Weekend trip to Oregon

Last weekend I left Mike and the puppies at home and went to visit my family in Oregon. Spent the first night with my mom in Portland, and then we were off to Tillamook to pick up Grandpa and stay the rest of the weekend with my Aunt Cammy and Uncle Bob in Nehalem. I had a WONDERFUL time!

Ok, long story, but mom and Aunt Cammy recently made beer-butt chicken for the first time. I had to help them out over the phone. So they asked what I wanted for my birthday, and I asked to watch the two of them make beer-butt chicken because it sounded hysterical over the phone. It was all I had dreamed of and more. They are soo funny! I have a great recording of it, but they won't let me show you...yell at them, not me.

Getting the beer can ready to go (a.k.a. "lube'd up")

*inappropriate joke made by mother

Seasoning and getting the beer "in"....more inappropriate jokes that I cannot share.

molested chicken

Yes, that is my Aunt's seasoning drawer. As you can see, she has a number on each one with a corresponding index. Uhh....Type A personality??? Just had to take a picture and make fun of her a little. he he :)

Grandpa (bottom right) in the living room watching Rocky II. Not really interested in what is going on in the kitchen.

Finishing touches.

Bird is on the grill! Now, it occurred to me that I didn't take a final product picture, but people, let me tell you! These ladies know how to make a good chicken! It was DELICIOUS! And watching them was so funny...definitely a great birthday present!

Before dinner we enjoyed a beautiful day on the patio. It was gorgeous. Sunny and 75-degrees! We even got a little red! Drinking wine, chatting and soaking in the sun. It was fabulous!

I think Grandpa had a good time, not sure, but pretty positive. :)

After dinner they surprised me with a birthday cake. It was so good. It was chocolate with vanilla/peppermint pudding, frosting, and peppermint patties on top! YUM! I also got some great gifts; 3 beautiful serving platters from mom, a really cool picture frame from Aunt Cammy and Uncle Bob, and some spending money from Grandpa when I go shopping on Friday!!

Sadly, the next day I had to go. I almost forgot to get a picture of Smokey before I left, isn't he cute! 5 months old. His brother Radar just had knee surgery, so he was having a hard time. He had close to the same thing Pickle had done! Too bad there isn't a family discount.

Stopped at Multnomah Falls on the way home. So cool.

I had a great weekend. Thank you to my family for making it special!