Family Time and Easter Festivities

You don't choose your family. They are God's gift to you as you are to them.

We had a lot of things we wanted to do upon our arrival in Washington State.  First of all, we pulled into the Kelso Elks.  As luck would have it the site we pulled into was really, really muddy.  We had mud everywhere.  It’s hard to get active and clean things out when you’re still knee deep in mud.

Muddy site and old recliner on it's way to Goodwill

  

One of the first things we did was pull out our loveseat.  We had thought about replacing it on the road but decided to wait and do our shopping in Portland.  We know that area and getting around wouldn’t be too difficult.  Besides Oregon is one of those few states that does not have sales tax.

Sandi and Michael checking out the weekend estate sales.

The nice thing about double recliners is that most of them come apart making it easy to get through the motorhome door.  Out the door it went and down to the local Goodwill donation station.  The more difficult task was getting the new one in through the skinny little motorhome door without ripping it.  This task was accomplished but only because we had a lot of help and advice from our grandson, Michael.  It took a while.  I can't believe I didn't take a picture but I was so busy worrying about rips I didn't think of it.

Tammi is excited about checking this estate sale out.  It's in an elite Portland neighborhood.  She was hoping for great merchandise.

Our new double recliner was picked up …. close to an outlet mall having lots of Easter weekend sales.  Tammi and I had to stop.  We just had to and we’re glad we did.  We found some great bargains in sweaters, jackets and sweat shirts.  I have to give an example ….. one Izod jacket I bought normally sold for $109.  My price was just $7.19!!!  We both had a few similar purchases.  It was a good day.

Mt. Hood view over Portland

Mt. Hood view over the Columbia River between Vancouver, Washington and Portland, Oregon.

Tammi and her family like to go to estate sales on Saturdays.  We went with them.  The original plan was to visit 12 of them.  Luckily they decided to ONLY visit eight.  They were all over Portland.  Some of the sales were in older homes but a couple were in fabulous homes.  It was a fun time but I can certainly tell you that Terry and I were beat.  We were really beat.

on I-205 heading back to the motorhome.

On the way back to the motorhome we had to make a couple little stops. We’re in WINCO territory so that was stop #1. The next stop was Costco.

Jordan showing off her new Easter dress.

Easter Sunday rolled around.  It was a beautiful day.  The sun was out and the temperature was in the mid-70’s.  What a gorgeous day.  Church was packed but we opted for the early service so it was less than the other services.  We had a full day of visiting planned.  It was a great day.  The day was spent catching up, eating and chatting.

Tammi prepping food in the kitchen

Lee was in charge of the barbecue with Robert supervising.

Our menu was varied since we had special requests.  We had a variety of meat dishes including wild salmon, cod, chicken and rib eye steaks. There was something for everyone and we were stuffed. Needless to say, we all have leftovers for Monday night.

Michael, Sandi, Tammi and Robert

Lee trying out a couple of the ATVs

Having a wonderful day made the rush to Washington all worth it. We’ve been so busy the last few days that it’s been difficult to blog --- either read or write but I’ve been trying to stay caught up!!

Sandi

Jordan and her beau

The day didn't go by without talking to our sailor, Justin.  We passed the phone around and everyone wished him a Happy Easter. 

Other things may change us but we start and end with the family.

‘Tis life on the road.