Birthdays etc. (July-August)

2017 is a year filled with celebrations, observances, etc.  Here are four that took place in July-August (sorry to say we missed Kerry's and Luis's birthdays, which were observed back in VA; we shall remember this when we visit them in October):

1.  POC's 40th birthday was celebrated with a weekend in Portland (not involving PJ 'n me).  But we also had a fine gathering for POC at our house on July 9.  Chicago style pizza, Portillo's, fun crowd; NOC had coordinated video clips from family and friends unable to attend in person - with an editing assist from NRG, this was a highlight of the evening.

Observing POC's 40th birthday in fine style . . .

2.  Patrick's 31st birthday coincided with a visit to Phoenix by he and Shane.  Lots of events scattered across several days, fun throughout.  Shane got the VIP tour of all sorts of Valley spots, including a few of our favored restaurants.  Lots of work was done organizing various games for Patrick's b'day party, was a great evening.  The time went too fast, glad we will visit SF relatively soon.

EPG and Shane (clockwise from upper R) - Chris & Dharma prep'd dinner; Parlor;
a rather amazing post-Parlor bowling picture; Richardson's.

Games at 31st b'day event. (Mike B. carried our team.)

The crew observing Patrick's 31st birthday.

3.  A group of us attended the Stone brewers' reception event - fourth year running - remains a nice late-summer break.  CPG, PJr, PJ and I drove over with Lon and Emily (Friday 18 August), returning on Sunday.  Nicole was already in CA on business so drove down with Patrick and Shane.  A major surprise:  Kerry made the trip - though work stuff prevented her from arriving until after the brewers event.  Wasn't expecting to have all five children there, that was a nice surprise.  We made up for lost time into Friday evening, then Saturday-Sunday as well.  As we were belatedly marking PJr's 30th birthday, Michael C. made sure we had bus transportation up to San Marcos, etc., all worked really well.

San Marcos, CA

Now with Kerry!!

Saturday in San Diego.

All seven in one spot - nice.

4.  The Phoenix crew gathered at the Rokerij on August 26 - a more focused observance of PJr's 30th birthday, v. nice.  PJ and I drove down with Mina and Saeed; the evening started with a visit to Chris & Dharma (wedding planning in full swing, initial unveiling of items purchased on Dharma's recent India trip!)

Lovely evening, fine planning by NRG, lots of nice comments for the birthday boy . . .