Conner's BBQ Bash at the Berry's

When we return home to Seattle we typically plan a BBQ at the Berry's home, which they so graciously offer each summer.  We like to get the family together once we arrive and invite a number of our friends. It's a good excuse to have a party and easier to see everyone without driving all over the city.

One reaction common to cruisers returning to the US is how overwhelmed I was as I went grocery shopping for the BBQ.  As I walked down the aisles of the massive Fred Meyer store in Sammamish I was reminded of the unbelievable variety of foods available in the US.  One whole aisle is devoted to chips and crackers alone!  It was difficult just buying some taco chips as they had way too many brands to choose from.  I was like a kid in a candy store wanting to buy everything. My shopping cart ended up with a few extra items not on the list that we hadn't been able to buy since we left Seattle.  It really struck me as odd at the same time ... do we really need to have every single possible item at our finger tips? Within an hour I had all I needed and was putting things away in the refrigerator at the Berry's house.  The same task would have taken at least a half the day out cruising and would have involved one or two small bags.

On BBQ day we were blessed with another beautiful summer afternoon and the Berry's lovely home was ready with lots of space for the kids to play and for everyone to relax and visit.  We fired up the grill and Jim & Chris cooked up some delicious mesquite chicken, and along with a couple salads, some garlic bread, watermelon, and cookies & cake for dessert, we had a feast.

Do American's realize how good they have it?

Good move Brody.

Conner and Quinn with their "Funcle" Brad.

Christa trying to keep Conner engaged and on the blanket.

Jim and Maryann chatting with Tryg.

It was wonderful to see friends we hadn't seen in ages and hear what they were up to.  The grand kids had birthdays coming up so there were a few gifts floating around.  The little ones all got new "Happy Hiker T-shirts" from the Berry's to continue the hiking tradition going back over 35years.  Quinn received a fairy tale book with a magical wand and was enchanted with the noise it made (not everyone else was after a hour of the twinkly noise).  I don't think those batteries will last long.  Also, thank you Lisa Van Kampen for the "sweet gifts" for all the ladies.

Quinn and the Princess lived happily ever after.

A great time was had by all.  The kids were a  continual source of  entertainment as they invented "fun things to do."  We just had to make sure they didn't get hurt or hurt one another… no small task!  Thank you again Berry's for sharing your home with us.  You are the greatest!