Family fun 3

Things really looked cheery. We worked Monday and Wednesday in the yard and while it rained all day Tuesday- we cruised around the city.

Family fun 2

Here is the After:


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Location:Spokane, Washington

Family fun

So we drove across the great state from one side to another enjoying true northwest weather with pouring rain until we crossed the Columbia river, where the temperature went up twenty degrees, the sky turned blue, and the landscape became gold instead of green.

We got to Mom's house and started catching up on all the news. The Cedar house is still one of our favorite places. We were so happy to get the chance to work in the yard. We dug up and helped mom replace 12 rose bushes and assisted in some major weeding. Before


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Location:Spokane, Washington

Northward

After more visiting and a delicious breakfast, we left Michelle's well hugged and well kissed to head up to visit with another of Bob's mission companions. Carl and Rebecca live on Lake Tapps and it was so fun to see their home and soak up the true northwest atmosphere. It rained all day and the green trees, bushes, and variety of flowering bushes were basking in the moisture.
It was very "twilight" in mood although we have not seen any old red trucks, wolves, or vapid girls staring longingly into the eyes of pasty guys.

Carl is the oral surgeon who helped Drew a few years ago and is still innovating that procedure updates and told us all about how they can pull all your teeth, stimulate bone growth, and give you implants all in one morning. Pretty amazing. Rebecca shared all about their kids and grand kids. We were thinking a weekend gathering with our favorite 70's Austrian alumni would be great fun. We discussed a variety of locations and activities.


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Location:Auburn, Washington

Family visit

We met up with Michelle at a beautiful park south of their home. She had organized all the kids, Greg, and the boat for some rides on the Willamette river. Beautiful scenery and great company while various kids and Greg surfed and wakeboarded up and down the river. Michelle and Greg's kids are: Michael - home from BYU, soon on mission; Jeffrey football hunk, just back from EFY, Anna who looks the most like her dad, Gavin puzzle & joke guy, Jacob - Mr. Under the Radar, Brielle sweet and hostess to her Australian cousins, and Julia - she's 3 and decided we are trustworthy and good for sharing all she knows.

Also in the mix were Carol and Bart plus Nathan, isabella, Lydia, Charlotte, and Josiah -- who came back to the states and made 2 teeth magically appear.

We had a delicious salmon dinner, enjoyed Ron & Diane's company, and got To watch all the kids playing at the 8 acre compound. Everyone was busy and happy. What a delight.

After dinner, one of Greg's cousins and their five kids came to sleepover on their way to Disneyland. Michelle is a very gracious hostess and Maude everyone feel so welcome.


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Location:Michelle and Greg's house

North to Oregon

The morning was lovely with another hour and a half through the redwoods and along the smith river. Pictures cannot capture the colors and textures - nor the majestic feeling these enormous giants send into your mind and heart. These trees are frequently estimated at 1000 - 2000 years old and they have endured with grace as the world has had its human trials. Their message seemed to be stand tall hand keep stretching upward.

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Trees and the Sea

A perfect blend....


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Location:Perfectly highway 101