Last Friday (May 16) was Lee's 30th Birthday! We celebrated with friends earlier in the week and then spent his actual birthday in Eastern Oregon with Katie's parents. We turned the weekend into a three day weekend and split it evenly between Oregon and Idaho.

The first 36 hours were in Oregon and we had a great time. The sun actually came out to warm everything up, the fields and hillsides were a lush green and everything was capped with snow. It was incredible. The purpose of the quick trip to La Grande was to check out the facilities for the weekend at Wallowa Lake in September. We've got a lot of work cut out for us to get ready for the party -- but we're REALLY excited about everything! The family luncheon on Friday is going to be incredible! We get to ride a tram up 4,000 vertical feet to the top of Mt. Howard to enjoy lunch. The lodging facilities at Eagle Cap Chalet are PERFECT and just 15 steps away from the party location. It's all set right besides the river -- there's a fire pit, go-carts up the road, and ample opportunities for relaxing! We even got to meet the caterer and taste food for the party -- it's unbelievable. So bring your appetities! Our day trip to Wallowa Lake got us super excited. We can't wait for the party!

That night we celebrated Lee's birthday with my parents at our favorite restaurant in La Grande. Lee was introduced to one of my all-time favorite meals. I'm pretty sure it's one of his favorites now too. :)

Saturday we stopped in to see one of my dearest friends in Boise before heading to Bruneau for our last 36 hours. The entire Merrick clan came into town to celebrate Lee's brother's high school graduation. This was only my second visit to Bruneau - and it was great to spend time with Lee's family. Most of it was spent on a church bench or at a graduation event -- but it was really fun to be there and support Cole on his big day. We even got in a little wedding planning for the upcoming events in the next few weeks.

The return trip was brutal with a 6AM (Mountain Time) departure back to San Francisco. I don't think we'll be doing that again.... It was a great weekend. We only wish we could have spent time in both places.