Well, this probably looks strange, but, it was a blast! We were at Derrick's house in August, the kids collected stones, went Geocaching and treasure hunting, thanks to Uncle Morgan. We had a facial put on by Rachael and Megan. Derrick took off time and we went swimming, picnicing, walking, and playing. It was great. We had some great barbecues put on by Derrick. The distinguished man in the beard is Neal. Grandpa came back from Alaska with a beard and has never shaved it. I am getting use to it and he likes not having to shave. Kaylee was with us so all of the grandkids except Michael's crew were here. We missed them but maybe we can all get together next year. I love being a Grandma!

I know my blog is out of sequence but I am finding all of these pictures from the summer. This is Melissa's family with us in Kennewick. We were visiting Derrick's family. Derrick was at work. I believe Morgan took the pictures. We spent a wonderful week with them before coming out to the coast of Oregon.

Jessica, here's another mess you've gotten me in! Actually, Jessica and I had a wonderful walk on the bridge. Would we do it again, I don't think so, but, it is one of those things we can cross off our "Bucket List". The bridge is 208 feet tall and we walked about 6.5 miles in just under 2 hours. Not bad for two older ladies. We sure were feeling good when it was over. Thank you Jessica for the challenge. I feel great about accomplishing it!

Michael & Esther's Harvest

This is a collage Esther sent to me. They have new animals, food they
have grown, and a brand new baby boy, William. We were there for
his blessing the 4th of July. Lauren was also bapized the same day and
so it was a wonderful and inspiring trip. We were sent to Denali Park
by the kids for our 40th anniversary on a train trip. The sights were
just out of this world. We saw deer, elk, moose, beaver, swans, eagles,
and much more. One day we were out driving with the kids and actually
saw a baby black bear crossing the highway. What a thrill!

I know I am behind on my blog. But, I thought I would start here with Neal's trip to
Alaska. This happen in April at Easter. You can see Michael's family has really grown
they have a baby on the way and are in the process of adopting Elaina and Miriam.
What a blessing this is for all of them!

Merry-Go-Round

Dear Family and Friends, Life really does have its ups and downs, just like a Merry-Go-Round. Neal and I have had our share of both ups and downs. We will be celebrating our 40th anniversary on April 17th and Neal has recently lost his job. It is because of some huge errors another person made with the company's finances and over 80% of the company had to be let go in order to try and save it. The transit center may or may not stay open and it is sad. Neal is doing o.k. He was very disappointed and upset at first but now is in Alaska with Michael and his family. They are expecting baby #6 (they have added 2 foster children to their family and are in the process of adoption). Michael has been blessed with pretty good health, though he is tired a lot. Esther is down waiting for #6. So, Neal is there helping to finish some projects, etc. I will join them in June for the birth of the baby. Meanwhile, Kaylee and I are doing an all girl thing at home. She slumbers with me every night. After all, she pointed out I have this huge bed and I was all alone. The good thing about it is we both go to bed at 8:00 and I am actually waking before the alarm every morning. Neal would call this a miracle. Neal and I are not sure what the future will bring. We are praying about it and staying busy. Both of us, apart, yet of one thought and mind. So, after a long first week without him I decided to take Kaylee out Friday night after work. She wanted to go to the Seaside Merry-Go-Round. After we got there she insisted I needed to go on the ride with her. Well, it has been awhile since I rode a Merry-Go-Round but I couldn't say no. I am here to tell you all that it was the best 3-5 minutes of my life. For those few minutes all of my concerns were gone as I looked at the 3 year old next to me enjoying the ride with pure joy. We threw our heads back laughing and enjoyed the ride. I started realizing that this is how life is. We ride so many things that are scary, sad special, and happy. We wish we could hold the happy and special moments in our hearts and spirits forever. But, then some hard thing happens and it washes away those happy thoughts. I know this is not original and it must sound pretty corny. But, I was so happy for that time, looking into her beautiful 3 year old smiling face of pure joy, that I didn't want to get off of the ride. I think that is why we hate to have to grow old and die. Because despite the trials, the ups and downs., the truth is that when we get to the end of life, as we know it here, we only remember the wonderful fun times. We just don't want to let go. I for one am going to try to keep in my heart every day the special moments I have had with Neal, my kids, my grandkids, and the family I grew up with because in the end, that is what really matters. I am posting some recent pictures. I love you all. Laura

Sweetheart!

Kaylee and I finished her Valentines for school. We had Tinker Bell Valentines and we taped a sucker to each card. She was so excited!
We even had sticker hearts to add to the cards. Then, my friend, Juliet, told me about making labels that say the child's name on it so that I don't have to write it 30 times. Neal made us up labels with hearts and they said "From Kaylee". So, she just had to stick them on the backs of the cards. I never thought of this before. What a great idea! Kaylee received a new top from her mom's parents, Bumpa and Nana. It is really cute! She was so excited. She got a book, a card, pictures of their family, and a heart with chocolates in it. She is loving Valentine's Day! Hope you all have a wonderful day tomorrow. I am sure to have lots of fun at school even with the insanity.
Love as always, Laura, Neal, and Kaylee xoxoxo