The Olde Oaks Boys

A few weekends ago we took advantage of this great house we're living in and hosted the First Annual Olde Oaks Boys Reunion.

Left to Right: Gavin, Jeremy, Taylor, Russell, Brian (B.O.), Ben, Rob, Autrey.
Missing this year (but there in spirit): Dave, Big Al, Andrew, Aaron, Jayson, Will.

Growing up, Rob was close friends with a a group of about 12 guys who all went to our local church.  Then, at BYU, a lot of these guys lived together or played on the same Ultimate Frisbee team (they were even the Intramural Champs one year).  So, they share a lot of memories. 

Box Hockey in the driveway

Most people drove in Friday night, and after the wives went to bed, the boys stayed up late playing some old school N64 Bond and reminiscing. 

 

Saturday morning we slept in, had waffles for breakfast and then went outside to take advantage of the perfect Houston spring weather. 

We had some intense games of volleyball in the backyard--luckily a few guys were wearing shoes and could retrieve the ball that kept flying into the woods.  After volleyball, a few brave swimmers tried out the chilly pool, and then it was time for lunch!

During lunch, we did a few blind taste tests to figure out if it was really worth it to buy name brand items.

• The Potato Chip taste test pitted Lays brand Sour Cream and Onion against the Walmart brand.  Verdict: Pretty even split (I may have skewed the results with my lack of poker face...)  
• The Root Beer taste test featured Barqs vs A&W vs Walmart.  Verdict: Walmart was the overall favorite, with A&W in second.  
• The Vanilla Bean Ice cream taste test: Dreyers vs Blue Bell vs Walmart.  Verdict: Walmart was the winner, with Blue Bell in second (!!!!)  Dreyers had a pretty distinct taste, which some people liked, but I couldn't believe how hard it was to tell the other two apart!   
• Overall taste test verdict:  Save your money and buy Walmart brand!  Who knew??

A few hours after we'd all digested, we went to Collins Park to play some Ultimate Frisbee in the last hours of daylight.   Then, went to the Hill's house to watch some BYU basketball. 

The 2nd Generation of Olde Oaks Boys

Sunday morning church came early after that full Saturday.  After church and lunch, people started to head home, and we collapsed on the couch.....and started dreaming up the next Olde Oaks Boys Reunion!  It was so fun!

South Padre Island

Now that we're settled in sunny Houston, it's time to get caught up!

After 2 months of studying for the TX bar with all of these fun books, and as a reward for surviving the actual 3-day marathon exam, and before beginning "real life" as a lawyer,

we decided Rob had earned some serious R&R.  So we hopped in our trusty Camry and headed down to South Padre Island, an island of white sand beaches and very little stress. 

We spent about 4.5 days playing paddle ball on the beach,

and soaking up the sun by the gorgeous pool, taking breaks for me to shellac Rob in UNO and have him return the favor with a game (or three) of Sequence. 

We went for quick dips in the chilly ocean,

Enjoyed long walks on the beach,

And by the end of our stay were (mostly) ready to get back in the car and see what "real life" is going be like!