I know you all are wondering how Tim's birthday turned out. Well, we started the celebrating at the Bulldog's game Thursday afternoon, when Hermiston beat Summit  50 -14. How poetic. The team sang to Tim after they gave him a good dousing.

Shelby, a former cheerleader herself, made a new friend at the game. I don't know who is cuter, the mascot bulldog or the mascot cheerleader.

One of the rare moments when Tim and I are the same age, in the same place, at the same time. This was taken about 20 minutes after his drenching. It was cold out and he has very little body fat to keep him warm.

Konnie took the afternoon off work and drove all the way home in time to cheer on her dad's team. Stephan had to work so he couldn't join us. We missed him & Ashley, who was also working.

I had told Tim that I'd invited some friends over for lunch after church. He didn't expect them to show up in a stretch limo, however. We were in the living room with Brian Johnson, a teacher & friend from Pendleton, when the limo arrived. Tim looked at the two of us and asked, "What's going on?" He had no clue, but as you can see, he was delighted.

Our first stop was Three Rivers Winery in Walla Walla, Wash. Here Coach Tim joins Coach McDonald and Coach Usher. Walla Wallas has 56 wineries. The Syrah was a favorite at Three Rivers. The girls and I had prepared food for the trip. We had artichoke dip and crackers, mufalattas sandwiches, fudge brownies and apple bread. Brian, who is the most seasoned among us, declared the menu perfect for wine tastings. He talked the folks at Canoe Ridge Winery into allowing us into the barrel room for a photo. It didn't turn out that well but it's the only shot of us all together.

We finished up our wine tour at L'Ecole No. 41, in Lowden, Wash. Which is perfect since it means School 41. It is a beautifully restored schoolhouse that smells of new varnish. The Syrah was tangy, but Krissa declared the Blanc a hit. It was still light as we made the trip home, with the sun setting over the Columbia River. Tim gave the day his victory sign -- Hang Loose.