather was incredibly hot (100+ degrees a couple days) and windy. And, while mildly uncomfortable if you were outside for an extended period of time, I quite enjoyed the nice change from the ongoing wetness we’ve had in Oregon all winter and spring.

Papa Darrell and Daddy came home that next Friday night, and Hunter was happy to see them. I believe he’d had about as much girl bonding with Nana and Mommy as he could stand (despite occasional visits with Uncle Brad). The fishermen did quite well. They ate fish nearly every night, and still brought home their limit to fill the freezer. On our last night in Iowa, we had a cookout at the Nelson’s house, enjoying some of the Walleye, along with other BBQ items.

As usual, we had our fill (and more) of great food and a wonderfully relaxing time.

Earlier this week, friends Andrew and Laura Macomber came for a couple-night visit. They had their adorable daughter, Marli, in tow. Hunter and Marli were great playmates. They’re only a few weeks apart, so their language and play skills were well matched. One afternoon, we took a nice long hike up in Silver Falls (a national park with multiple waterfalls just 15 miles out of Silverton). It was a great time. And, the exercise was a nice start to burning off some of the calories packed on from the recent vacation.

Soon to visit the Oregon Nelson Gang are the Kroupa’s from Nevada. Gary, Lisa, Aaron and Stacy will arrive this Sunday evening and stay for 10 days. Robin (Stacy’s wife) is about seven months pregnant and unfortunately can’t make the trip. She’s storing up energy and vacation days for the future birth of baby girl Kroupa (due late September). More to come on that front later.

Meanwhile, enjoy the photos from our most recent events. Happy arrival of Summer!

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