Memorial Day Weekend

Whew! Long, fast, busy four days. We kicked off the weekend by visiting Paul's grave Friday evening before heading to Utah. Tyler, Brandi and Chloe went with us--it was Chloe's big debut. Judging from the overwhelmingly positive response, she was a big hit--like we didn't already know that would be the reaction she'd receive!



Tyler and family stayed at Grandpa and Grandma Parker's, where they were treated to the complimentary early-morning wake up call from Cluck, the world's most obnoxious rooster. Yes, he is still living--fortunately for him, I've chosen to adopt a policy of nonviolence, even toward misguided poultry.

The rest of us stayed with Lynn and Carol. Saturday was the luncheon/baby shower held at Chili's for Chloe--she made quite a haul in the wardrobe and diaper departments. The shower was attended by Chloe, Brandi, me, Great Grandmas Carling and Parker, Carol, Hailey, Lindsey, Angie, ShayLynn, Cathy, and Katelyn.




While I was at the shower, Tyler, Parker, and Hayden went to Smith and Edward's, the store of choice for the testosterone set. Then they helped Grandpa Parker with some yard work. I'm not quite sure what the younger boys did--I'm just glad they were in one piece when I got back. That night, the rest of the Carling family got together at Lynn and Carol's for a barbecue and reunion planning session. We may or may not have decided on a date that works for everyone.


On Sunday we went to church with Mom and Dad Parker, then spent the day with them.



Dad made pork roast and sauerkraut--he gained four new converts (sorry, Sherry, your minority status remains intact)--and roast beef with carrots and potatoes. Parker baked a chocolate cake, which we ate with ice cream. Apparently the boys watched a movie--I was having a much needed nap at the time, so I missed it. We played some games and the boys sat around watching Chloe--Tyler posted the photographic evidence on Facebook.

On Monday, we drove to Logan and spent the day at the annual Carling Family reunion--Grandpa Carling's siblings and extended family. We had a good time getting reacquainted with that side of the family. One of the second cousins put on a magic show--the kids loved it! I got some great pointers for running a half marathon from Paul's cousin, Sherry. She had just run one that morning.

Today, the boys went back to school. They only have two and a half days left in the year. I had the day off, so I made good use of it. I ran the hill portion of the half marathon route--ugh! But at least I know what I'm up against. Then I ran a bunch of errands, including switching our landline over to a cell phone. We kept the same phone number, though. And I learned that Parker has very expensive taste in cell phones. Personally, I choose phones based on color or compactness. I got one that's even smaller than my previous phone. We'll see if I like it as well.