San Juan Capistrano

Lars and Laurel took us to visit Old San Juan and the mission at Capistrano. After touring the fascinating mission we had lunch by the beach and visited a petting zoo. We also got to see a very large Amtrak train pull into the station. The conductor gave each of the kids a ticket which they treasured for the next several days.

Christmas Times Three

Our first Christmas was a Christgiving celebration with Sharon, Mark, and Ella. Then in December we travelled to California for a Christmas with Laurel, Lars, Luke and Leah. When we returned home, we had a New Year's Christmas with Kat, Jason and Daniel. For Christgiving pictures, see the December 6 post. Here are some photos of the other two gatherings. What fun!


Christmas eve services were followed by a traditional celebration at the home of Lars' brother and family.


Our sweet smelling son-in-law

New Year's eve we celebrated our first Christmas in the new lower level family room.

Daniel climbed into Pop-pop's chair to pose for the camera

December 4

We went to Kat and Jason's on Saturday to fix a "Farm Market Challenge" dinner for them and to play with Daniel. Jason challenged Rich to go to the farm market and select items for dinner, then fix them without a recipe. The result was fabulous! We had Cornish hen with a tangerine sauce and leeks, roasted sweet potatoes and carrots, salad, bread and a purchased chocolate mousse cake for dessert. We ate very well!

Playing with Mommy...



Fireman Dan


Getting "Stuck" with Pop-pop

Thanksgiving Blessings

We were blessed to be able to spend time with Sharon, Mark and Carmella in Georgia for Thanksgiving. Sharon made a fabulous meal for us and they showed us around Atlanta - the World of Coca Cola and the Atlanta Zoo, in particular. We can check off eating at the Varsity - it was an interesting experience. The best part of the trip was just being together - and playing with Ella.

Three generations at the World of Coca Cola.


With Ella at the Atlanta zoo.


Pop-pop watching Ella play at the park in the water from the foot bridge above the stream.

Ella throwing sand into the water - everything was exciting and so much fun to see through her eyes.

We had a "Christgiving" gift exchange the day after Thanksgiving. Ella received an apron and a tea service. We all drank tea the rest of the weekend.

Ella and Pop-pop playing the alphabet game on the computer. What a smart little girl!

There's just something about the way little girls run that's so adorable!

Grandchildren are such fun!!!

We get to see Daniel at least once a month. Every time we see him he has changed - both physically and verbally! He always has a big smile for us and it's obvious he enjoys the attention of the grandparents. His favorite game with Pop-pop is one-two-three upside down.