"Slushed In"

Since we're buried in slush now I'll get one more posting done.

When the snow finally turned to rain we had about 3 feet of snow, and now it's all slush. 

We did have a great Holiday in spite of the weather. There were several times we had to dig out of the ditch. We're in debt to quite a few people for pushing, pulling, and digging us out. But we have all survived.

Good Friends

Rachel and Kay had a fun week together. The weather changed some of their plans but they made the most of it. They had a great time sledding, laughing, posing, telling stories, singing, and chillin'. They did make it to the mall twice so all was not lost, they got to spend their money.

White White Christmas

     Christmas was saved by SUV's this year. Thankfully most of our guests have one, so we had a great time. We had over 2 ft of snow on Christmas and it snowed much of Christmas day. It was such a busy day, not many pictures were taken. We missed the Green's but they do not have a SUV, so could not make the hills around our house.

  We feared we'd lose power during this weather, but while many of our neighbors were out, we never did lose power, though it flickered many times. It was a good feeling to get Christmas dinner cooked.

Lights of Christmas

We decided to venture out Tuesday afternoon. We checked in to see how Hallwood Cove was fairing in the snow, then went out to Warm Beach to the Lights of Christmas. It was beautiful to see over a million lights in the winter wonderland setting. It was hard to believe you were in the Pacific Northwest.

The boys in the main cabin warming up.

Isn't the mountain light scene creative. I didn't get the moon in the picture as the girls only wanted to sit a few seconds on the cold bench.
I liked the animals they had in a petting area.
Bren's favorite tree. White lights, white snow. Beautiful

Hazelw00d's with Frosty.

Change of plans

Due to the weather, plans defaulted to baby sitting and celebrating David's 50th.

     Their ski trip had to be cancelled so we crashed in on them to help David celebrate. It was great fun. 

   The girls had planned on shopping but with daycare closed they were able to make money rather than spend it. It was easy money for them since Aunt Patty was here and was enjoying to opportunity to see her little relatives.

December 20th

We had an adventuresome Holiday this year.

Patty and Mahlon came with Rachel on Saturday, and by Sunday we had over a foot of snow.

Mahlon had no problems getting around so he went and got the kids so we could all be together. 

We had fun walking about the neighborhood. Patty helped keep the snow off the hedges so they would not break.

Happy Hall-o-days

Corporate Wonder?land

(Tune:  Walking in a Winter Wonderland)

Registers ring, are you buyin’
This economy, ain’t complyin’
A depressing sight, Who’s bankrupt tonight?
Strugglin’ in a corporate wonder?land.

Gone away is the market bull,
Here to stay, it’s terr-i-bull.
We wish for month’s past, how long did it last?
It’s a total corporate bummer, man.

But maybe we can build a new portfolio,
Then pretend that it’s not going down
You'll say: Did I profit?  We'll say: No Dealio -
But you can take a second job downtown.

Later on, we’ll inspire, As we dream by the fire
To break from these ways,  And enjoy the holidays,
Resting from that corporate blunderland...

So on vacation we’ll become a new man,
And find that there is more joy to be found,
Like friends, family, & faith – yes, we can
Keep material worries as background.

With this aim, ain't it thrilling,
Though your wallets a chilling
We'll profit today, a far better way
Walking in a winter wonderland

Season’s Greetings

And the best for

The New Year

2008 in REVIEW

                                                                   January 2008

The year began with snow and is coming to a close with snow.

December 2008

Babysitting-

 Kay loves to babysit so we've enjoyed having young kids around the house from time to time

Graduations

Kati Graduated from Pharmacy School in June, so now we have another Pharmacist in the family. Bren completed his first year of pharmacy school and is now in the midst of his second year.In a few years we'll have another pharmacist in the family.

We got to attend Holly's graduation from Dental Hygiene School in Yakima.

Wedding

The Beebs got married in July. What a great day, celebrating two awesome people.

Hallwood Cove

This year our time at the lake was different. We really missed Patty and Mahlon, but was glad Luke and Camilla could make it up some. Gma and Gpa didn't get to spend much time here either. 

Trips

Steve travels all over the country. Kay and Lori joined him in April for a trip to California and Las Vegas. We enjoyed the sunshine and warm weather.

Holiday Concerts

Since Karissa sings in two different Choirs the first two weeks of December we were busy with concerts. It was a great way to get into the holiday mood.

Thanksgiving/Steve's 50th

 The day started with the traditional football game. This year Dennis got flags which helped limit the usual agruing, but many were walking slow by the time they called it a game. 

Fifty Years ago on Thanksgiving Day Steve was born. Grace likes to tell that it was only after she'd got the family fed Thanksgiving Dinner that she told the family it was time to go to the hospital.

We celebrated Steve's Birthday and Thanksgiving in Tenino at the Thornton's.

Steve's sisters put together a game to see who knows Steve the best.

Do you know one thing you count on if you get a voice message from Steve?

(if you answered ..... it will be long, he will talk until he is cut off--you get a point)

It was great being with everyone, the crazy ones and the sane ones.................

The mixture always makes for good times.

While some may question the noise level at times, everyone has to agree the food  and service at the Thornton  Country Kitchen is always great. 

This year the dinner was done potluck style. It was fun for all to add their flair.