Siblings reunion 2016

Awhile back, and probably over a few glasses of wine, a few of my siblings decided how great it would be to get together every year for about a week.  What an excellent idea.   So, this was the first of what is to become an annual event for us.   Being that I'm the only one that is still working, they all decided to come to Wonewoc, where Kirk and I were staying while I worked in the Dells.  We all have campers and/or motor homes.  Our week started July 15th and ended on the 22nd.  Angela was only able to stay 3 days as she had some prior commitments. But, we'll take what we can get of her.  It was a beautiful week filled with lots of playing, eating, drinking, and "serious " discussions.   Chapparal Campground was a beautiful place for our get together.  We fit a lot of things into our week.  House on the Rock, farmers market, Amish Cabellas, cranberry marsh tour, cheese factory, buying Amish goods, and just being together.  No golfing though, as Kirk was not able due to his broken arm.  Kirk did manage to kick some butt in the bean bag toss though using his non dominant hand. One afternoon we drove to Ben and Nicki's for a private tour of the Marsh.  It was an awesome tour.  I'm so proud of my son and his wife.  My siblings and I took dinner (Mexican theme) to the marsh and had a great visit with them, Kristy, and Isaac and Bella.  We were even home before dark.  Can't wait till next year!!!

This was our area for the week at Jim and Elenas site.  Rudy and Bev were next to them and Angela was in a site across the road.  All within walking distance. Good times and eating here. 

Elena always made sure we had appropriate and beautiful table settings. Bev brought the wine for that special touch. 

What's a get together without Bevs "homemade " potatoe salad ". 

Elenas ribs and corn on the cob.  She also made biscuits and sausage gravy for breakfast one morning.  She's the bomb!  We did not go hungry 😍

Our nightly meetings where we attempted to solve the worlds problems. 🍷🍹🍺

One can't come this far and not visit Carr Valley Cheese and get your pic taken on the cow 😜

This is one awesome bunch!   Love my family.  ❤️. (Bev, Angela, Elena, Reina, Rudy, Jim, and Kirk)

So, one night we (the guys) decided to grill a bacon covered meatloaf 😳

Looking for rocks on the sand hills during our cranberry marsh tour. You can see the beds in the background. 

An osprey nest on the marsh

Can't recall the name of this machine, but I did climb it and it's used during harvest on the marsh. 

Nothing better than family.  Ben gave a great tour. He's so knowledge about his job and the whole process of the cranberry industry.  

On our tour of House On The Rock   

Bev has this bag game technique down

Jim and Elena beating everyone. 

Elenas beautification project of her site.  Puts my site to shame.  

Angela's solo canoe trip on the pond.  

Bacon wrapped bread cheese on the grill. Angela's appetizer contribution which was amazing. 

Out in the middle of nowhere is a place we all call The Amish Cabellas ". A little bit of everything here.  

February in Havasu, 2016

February was a very busy month and flew by quickly.  2/4  We invited Janet and Dee over for a little cookout, along with Wally ( Janet's friend).  Kirk made his popular poppers, and grilled brats.  We had a fun time.

Courtesy of Jan and Dee.  Yummy!

Rare snowfall on the mountains outside of our RV park in Havasu on 2/1

2/6. Kirk and I golfed in Mohave Valley at the Huukan Golf Course.  It was an especially windy day.  A little side note here, it's almost always windy in this area. But this day was more windy than usual. It was exhausting.  We did get placed with a single player.  This guy, CL, lived on the 14th tee box of the course.  He is a Native American and retired from the Department of the Interior.  CL explained the myths of Spirit Mountain that could be seen from the course.  He explained how the Mohave tribe is said to originate from the spirits in the mountains.  This mountain is on Christmas tree road just outside of Laughlin.  We were also told the mountains contain petroglyphs.  We will definitely drive up there next time we are in the area.  

Some needed FaceTime with Isaac and Bella.  Silly kids!

We were so excited when Rudy, Bev, and Angela came to visit us.  Rudy and Bev arrived on 2/8 and were staying for a week.  They were able to rent a site in our park just a few sites down from us.  Angela came on Thursday and left Sunday morning. She stayed with Rudy and Bev.  Needless to say we had a great time/week.   The first part of the week, we enjoyed happy hours, cookouts, and enjoyed each other's company.  We totally loved Rudy's twiced baked potato casserole.  When Angela arrived on Thursday, we drove down to London Bridge, walked around to the shops,  had drinks at The Heat, then walked over to the Javelina Cantina for more drinks and dinner.  We had a view of the London Bridge from both places and it was a beautiful night to sit outside.  

Enjoying the shops at London Bridge. Angela and Bev 

Rudy and Bev enjoying the view from Javelina Cantina. 

I took Friday (2/12) off work to spend the rest of the weekend with my family.  Neither of them had ever golfed Emerald Canyon, so we made reservations to do so that Friday.  I followed along on the golf cart and didn't play as the course only allowed a foursome.   We had a great time. Afterwards we stopped at the Sundance Bar in Parker for a drink and appetizers on the deck, and watched the boats.  Later, after returning home, we just hung out at the park and enjoyed each other's company. I believe Angela went to bed early that night.  

Rudy and Bev   They look like pros!

Angela enjoying the scenery

This is a fun par 3. 

Bev in awe!

What a view Angela 

Rudy hitting from the blues cause you can't beat this view. 

Enjoying drinks at Sundance after a round of golf   

The next day 2/13, we drove to the Desert Bar, but not before stopping along the way for some target shooting.  You can pretty much shoot your guns anywhere in the desert as long as you're at least 1/4 mile from the road and/or any house, etc.  

 Don't mess with Bev!

 Little Angela Oakly!!

 Some of the crowd at the Desert Bar

 Great time at the Desert Bar.  1/4 lb hamburgers and garlic fries were awesome.

Angela, Bev, Rudy by the historic church at the Desert Bar.

Women's bathroom At Desert Bar.  You never lose site of the scenery.

After returning to town, we spent the evening across from Sarah Park to watch the pyrotechnic fireworks.  This is an annual event held on President's Day weekend.  Called the Western Winter Blast, and is presented by the Western Pyrotechnic Association, and Lake Havasu City.  It is one of the largest firework displays in the country, and is geared to those who like to develop and create pyrotechnic items.  We were fortunate to find a prime parking spot, but not without others trying to block our view.  However, they didn't realize Angela was with us, and they soon disappeared.  

As beautiful as this looks, this picture does not do it justice.

 More pyrotechnic fireworks.

Tons more like this one and more even better!

Angela left after coffee on Sunday morning and returned to Mesa.  Today was my birthday.  I'm formally IN my 60's (61).  It's kinda weird.   So, I try not to think about it and enjoy each day as always.  Rudy, Bev, Kirk, and I drove to Oatman, AZ about an hour away.  We've been there before, but not Bev.  We ate lunch at the Oatman Hotel,  and played with the burros.  On the way home, we stopped at the Topock Bar at the junction of Route 66 and I40.  It was a pretty windy day (surprise), so we just looked around and returned home.  Kirk grilled fajitas, and we all just hung out, drank wine, and enjoyed the beautiful Arizona sunset.  Rudy and Bev left the next day and I went back to work.  I sure do enjoy our family visits.  The only things missing were Jim and Elena.

Fun day in Oatman with the burros

Topock Bar on Route 66.  You can swim while you eat and drink.

 Cute butt Bev.

Beautiful end to an awesome day!

Surprise cake from Rudy and Bev.  Thank you.