Kayaks & Asparagus Dogs

There's something so awesome about sharing a meal... or an afternoon... with good friends.

I was ambivilant about attending Saturday's homeschool BBQ. I get so wrapped up in projects at home that it's hard to break away, and time with Clint is so limited, I hate to "use" up his time unless it's a top priority. But the kids had friends they wanted to see at the BBQ, so we went, and I am SO glad we did! We kept picnic preparations simple by picking up Fred Meyer fried chicken and bringing a simple dip with bread to share.

We decided to bring the kayaks, thinking we might be able to combine a fun family activity with the potluck at the park. It worked out great. Both kids and adults had a fantastic time paddling back and forth from island to shore, and up and down the bank. The river was a delight to the senses, and paddling is hard work, but fun! After accompanying the older girls several times, we felt confident letting them traverse the route alone. Rhiannon and Lisa loved the tandem kayak, and went back and forth over and over, laughing and giggling.

We stayed for hours later than we had planned, along with Mary Ellen, Lisa and Jackie. We visited and watched the kids play. It was great fun, and wonderfully relaxing.

Pat and Mary Ellen invited us over for Asparagus Dogs on Sunday. I spent a glorious and exhausting 6 hours digging in the garden while Clint worked inside installing the baseboards. Then we showered off the sweat of our projects, made a couple of side dishes, and headed over to Mary Ellen's for dinner.

True to his word, Pat's Asparagus Dogs were a gourmet feast! We spent an enjoyable evening visting on the deck and watching the rain showers, playing Yahtzee with the kids, and squeezing though fences for a little neighborhood exploration! Mary Ellen treated us all to exotic espresso drinks in charming little demitasse cups as an after dinner treat. I got the lowest Yahtzee score, but I had a winner of a weekend!