July 20-29

The weekend of July 20-22 I went to Salem and visited with my sister..Just me!! We had a great time. My only issue is traffic..I hate traffic. I spent an hour going 10 MPH on I-205!! I would have been ok except for the leg cramps I've been having..But I arrived safely and Debbie cooked yummy chicken and veggie shishkabobs..along with some bran muffins that were not only tasty, but healthy!

Saturday started at a women's breakfast at her church..the speaker was very good. We went onto the farmers market and I got some fresh garlic..Yummy!! After a rest, we went to an antique type mall then out to dinner..Sunday I went to her church and then headed home with a stop in Vancouver to visit the Earls and see their new home.

This past weekend we visited my mom..Kathryn and Eliza came down to visit too. That was neat! Afterwards we all headed up to Seattle to visit Reg's youngest sis and family, visiting from Delaware..Of course the pics tend to be mostly of Tillie..I should reform, but probably won't!!

Seth and Tillie

MacKenzie and Larry Bangerter.

Kathryn and Linda

Sunday evening after church, the sky was beautiful..I am trying to carry my camera with me so I don't miss these beautiful oppourtunities.

There is a bird in this picture..Nothing spectacular..a seagull, but it I think it is still cool!!

Last week was great..this week will be great..I'M ON VACATION!! I have some goals in my home to accomplish, and Wednesday we're going to the Mariners game and King Felix is pitching! I'm excited. I'm also reading through "The Power of a Praying Wife." Emily and I are reading it together..I hope we can have good discussions.

stuff, stuff and more stuff..OH MY!!

Whee!!!!! Take a look at that! The patio is IN!!! I'd like to say this was a joint effort between Reg and me, but that wouldn't be accurate..Reg did the hard work of tearing out the grass..I provided water..However, Reg hired out the rest...Our neighbor and a guy from our church did the sand and brick...I can't wait to finish..we need to build a step from the dining room outside, but need to wait. The city is replacing the sewer lines..so we'll wait until that project is finished.. Here's one for the record books..David called me at work today and said "Mom, I need to tell you something. I wasn't going to say anything, but the parties involved think I should." Oy! He then announces he's going on a road trip to California with Kerri..yes, a girl!! And he's leaving tomorrow..(7-19)..He assures me that Kerri is just a friend...I said, where are you staying..hotels...separate rooms...OY VEI!!! Kathryn and Eliza, I know you are laughing!! I can hear it..when I called Reg, he started giggling..We're not entirely sure this is a good idea, but an adventure can be fun...I JUST WISH HE WAS GOING WITH A MALE FRIEND!!

Bath Time

The Pictures say it all!!

July 4th and Tillie

Our 4th of July was spent with the Hearn side of the family. It was Melony's birthday, and Meredith's good-bye party. Meredith is heading off to Denver for school. Good luck Meredith..The party was held on the Bainbridge Island ferry. We decided it would be easier to drive to Winslow and ride the ferry to Seattle..so, we ended up riding 2 full round trips. It was great and very relaxing..no Seattle traffic and 4 ferry rides..ahh...

Here is our Tillie Anne

Tillie, again
The Maier family arrived at our house at 5AM, July 3rd. They surprised both Anthony's family and us by arriving so early. They nearly drove straight through..I guess they had about 4 hours of sleep.

After the ferry rides, we went and visited my Mom at the nursing home, then off to see my Dad. Mom really wanted to hold Tillie...I love this picture.

It was a great day!! Now, I have to remember to go to work tomorrow at 8AM...not 9AM..long story!!

Musings

Last week, beginning Sunday, started a big week. On Sunday, the 24th, we bid farewell to our dear friends, the Earls..Glenn, Cindy and Kelley. Actually, they are still here, but they are moving south to Vancouver this Thursday...I haven't even cried yet...I think I'm in denial. The only good thing out of this is that our out to dinner budget might get in better control!! Dennis and Diane Teague made a bunch of calls and we had a great turnout Sunday to say goodbye! It was great! Reg and I are now trying to figure out where and what our roles are with church. We will continue to lead worship at Moriah once a month and also in Olympia once a month. We're not sure beyond that...for now we will continue with Sunday evening too. Glenn likened his past experiences to Elijah. I want to read 1 Kings to see it for myself..I think it's too late to get them to change their minds..they will be close to their son Ryan and his family..I understand that with grandchildren..you want to be near them to see all the changes..click here to see the pictures.

The next day Reg and I ventured north to McCaw Hall, or the Opera House as we used to know it. Kathryn graduated from Bastyr University. WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU, KATHRYN!!!! Here are some of the pictures...

The Proud Parents

Kathryn & Albert

More Family

Kathryn & Eliza

A Graduation tradition

A Seattle icon

Another tradition..the

diving board pose

And, speaking of grandchildren (1st paragraph) TILLIE WILL BE HOME TOMORROW!!! So will her parents!! We are excited!!