New Years Eve

We stopped at Keith and Sheral's in Olympia for a little visit before we headed south to Arizona. We spent the night and when we left their house the morning of December 31st it was just a cloudy day. By the time we reached the freeway we were in a snow storm.

Where did this come from? It wasn't even predicted.

 By the time we got to the river it looked like a winter wonderland. Since we were in the motorhome we weren't sure about getting into the campground without slipping and sliding on this one particular hill. Sooo, we went a back way so we could miss the hill and we did just fine.

 Snow at Cowlitz Shores

Here we are at Skeet and Jan's for News Years dinner again. The first year they had their 5th wheel we met them at the river for New Years and Jan cooked a prime rib. Keep in mind that this was the first time she had even used the oven. What a way to break it in.

Brayden is 10 Months Old

Brayden is 10 months old and so darn cute. I'm his Grammy, so I can say that right? He still loves those books and here he is  with one of his favorites. What is with boys and cars/trucks?

 Ooooo, Christmas ornaments. What damage can I do to these?

 I like to help Grammy with the laundry.

 Juice time!!

 Shhh, don't tell Mommy and Daddy that I can climb up in my rocking chair.

I can now reach some of Grammy's books!!!

 Grammy's yarn can sure be fun, but what a mess it makes. She has special little balls that she let's me use, then she has to take out all the knots. She is making an afghan for Baby Caitlin and I am trying to help.

 

I sure like the Fisher Price Nativity, but what I really like to do is put it all on the floor.

 The cow says "Mooooo" and the sheep  says "Baaaaaa"

Christmas

Christmas was at Jennie and Will's this year. Our family gathered in the morning and opened our gifts and Julie's family came a little later for and afternoon dinner. Reed was sick so Cara and Rodney had to leave early. Thus, no pictures.

Jennie found some beautiful ribbon candy at  a shop in Seattle. What a fun treat!

 The table was beautifully set with a special message for each guest.

 Here's our little Braydon on his first Christmas. He has a Santa on his bum bum and his mommy made him a strawberry and banana candy cane.

 

 All these fun new gifts and I still like books the best!

 Ron made Jennie a sink for her Hobby Room.

 Walking and making noise are two of his favorite things to do!!!

 Julie and Rylie are getting a treat from the White Candy Buffet.

 "Please may I take one home for Reed?" she asks.

Of course you may!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!!

Christmas Baking

Making Christmas cookies is an event planned by the girls, or maybe mostly by Jodie. I think she figures out all the ingredience and then assigns people to bring them. We meet at my sister Julie's house and the mixing and baking begins.

My niece Jodie and Amber

       Julie                                                                                  Nicole

 These are Nutmeg Cookie Logs, one of my favorites. My mom always used to make them.

 Lots of yummy Christmas cookies were made today!

Laura's Bridal Shower

Our friends Laura and Jeremy are getting married in December. Betsy and I planned a shower for our church friends to attend. Since it's a winter wedding we went with a snow theme. Betsy had this blue tablecloth that was absolutely perfect.

 Party Favors

 Getting ready to play Bridal Bingo

 PRESENTS!

 Everyone brought a recipe and Betsy put

them in this recipe book for Laura.

Char was working on the rehearsal bouquet as Laura opened her gifts. People use gift bags now, so there aren't many ribbons. However, Char did a great job with what she had and made a beautiful bouguet!

 Cindy and Laura