2013...January in Portland/Seattle

These bad boys settled down in Paradise, two miles from our house, for the winter.  We enjoyed seeing them every morning on our daily beverage run.

We drove to Portland and landed 6 Blazer tickets from Ryan Gibson.

Griffin is 16 and I enjoyed going for a car ride with him driving.

Miss Kenna constantly entertained with her playful personality.

Brody remains a sweet and innocent little lad.

Stacey and I continue our Camas Antiques tradition.  I always find some treasure to take home with me.  This time it was a delightful birdcage on a stand for our bedroom.

We LOVED going through the Portland Temple with our future missionary,who got her call to Brazil,  then eating at Olive Garden.

Josh is enjoying life as an employee with extra money at the end of each month!

Daniel loves living in Seattle.

Camdyn continues playing the cello and being a great "second mother" to Kenna and Brody.

Spencer continues the tradition of playing games on my iPad. I miss his constant hugs.

We enjoyed an afternoon downtown Seattle, visiting Ryan at work, having lunch and going to the Public Market.

The Casperson kids enjoyed evening swims in our hotel swimming pool.

Rachel and Milly went with me to buy them an outfit.

The warn winter weather invites going outside without coats and gloves!

Papa made the Lake children a Valentine Post like we use in Paradise.

These two little cousins were born a month apart, in March and April.

I ceased to be amazed at the greenness of the Northwest in January.

Todd and Stacey also went through the temple session with Rachel.

Stacey, Brody and I enjoyed walking around Portland.  Trace took the oldest three to a movie. 

A trip to Big Al's for bowling and pizza is always a crowd pleaser.

Emma and Lydia spent many a cold winter day in our bed watching Netflix.

Delightful DECEMBER

Following are some activities we enjoyed as a family in December:  hotel in Ogden, cousin jammies, bowling, Christmas Eve, relay games in the gym, Griffin family party, girls tea party, Corbridge/Searle donut night, talent show, Jackson Hole Wyoming, snowshoeing, and baking day with Annie.

Spooktacular OCTOBER

I enjoy decorating the house for Halloween.

I also enjoy decorating the house for our annual Halloween party with our two daughters who haven't moved away...yet!

These appetizers were a delight for the kinder and the rule was: you have to eat each one!

Monsters greeted the kinder in the entry way and the frights continued til the end!

Dr. Death strikes his first victim.

I dress up with items from the Dollar Store!

The Cat Burglars

Grandpa, what big eyes you have! 

The grands went trick-or-treating to 12 doors inside the house, compared to years past when it was all the outside doors.

Sweet Lydia was traumatized from the evening and still suffers post traumatic stress!

Trace set up his office as a den of horrors and the children would NOT go in there alone....Lydia never did!

Bundy's and Sister Sara....who is praying for Mitt to win!

Lindsey is passing out treats.

Finally something not so scary for Lydia....Witch's Pitch; throwing candy corn into little pots for points.

I start a spooky story and the grands all get a turn adding their plots.  We tape record it and the play back is so precious.

Caleb taking his turn at dart throw.

I went with the Bundy's to City Creek and they took family pictures on the spot where they had wedding pictures ten short years ago.

We visited Heritage Park to see how the pioneers handled the rigors of life. 

We went mini golfing in Providence to a darling course decorated to the hilt for Halloween.

Paul came to town so we drove Betty White to Liberty to have lunch.  Miss Lydia slept the entire way home!

Lee and Paul went hiking with us in Logan Canyon.  We kept entertained with the boys antics. 

Lindsey and I took the kids biking, and for a picnic,  near 3rd Dam.  October has been a most beautiful month.

For FHE we joined the Bundys and Jensens for an outdoor adventure up the canyon.  I was in charge of decorating the campsite.  Lindsey and Ryan gave an outstanding lesson.  Yes.  Tears were involved.