Planes, boats & automobiles

School is out, summer is here. Finally!



The kids finished school a few days before I could get time off of work. So, as a surprise, I planned to have my dad fly in and spend the week with the kids so they wouldn't be home alone while Darren and I were at work. Dad couldn't come as soon as I'd hoped, so the kids did have one day they spent a part of at home. Dad flew in on Thursday.



Saturday we went to the coast. First we went up to Karl's house to celebrate his birthday. Dad and Darren later went fishing and to the casino for a bit while the kids and I stayed and visited and played cards. At the end of the day Emi & Aaron wanted to stay and play with KJ and Patrick wanted to hang out with Leo. Darren, dad and I went on in to Lincoln City, had a fabulous dinner at Mo's then went on to the hotel room we'd rented.



Sunday morning, Father's Day, we went to breakfast at Pig'n Pancake. Odd name, but the food was pretty good. Darren had a blueberry waffle & I had strawberry crepes. We were going to split it. We each ate half, then traded plates. Darren took a few bites of the crepes and asked for his waffle back. As yummy as the crepes were, I really didn't want to give him back his waffle. It was REALLY good :) Then we went to Devil's Lake. I had rented a small boat for a day of fishing. It kept wanting to rain a bit. After an hour or two, Patrick called and was ready to meet up with us. He has spent the night with Leo & Becky and they were on their way to church. After a bit more fishing we went to lunch at the casino. It was pretty good food and the price was even better. Patrick & Dad went back out on the boat while Darren and I went up to Karl's to get Aaron & Emileigh. It was raining but Dad, Patrick and Aaron went back out in the boat to enjoy some more fishing. So I dropped Darren off back at the casino and Emi and I went to the outlet mall for a little shopping. I got a couple gifts for Sara and a gift for my dad for father's day (besides the day of fishing that he'd asked for). After an hour or so we were totally done with shopping, dad was ready to call it a day and Darren was done at the casino.

We stopped for an ice cream cone and headed back to Salem.

Monday I tied up a few loose ends at work and made arrangements for the rental car. Then I got the house picked up and the kids and I got things packed up and ready for the trip to Idaho. Time to send them off for their summer visit with their dad. One of the most difficult times of the year.

Tuesday I got up bright and early. Dad and I went to get the rental car. We got back to the house and started loading up. We left only 1/2 hour later than I'd planned. For those of you who know me at all, that is an amazing start!

The drive was long but uneventful. We stopped more than I usually do so that dad could get out and walk around. He is still retaining a lot of fluids so needed to keep his blood flowing and move around to keep from getting too much swelling in his legs and feet.

We finally made it. The trip took about 4 hours longer than usual, but all in all, it was an easy drive. As much as I enjoy Oregon, I must say, it does feel nice to be back home.