Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Birthday Shopping

We took Grandson #2 birthday shopping last week. He is turning 2 and the one thing I really wanted to get for him was nowhere to be found. So Plan B was just go to Toys R Us and see what happens!

As usual, he took off running! We chased him but could barely keep up.

He was having a great time, looking at this and looking at that, and playing with everything he could get his hands on.

Oh, what is this? Something fun I'm sure!

He settled down in the train section and even though that is not what I got him, his Aunty Mary did get him a 4 set of Thomas trains and some tracks.

A very exciting birthday experience for a two-year old boy.

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Ho'ike 2010

Every year we go the Ho'ike in Vancouver. It is held at Esther Short Park, a lovely place for a lovely day. There is hawaiian music and dance and food and we always run into friends.

It started off pretty cold. We had to bundle up and act like Jawas or at least like Hobbits. Brrrrrr!

My lovely daughter was lovely as usual. Everyone should have a daughter, it's part of what makes life wonderful.

Here is my lovely offspring #1 with her funny and adorable Grandson #2.

I tried really hard to take a pensive picture of myself but I just look goofy. I like my hair though. It is alway good-looking if I do say so myself.

Grandson #2 can always put his Grandpa Extremo to sleep.

I love pictures of them together. It makes me happy. They played with toys for a while, but Grandson #2 is a runner. It didn't take long for him to get up and take off.
But it was beautiful while it lasted.

Friday, June 25, 2010

The Best Video of Extremo Ever!

This first video is vintage. Extremo at his best. Now when people talk about Extremo, you'll know what they mean!



Everyone wants to get in the act!



Extremold?



Just clowning around.



Clown karaoke.



Now you know what I know! Love, Saint Audrey.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

SACBO!

Saturday, June 19, 2010. A grey and rainy day in the city of Seattle. This was the day of the Seattle Art Car Blowout, affectionately known as SACBO.

Extremo spent a couple of months getting his van is showing shape. Sculpting, casting, siliconing, painting.

The chimpanzee says, "Laughter will lengthen your life!" Oh, yeah.

The Dandelion says, "Give me your money!"

Ole Salty say, "Aargh... I'm gunna eat you laddie!"

Extremo gets to the lot early, meeting up with old friends like Scott, Ruby and newcomer Amber.

Music selections are made and prepared.

Time to get started with the hooplah!

Smile for the cameras Spanky!

After about 5 hours of singing and dancing Extremo takes a quick break!

He really tries hard to look normal. A little bit hard to do when you got a red nose on.

This is more like it. Creepy Clownie Wownie!

Extremo takes a break to perform the marriage ceremony of Jimbo and Kimbo. They married at the alter of Elvis.

Back to work!

Sunday was more of the same except the rain came down a lot harder and longer. Extremo found a new method of entertainment, Extremo Clown Karaoke. Just grab a group of like minded folks and sing as loud as you can!

But the best part of any SACBO weekend is meeting up with old friends. Here is Dave & Annie, the most lovely couple I have every known.

This is Ladybug Sherry, she has the cutest ladybug truck and travel trailer.

Ken and Janice from Canada.

Theresa, the SACBO Donor.

She was ready to donate an internal organ at the drop of a hat.

And last but not least, the ever present Don. We would not know where to go unless Don was there to tell us where and when to turn and park. Missing from these pictures but always on the list is Kelly.

It is so nice to have friends.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Willy's Birthday Videos

I think I failed to mention that this was a surprise party for Willy's 50th Birthday. A great reason to get together thanks to Christine. Here is Willy being surprised! Hugs all around.

First conversations were mostly quick hello, how are you?s

No party is complete until Extremo dances a jig.

A Momentous Day

Saturday, June 12th, 2010 was a momentous day. It was the day that 7 of the 8 Campbell Kids were all together in one place! There was a lot of other Campbell's there as well.

Left to right: Michael, Don, Peter, Kevin, Aunt Dorothy, Scot, Mary & Willy. It was Willy's birthday and his wife, Christine, worked really hard to get everyone under one roof!

It was the first bright and sunny day we have had here in Oregon for many months! Great for a party but hard on the picture taking. We all got to Willy's house around 1pm as Kimby had her Dad out seeing a movie. The brothers were hugging and talking and visiting like they hadn't skipped a beat. It was a wonderful sight to behold.

Everyone took time to visit with Mary who sat chillin' under the trees.

The band played a set and then Willy opened presents. Here is what Extremo brought.

Aunt Dorothy is Marguerite's youngest sister. She is a phenomenal woman full of life and fun. She jumped right into the thick of things and didn't flinch at all the Campbell "humor" ...if you know what I mean. She kept up with all the shenanigans until late in the evening.

Chillin' Willy and Don, I swear Willy looks just like Tom Skerrit in Steel Magnolias. Just waiting for him to pull out a shotgun and start shooting crows.

Don and Aunt Dorothy had a nice long conversation in the shade.
Offspring #3 with his cousin Kimby and her baby Noah. Noah looks just like Kimby did at 4 years old. He belongs on an old can of Campbell Soup. He has the classic Campbell Kid face. What a cutie.

The day wore on and no one stopped talking. The groups moved and rearranged, everyone had something to say to everyone else.

The sun sank lower in the west and it was getting harder to take pictures.

Willy finally blew out the candles on his cake. I guess he was out of breath from being so old.

TA DAH! I DID IT!

Even ex-wives were on hand. It was great seeing Ariel and her husband.

Next generation Campbells, Offspring #1 and Cameron, Cousin Amy's oldest.

Next generation Campbells play the old standby game Mad Libs.

After dancing and talking and eating and cake, everyone takes a break on the back porch.

And the storytelling begins...

Remember the time...?

3rd generation Campbells get tired but fight to stay awake for all the festivities.

Kevin, Alison and Offspring #3 listening to stories.

Of course, Extremo believes every story he tells, as if they really happened.

Now that the sun is behind the house next door, the lighting is perfect for more picture taking!

I can't believe we were still talking at 7:00 pm.

Alas, some folks had to leave. It was great to see Adam and his fiancee, Babette.

Christine finally gets to take a break and join the fun.

After the sun goes down and it turns chilly outside we moved into the living room and continued on with some of the best stories of the day. What transpired in that living room stays in that living room so no one is none the wiser.

Tall tales and memories forever etched into our poor gentle psyches.

We ended the night with some great folksy music by Peter. He has a great voice and it was the perfect ending to a perfect day.