Well this year we didn't know what to do for family pictures because we were missing Natali and Mack.  I thought we would just skip it till spring but the girls started asking when we were going to do it.  They didn't want to miss a year and Andrew didn't want Senior pictures so I figured we'd better just do the four kids that were home or we might not have a shot of Andrew's glorious hair. 

I scheduled the shoot and then the weather plunged.  It was 30 degrees outside on this chilly fall morning but the kids managed to find a few smiles though Heather may have had to edit out the red noses.

I told her to take a lot of pics of Andrew to give him some options for yearbook.  They turned out pretty great.

OBX

Greg and I spent a wonderful weekend together on the Outter Banks.  Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge didn't disappoint.  We saw 14 bears and a red wolf (one of less than 25) in two days.  

We also enjoyed a few lovley walks and a peaceful guided kayak excursion through the marshes.

The kayak trip added a few gators and lots of turtles to the list.

We left the preserve and headed to the coast where we visited the original Duck Donuts in Duck, NC.  Wow- we were not disappointed.  The warm vanilla cake donut base was incredible no matter what the delectable toppings.

The Brew Thru was unique enough to earn a visit - we just got soda.

Our hangliding class was cancled due to high wind😢.  We will have to do it next time.

We saw beautiful coastline, sand dunes, lighthouses, Kill Devil Hill and the Wright Brothers museum and monument.  Plus we enjoyed good food and valuable time together.  And the kids just played with Grandma Dame so it was a win all around - thanks Mom.

Fall Happenings

After our trip to Florida and watching several dozen episodes of Bluey with Spencer, Emily decided to make pavlova.  She has always loved meringue so she figured she would love this and she did.  It doesn't look too pretty, in fact I'm pretty sure it is all wrong, but she loved eating in.  I didn't like the crumbly mess it left whenever it was touched but all things concidered I'm pretty amazed with what she turned out.

Greg's peach tree went crazy this year and we got over 100 peaches.  We ate a ton, froze a ton, ate a bunch more in milk and I tried my hands at tart making.  These were so yummy I made them several times.

The 7th and 8th grade GT classes went to the Boise River over in Caldwell for a field trip and I got to tag along as chaperone.  It was fun to see Emily with her friend and be reminded of how silly middle schoolers are.

They got to check the termidity of the water and dig for little critters under rocks and trapped on the netting.  It was a little cold but we all had fun.

One morning on the way to the bus stop my little cat whisperer started clicking at Dita and the cat started following.  Then Ditten started following too - It was Lily's dream come true.  It was a slow walk but the cats both followed a coaxing Lily all the way past the Bishop's old house before they found a cosy spot and hunkered down.  Lily gave them a last snuggle and caught the bus; best morning ever.

Lily had fun playing soccer this year.  She did an expecially nice job on defense but still managed to  scored a goal.

While I was in NC with Greg Lily got to go to the Old Penitentiary for a field trip.  I was bummed to miss it but her chaperone sent me these photos. 

U of I Here We Come

Well my dad called me one October morning and asked if I wanted to fly to Moscow the next day to see Mack.  I said yes, and asked if my little buddy could come with me.  She had never been in Grandpa's airplane and was overdue for a turn.  

The next morning I let Lily sleep in while I went walking then we got ready and headed to Ontario.  An uneventful drive and flight later and we were in Pullman WA where we borrowed the old loaner car and went searching for Mack.

We saw his dorm room, dropped off our box of goodies, and headed out for burgers.  Our chatting grew dull for Lily but Grandpa and I were savoring our time hearing all about Mack.  He even sent us this pic of him getting ready for a football game.  Ha!  I enjoyed hearing all about the practical jokes that my dad pulled in college.  I loved every minute.

When Mack had about an hour before class we drove him back to school and he gave us a campus tour. I really love the campus - it is beautiful and well designed.  The old and new buildings are made of brick to create a more unified look.  I appreaciate the effort to build in a similar style.

It was short and sweet but our hours together were lovley, especially all the good hugs.  

A Visit from Beth, Piper & Gus

Beth and the kids came to visit just in time for Halloween dinner.

The next morning they were up early for donuts and searching for mink down by the river.  No luck but the donuts made it worth it. Beth had to work but we kept the kids busy.

The afternoon trip to the temple was a success.

Then off to the zoo.  We hadn't been in quite a while so there was lots of new stuff to see in addition to the classics.

The steller sea eagle was impressive,

the wild dogs beautiful,

and catching Gus looking at the camera, miraculous.

Everyones favorite part was the otters.  They were busy swimming and playing and we watched them until the zoo closed.

The kids played a lot of laser tag - Gus loved it so much Beth ordered it for him for Christmas.  

Their visit was a treat - come back anytime!