Sad day

Packer fans are a hearty bunch for the most part, but hearing this morning that Brett is going to retire was hard. Love the guy, love what he stands for, love his joy in playing the game. Gonna miss him BIG TIME! What a legacy he leaves!!! Easily a first ballot hall of famer. Bless him and his family on their new journey!

Cabela's redux with Nick

Greg and the kids came down for breakfast today since Darane' was off to Portland for a scrap booking event. We had a great breakfast and then decided that we needed to take Nick to Cabela's since he was sick when we went the last time and he missed out.

I think he liked it! He let out the most excited yell as we entered the doors and it made their greeter laugh out loud. She said that is her favorite part of working the door, seeing the reactions of the kids as they come in.

Even after being there a while he still was so excited to look over and see everything.



He's really into jungle critters right now, so he really enjoyed the Africa section.



Hanging with grandpa!



The kids even liked these goofy fake dogs...really easy to care for though:



After we left the kids we stopped to get gas ($3.19 a gallon!!! the most we have EVER paid) and saw this couple in line waiting to fuel up. Only in Washington!! It was about 45 degrees and partly sunny, they were bundled in winter coats and hats but they had the top down on the car!! Their custom plate was "W8N4SMR". Apparently not!!

Welcome baby Ethan!

Meet our friends Tom and Kathy's newest grandbaby Ethan with his mom Melissa!!



We are thankful for this wonderful new gift from God, joining sister Abby!

Welcome baby Jayton!

Our friends Clayton and Brenda have a new little grandbaby born just this past week, is he cute or what? And Brenda was actually able to extend her stay and be there when he was born. What a tremendous gift.

Sunny sunday brunch

My cousin Julie invited us over for brunch today, as her sister Cyndy, niece Kiesha and grandniece Elleah (all my cousins!!) were visiting from Wenatchee. Turned out to be the prettiest day yet in a week long string of wonderfully sunny days and a great visit with family too.

We had a great meal together and then retreated to the deck and back yard...astoundingly...warm enough to do that. At least the mid-50s with lots of sun.

My cousin Donna:



Her daughter Kathy:



Donna's son Tim and his friend Nina:



Donna's daughter Cyndy and granddaughter Kiesha:



Kiesha w/her daughter Elleah, Uncle Shannon and the neighbors llamas and goats:



Elleah was a bit timid about feeding them, and at one point retreated to Uncle Shannon's arms, but eventually curiosity won out and she ended up feeding sword ferns and lettuce to the critters.





Sadly, my pictures of Julie and her son Jesse were too sunbrightened to use...sorry guys!!

But in Julie's yard, a true sign of spring:



And as we were cruising home along the shore of Black lake we were surprised to see the lake smooth as glass, and fisher's dotting the shoreline, and even a few in boats. You get a sunny winter day here and everyone gets out and about...trying to beat cabin fever I guess.



All in all a great day.

Hope of spring???

A gift left by the former tenants!! Can't wait 'til they bloom! And, yes, that is SUNSHINE, at long last!!

Fiery sunrise

Took this the other morning as I was getting ready to leave, so beautiful!! Later in the day it gave in to rain, but the sunrise was certainly spectacular!!