Christmas in PA

We arrived in time for a late dinner

The traditional pizza dinner on Christmas Eve

Kendall and his Dad

Kendall's Mom (Donna), sister Torrie and nephew Holden

The table ready for Christmas dinner

Snacking on Chex Mix later in the day

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas everyone! For the first time ever I didn't get cards sent to friends and extended family. If I would have, it would have looked something like this.
Wishing you all a blessed Christmas and a safe and healthy New Year!

A Caroling We Go

We were able to attend the annual Christmas Caroling evening at Pat & Jennifer's last evening. We gather for food & hot drinks and then head into the neighborhood to carol. It's a blend of Church friends and their neighbors. Jennifer giving instructions.
We caroled on Winter Drive! How cool is that??

Vivian & Liz

The kids loved ringing the door bell to let the occupants know we were there.

They all seemed to be appreciative of our vocal abilities.

Friday Happenings

Fruit arrived from an elderly couple in IL that I send cookies to each year.
We attended the Michael W. Smith concert at a mega church close to home.

He performed with the ASU Symphony Orchestra.

It was the highlight of the season so far!

Change of Season

This is what most of the week has looked like. We've had cool highs in the 50's and rain. It's got everyone thinking of Christmas! This was the view on my way to the office earlier this week. I had a meeting at one of our hospitals, so it was actually daylight as I approached downtown. Not to worry, traffic was slow enough I could snap a quick shot.

Strategic Planning and Cards

Friday my co-workers met at our house to do planning for 2009.

Kathy unexpectedly had her Granddaughter, Faith Elizabeth, with her for the day. She loved the homemade marshmallows!

After our planning session we headed to my card instructor's home to make cards to give as Christmas gifts.

Amy, Me, Sherrie, Janne, Kathy & Jennifer

Zoo Lights

Last night we attended a Holiday Trade Show hosted by one of Kendall's suppliers. This is the first time it was held at the zoo which made it much better than previous years. The food was finger lickin' good and we won a prize to boot! We had tickets from the vendors as well as tickets based on what Kendall had spent in supplies the month before. We put all the tickets in the box for a telescope -- we thought that will be put to good use at the cabin where the stars are plentiful.

There weren't many real animals out at night. Just one lone elephant that we sat and watched waiting for the prize drawing.

Trees were lit and danced in time with music.

Good Morning Arizona!

Yesterday we spent a relaxing afternoon with Marilyn, Jay and family and enjoyed a fabo meal.

This morning Kendall has to work for several hours before we can head out to the cabin. The morning news show that we watch - Good Morning Arizona - was doing one of their "Mall Shows" close to us this morning so we decided to head out and see all the excitement at 4:15 AM before Kendall goes to work. Amazing how many people are out already and for how long they've been waiting or shopping! I forgot my camera at Marilyn's last night so these shots are from my Blackberry - not as good quality, but you get the idea. Dan Davis - an Ohio State University graduate and fan

Brad Perry

Apples

These apples are destined to become a Thanksgiving pie that will travel with us to Kendall's cousin's home. Over the river and through the woods... Well, at least across town.

Last Project of the Year

The last project of the year at the cabin was to install new windows. The single pane aluminum windows were replaced with double paned, wood trimmed windows. Such a difference in the draftiness! You can see the dust on the logs that has accumulated over the upgrades. The windows went in Friday and the dust came down Saturday. Every log was brushed/washed. Kendall helping Clord with the living room window.

The final product:

BEFORE

AFTER

A Week in Dallas

These are scenes of my home away from home this week. I do work for another company in my 'spare' time so this week I'm taking vacation days from my regular job and I'm here until Thursday evening.

Here is a description of the accommodations: Our luxurious tower king guest rooms in warm Asian influences feature a variety of views and amenities - including a comfortable sitting area with sleeper sofa and coffee table, one king Hilton Serenity bed with luxury linens, a private bath with full stone and glass shower surround, granite vanity with make-up mirror, Crabtree and Evelyn bath amenities, an ion hair dryer, mini-bar, coffee station, on-demand movies and entertainment, work desk with ergonomic chair, wired high-speed Internet connection, MP3 alarm clock, 32-inch flat panel TV, 24-hour room service and a complimentary USA Today newspaper delivered to your door each weekday morning.

A Touch of Garrett County Fall

Thanks to a craft project last year that involved Mom, Phebe, Emma and Rachel, I have a bit of fall here again this year. The leaves have the names of everyone in the family printed on them. The leaves go nicely with this picture of Emma from a season past.

And a happy birthday to this young lady! As they say, the card is in the mail.

Welcome Evan!

Finally we get a glimpse of the latest addition to the family! Evan Michael was born to Phebe & Ken Tuesday evening at 8:07. You can read the whole story at Phebe's Blog. http://www.phebebird.blogspot.com/

The short version is that he arrived 2 hours after his Momma made it to the hospital through a snow storm. He got to go 'home' from the hospital yesterday, but Rachel woke up sick so Evan and Phebe spent the night at Mom & Dad's (while they are at Myrtle Beach, I might add) and Ken was at their house with the girls. Rachel, Emma, and Evan

Project of the Weekend

The weekend project was to rock the cabin driveway to help with erosion control. The first of three loads for a total of 24 tons

A dusty mess, but the finished product was nice!

We're beginning to see winter birds. This Blue Jay (spied through the window/screen) was happy to see Bob the Squirrel's corn.

Pumpkin Bread and Pomegranates

Sunday afternoon lent itself to some baking. I was able to put a few bar cookies in the freezer for the holidays and made some pumpkin bread. The afternoons are still warm, but the mornings are cool in the 60's and it is beginning to feel like fall.

We also opened a pomegranate to check out the fruit. The tree in the back yard is full of pomegranates this year! Each little pouch holds juice and a tiny seed you can eat. They are supposed to be very good for you and the juice is being added to lots of items on your grocery shelf.
Pumpkin Bread & Pomegranate

Evy Gets Married

Evy was the sweet little girl who lived next door to Kendall on 23rd Ave. She is also the one to introduce Jake to him and convince him that he needed to adopt Jake. After all he was so small, soft and cute! The wedding took place in the back yard of family friends at 4:00 in the afternoon when the temperature hit 96 degrees with the sun sinking lower in the sky.

Her father Bruce is walking her down the isle.

Bruce also officiated at the ceremony

After lighting the unity candle

Mr. & Mrs.

Salt Lake City

Some scenes from my week:

The view of snow capped mountains from my hotel window

The dancing water fountain in honor of the 2002 Olympic Games at The Gateway

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir Rehearsal

Rehearsals are open to the public most Thursdays

The Mormon Tabernacle Orchestra

The exterior of the Temple as we left the choir rehearsal