Oregon Part 2

Ok, so I did get a bit lazy about typing... although I don't think anyone actually noticed.

My cousin's wedding in Oregon was great fun and a good time for my family to get together. There were some funny things I noticed about the event though. About half the people in attendance seemed to feel that flannels and jeans were proper wedding attire. Didn't bother me, just found it a humorous split in the crowd between "The Flannel/Jeans" and "The Tuxedos." Also, during the exchange of the rings, my cousin (always the comedian) took a swig from a flask handed to him by the best man and then proceeded to pass the flask to the other boys. Silly boys.
The rest of my trip was spent in Eugene, Oregon at my uncle's new place, which was huge and on top of a hill in the woods. It was a great place to have the family hang out, eat a lot, play poker and enjoy the view from the top of the hill.















We also took mom and dad to the coast, since the girls and I had enjoyed going there when we were out West for our road trip. The only problem was that it rained all day. But we were not going to let that stop us from having a good time and taking pictures.




We had a great time, I can't wait to go back!

Now Some Pictures

The Chinese Garden in Portland

Congrats Cous!

I returned home Tuesday after being in Oregon for a week. My cousin got married to his longtime girlfriend in Portland and we all partied hard. It was such a West Coast affair, three minute ceremony and hours of dancing. Pretty Nice.

My trip started in Portland. My sister and I had to wait for my other sister's flight to come in. So we had plenty of time to explore Portland. First we had lunch at Kell's Irish Pub, since it wouldn't really be Saint Patty's Day without going to one. We went to the Chinese Garden on a tip from our waiter. What a cool place! Then we drove around a bit and found Pittock Mansion, it was incredibly beautiful. Before we headed back to the airport, we ended the evening at Powell's Bookstore. I even got to go to a book reading by Joshilyn Jackson (The Girl Who Stopped Swimming) she was very cool, I bought her book and I will have to post later about what I think.

Day one in Oregon was pretty packed. Day two was much more laid back. We got into Eugene super late the night before, so we slept in as long as possible. Than we got to hang out with the family, see my uncle's new home and try to stay warm during all the rain.

We headed back to Portland the next day and got to see the place where the wedding would be, McMenamins Edgefield. It was a crazy, cool place. We had the rehearsal dinner and the wedding there. They had a winery, brewery, golf course, distillery, pubs, restaurants, spa and pool hall there. I got myself over to the spa for a pedicure, it was the nicest pedicure I have ever had!!

Not only did my toes look great, but I had a glass of wine and a nice setting to top it off. I'll finish up my trip and post pictures next post, since this is getting a bit long.

Lucky Charms

Sunday I kicked off my St. Patrick's Day celebrating early by going to The Pogues concert. My girlfriend from work took me for my birthday. It was a sold out concert at the 9:30 Club. It was great. The music was fun, the band rocked, and we just danced and danced... I even met a cute Irish boy! It was a pretty great night.

Thanks Megs!

Good Times

Another year has past and another birthday. I had a party at my place, so I was a bit stressed out with all the prep work. But I think it really paid off and everyone had fun. Here are a few before shots:



And a few from the shindig:

Congratulations Nikki & Ryan!!!!

My cousin Nikki and her husband, Ryan, just had their baby girl, Linnea Grace, a few days ago. I can't wait to plan my trip up to Chicago to see her.

They also made a blog for their new family. http://thedanielsingeneva.blogspot.com/