Monday July 26th


Monday started with a big breakfast at the Apple Cellar.



Followed by shopping in downtown Ashland. Ashland is not very big so this didn't take long, but it was still fun to see how the city has changed since I was a kid, but has also stayed very much a small town.

Ashland is home to a very successful Shakespearean festival. We were lucky that when we got up the hill to walk the grounds the stage door was open We got to peak in and see the auditorium without having to sit through a play. (sorry Shakespeare is not my thing.)



Monday at 2:00 is Random Sound's rehearsal time so we got to sit in and listen. I was blown away at how talented my nephew Cole is. He is 12 years old and plays drums in the band.





They have only been together for a short time in this line up, but have already done paying gigs.


While they practiced upstairs, Garin, India and I played RockBand.


India and Garin were good, but I should probably stay behind the drum kit while performing music of any type.


At this point I had already lost so might as well mug for the camera.


After giving the young ones a chance to warm up, we went back upstairs to be treated to a few songs.


Then it was their turn at RockBand.



That evening we packed another picnic for the park, but this time it was a for a ballet.


Kai and Jackson saw a deer and walked right up to it.




What's worse than one cousin stuck in a tree... two cousins stuck in a tree. Ok, they weren't stuck.


When we were young we used to love to play in this creek. Chelle had to check it out and she agreed it was a blast!

Tuesday morning, Chelle and I loaded back into the car with mom and dad and drove back to their place in Sparks Nevada. But before going to the airport to fly home to California we went by their place to check out the deck my dad built for the back of their home.

It is AWESOME! My dad did a great job. I want him to come to our place and put his skills to work for our home. Their house looks so nice.

Sunday July 27th

Chelle and I drove back down to Ashland to continue the family reunion that was already in progress.

First thing we did after arriving was pack the whole family up for photos in the park.



Fortunately for us, cousin Chris's wife Mary is an excellent photographer so she snapped a million shots. I don't have those yet, but will post them when I get 'em.



While she snapped away I took these amazing behind the scenes shots. Here you see her photographing Don, Ahnalin, Sivje and India.


Are they not the most adorable four people you have ever seen? Here are cousins Jackson, Cole, and Kai with their aunt Chelle.


My uncle Jay and Aunt Linda helped host the whole gathering at their place and were very gracious.


Another behind the scenes shot. This time it's Garin, Cole, Kai, Gemma, and Sandra.


Jackson with his dad Chris and my mommy.


Trevor and newest baby addition to the big family, Carson.


All the men.


All the women.


The whole Crowe family.


A bunch of sillyness


When we arrived back at the house the group had prepared a surprise baby shower for Chelle and I. It was quiet a surprise and we loved it.

Saturday the 26th

While in Eugene, Bella and I slept over at my cousin Jarl's house. He and his wife Janine are awesome host.


Jarl, Svein, and me

Saturday morning Jarl's twin brother Svein and his wife Tricia came over for a Norwegian breakfast on the back patio.


Jarl and Janine, Chelle and I, Tricia and Svein

The breakfast was fantastic! Jarl made a Norwegian pancake that has been a family recipe passed down through the generations. Since we are family, I made sure that Chelle got a copy so she can share with you next time you visit at our place.


After eating we headed to downtown Eugene to see HippyFest err I mean the Saturday Market.


It really hasn't changed much from when I disliked it as a kid.


Chelle found the one thing that wasn't made out of hemp or tie died.


Across the street is the farmer's market and this stuff is actually really good.


There were drum circles and political banners. The one thing Chelle and I don't understand about hippies are how can they be so concerned about the environment but still smell so bad.


For lunch we went to McMinimuns at the North Bank. Growing up I always saw this place as a nice upscale restuarant, now it's a cool laid back pub with a patio that overlooks the Willamette River.


Winston High School Class of '88 (20 years later)

Later that evening, we met up at the 5th Street Market for round 2 of the HS Reunion. I was disappointed my best friend Eric wasn't there with his wife Margo, but we managed to have fun anyway.


Steve, Bob, Me, JP and his wife Deb, and Julie

I was very impressed with how good everybody looked after 20 years had passed. It must be the good Oregon water and fresh air that caused everyone to stay in a period of arrested development.


Jen, Kim, Darrin, Me and Kristen


Chelle and I


Jp and Deb, Chelle and I


Me with Julie and Colin


Bob and Christian

What a cool experience. I am real glad that Chelle and I attended. Good friends like I had back in school are great to reunite with and hopefully we will do a better job of staying in touch moving forward.

Friday the 25th

Friday morning we drove 3 hours north to my home town Eugene, Or.


Eric, John Paul, Rod, Todd and Myself

It was a true reunion weekend, not only was it time for the Coster family to get together it was also time to celebrate 20 years since I graduated from Winston Churchill High School.


Eric and Todd at the Cooler.


Julie and JP

The reunion was both Friday and Saturday nights, but I only took a few photos on this first night. We met in the courtyard of the newly renovated Oakway Mall for cocktails, a buffet and reminiscing. It was such a weird experience. I was unable to attend our ten year and since we no longer live in Oregon I rarely see any of my old school friends. I really enjoyed getting back together with them.

Thursday July 24th

Chelle and I flew from Burbank, CA to Reno Nevada early in the morning on Thursday. When we arrived in Reno we were met by my parents who had the car loaded and ready. We then drove North to Ashland Oregon.



After arriving in Ashland we gathered the Coster family together (my mom's side of the family) and had a picnic in Lithia park.


Dad


As we picnicked and reunited we were treated to a concert by the local orchestra.


Cousin Chris who once owned a restaurant in Sun Valley Idaho put together the menu.


It was so great to see all the family again and to finally meet the new members.


Chris and nephew Kai


Garin is either brushing his teeth in this photo or eating something, I'm not quite sure.

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Apple Store at the Grove

Here is the line for the iPhone at the Apple store at the Grove in LA. This is over a week after it's release. I'm happy to report that I am finally the proud holder of an iPhone. I came to my current employer over a year ago because of my iPhone desires and I finally get to use one. I love it and am very happy to be able to use one in my day to day life. The week of it's release I actually had the pleasure of going to 1 Infinite Loop in Cupertino to meet with Apple. It was a dream come true for me. Of course I can't share more with you than that, but suffice to say it was very cool.

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Broken Wings




It is very warm in Havasu. Many days have been a cozy 117, right now it's 111 today's high is only going to be 115 so I'll be sure and wear a jacket. To cool down the air I installed a mister hose above the bar. The picture doesn't do it justice but there is beautiful cool water misting out every two feet. It's a nice feeling to have the cool water blowing through the air.

If your wondering why this post is called Broken Wings, it's because I'm a music geek and I think it is funny. Just think of the band that sang this song in the 80's.

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