12.17.11 - My Favorite Weekend of the Year

One of the best traditions we have developed over the past few years when visiting Oregon for the holidays has been our weekend away with Marcy's brother Jason and his wife Kim, and her sister Lisa and her husband Travis.  We head to the Oregon Coast, adults only, to enjoy some serious R & R while the kids get time with the grandparents.  Both Marcy and I have referred to it on numerous occassions as our favorite weekend of the year!

Each year we've done a few things the same and we mixed others up a bit to add something new to the mix. For example, without any discussion, we have to make sure we have dinner the Friday night at The Lumberyard in Cannon Beach and we have to order the Skillet Cornbread.  I do not possess the skill or words to describe and give justice to how good this cornbread is, so I won't even attempt.  Usually we make it a point to sit at the exact table each visit as well, although we we thrown a curve ball last night when we arrived to find Karaoke set-up in place of where "our table" typically resides.  We had to make due with another booth instead.  Another have to on this trip is shopping in Cannon Beach in all the little stores.  We tend to keep from spending too much money in the shops, but just enjoy spending time in this small coastal town with so much character and scenery.  We also have to visit the Local Grill and Scoop for Marion Berry Cobbler and Tillamook Ice Cream.

Aspects of our trip that have been new and different this year have included, waking up to a herd of elk grazing off the back deck of our house, playing 9 holes of golf (the weather was beautiful), a couple new restaurants for lunch and dinner, and tomorrow we've got our sights set on yet another new establishment for breakfast.

The rest and relaxation has been very nice, but make no mistake that my favorite part of this trip is spending time with Marcy, Jason, Kim, Lisa, and Travis.  As parents, Marcy and I always discuss the importance of making memories for our children that they can carry forward with them through their lives - experiences that will help shape who them as people.  Well, these weekends have created great memories for us as adults that have equally helped shape our relationships as adult siblings and a family.  I also hope it sets a great example for our kids of how important relationships with your siblings are throughout your life. 

I have also had a chance to play with my new favorite camera: my iPhone 4S.  This thing is amazing.  Click on the collage above for some samples of pictures I took with it.  From the landscape shots to the golf action shots (including capturing the ball and divot in the air) this camera is awesome!