Monday, November 8, 2010

One more reason to love Oregon rain!

I know its crazy, but I'm lovin' that the rains are here in Oregon. We actually had a good storm just before we left for California. We had to go out to the property to check on something and were so excited to see that the pond had filled with water and that the creeks were running. I was bummed I didn't have my camera at the time. But, not to worry, the rains continued and the pond and creeks are even more full now. So, this time out to the property I brought my camera. And, as an added bonus....a rainbow!!








California and Grandkids!

We just returned from a wonderful week in California visiting Kim, Danny, and the kids. It was a frugal vacation since we stayed with Kim and Danny, fixed our meals there, and earned free tickets to Disneyland by participating in the Give a Day, Get a Day volunteer drive that Disney sponsored earlier this year. So really, it was just the cost of gas! We were there in time to celebrate Halloween by attending their stake's trunk-or-treat activity. We decorated our trunk in a pirate theme, played the Pirates of the Caribbean soundtrack from our van speakers, and dressed as pirates. It was a lot of fun. It actually took a whole extra suitcase (and a big one at that) to pack all of our costumes, plus we brought decorations for the trunk. We spent time visiting Monty's former mission area in Van Nuys, stopped at the LA temple visitors center, spent a day at Zuma beach, and went to Disneyland. Monty actually served in the Camarillo ward that Kim and Danny live in. Their current bishop was just a boy when he was there as a missionary. In fact, when their bishop found out he was coming to visit, he requested that he bring his magic trick that he used to do on his mission to show to the primary kids. The bishop was going to talk to the kids about how a good example can influence others. He said that Elder Luke was a good example to him as a missionary and really got him motivated to serve a mission. Its wonderful to see the fruits of a mission even twenty five years later!

TRUNK-OR-TREAT

Cinderella, Rosetta, and Finn the Human

Super Saiyan Goten

A pirate and Mario

Luigi and "chubby baby Olivia"

Aargh! A couple of pirates!

There be two more pirates handing out candy!

The pirates treasure trove.


HOLLYWOOD


LA TEMPLE




ZUMA BEACH IN MALIBU










DISNEYLAND







THE LEGO STORE, DOWNTOWN DISNEY








Goodbye Ark!

After years of resting in the middle of the field, the ark "sailed" closer to the dumpster and is now no more! Moroni decided to film its voyage via the tractor. It was slow sailing, but she made it in one piece. Although, she's not in one piece any longer. The excavator tore her apart, and the tractor scooped her up and placed her in the dumpster. She was pretty much the last of the "stuff" that has left the property in a dumpster. I think we filled six 30 yard dumpsters over the summer....spending nearly $4000 in dump fees!

Homemade grape juice...love it!

Every year at this time I am so grateful for the Mother's Day present I received years ago...a custom designed and built grape arbor by my wonderful husband. Thanks dear!! Over the years our family has enjoyed many quarts of homemade grape juice. Sure, its easier to just go and buy frozen concentrate from the store, but it doesn't compare to the real stuff. It's the best!


Picked fresh from the vine.


I love the color they turn as they are steamed!


I love to see my shelves filled with quarts of this good stuff!

Happy Birthday McKay!

McKay recently turned sixteen and celebrated with friends, family, and an All-American chocolate cake from Costco...his favorite