Sunday, September 14, 2008

Our Weekend

This picture is out of order, so more later on in the post, but this weekend we went and roasted some wieners and smores at a fire pit at the beach. The sunset was gorgeous. Declan could not bear its magnificence and was forced to turn away.   

We also hit the Greekfest this weekend at the local Greek Orthodox church.  Cool dancing, old ladies with way too much makeup and jewlery,  and of course the main reason me and Erin hit any of the local International festivals... the food.  Declan is seen above enjoying some sort of mad greek donut called a Lokumouo-lumpo-potomous, or something like that.  I've learned to always end Greek food words that I can't pronounce with either "lopomous" or "palakolus" and the leathery old bird usually hands you what you need.
So yeah, that's seriously the best gyro I've ever had, they even had veggie gyros for Erin (welcome to Washington, where you can be Greek & Green).  Of course, the veggie gyro was not allowed inside the church (doctrinal contradictions with Saint Polomlokalus, the patron saint of seasoning lamb.)
And wouldn't you know it, the next day was the Fiestas Patrias, a hispanic cultural festival which was a collection of really cool dancing (Mexican hat dance), rippled gypsy dresses, gigantic hats that block out the sun for a small family, howling, horns, really good authentic food from a van (Erin was embarrassed that she was the only one that ordered in English, but did remember to say "Gracias"). This weekend, I have to hand it to to the Greeks, they were much more organized than the Mexicans as far as festivals go. But there was one mas grande cool part of the hispanic festival that you are not likely to see at any other cultural get together - BELOW - El Compaticion de LOW RIDER!!!  
This jacked up cholo was Sam's favorite - complete with bouncing hyraulics.   LOCO ESSAY.
I'm not sure if this is Liam's gang pose or a rash on his left shoulder, but you have to admit, that low rider is sa-weet.  Nice pick, Liamvez.
We finished up by walking over to the Ferndale fountains one more time before the rainy season starts.  You can tell by the kids' attire that this was an unplanned stop.
Yes, Sam is potty trained and without a doubt the funniest looking underwear model in town. He has the skinniest bum on the planet, and yes, those are Darth Vader knickers he's wearing. 
Liam's favorite part of playing in the fountains is still blocking the jet with his bum, I have explained the exit-only detrimental physics of this pastime to Liam, but it is one of those parental advice things that can only be learned the hard way.
More from our BBQ on the beach.  Grace is a shell hound. 
Father and son. Roasting the wieners. Not sure what I was teaching right here, but I'm very sure Sam will remember every little bit of brilliant advice I was giving him... on hot dogs.
More beach and sunset shots.



And last, but not least, here are the kids in their new reunion hats sent by Grandma Beckstead.  Thanks so much, Grandma!  They loved getting a package in the mail and they love their new hats - you are so thoughtful!  We love and miss you!

5 comments:

Nicole said...

I live vicariously through your adventures since we live in the most boring. town. ever. What a cultural weekend. :)

wendy said...

You Ratchfords have the best adventures! ~Wendy

Anonymous said...

Sounds like you had a very fun weekend. My kids also love their reunion hats.
Dawn

Kris/Mom said...

What do you do when you have no where to go? Oh, wait, there is always something to do up there, it seems! I love Garreth's dialogue, too. Not that you aren't very clever also, Erin! We are so looking forward to Halloween in Blayne.

Tess said...

You guys have so many things to do! We can't wait until our trip up there next year.