Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving

to all of you ~

you make our lives special

each and every day.

Traditions Continued...

What a wonderful Saturday Alden and I had ~ we took our five oldest grandchildren ~ Brittany 13), Andrea (almost 11), Rebekah (7), Joshua (4),and Bailey (3), out for the day.....and what a fun day we had! First, we took them to shop for each other for Christmas (before schedules get even more crazy!).

Alden and I used to take our kids (Courtney, Phillip, Steve, and Hannah) to do the same. We decided to continue the tradition and I think it was a HIT! Alden and I would take turns "enjoying" the company of one grandchild, while the other would take the rest to shop for that one. It was fun to have the "one on one" time, as well as the shopping time. The eyes of the kids were BIG as they took in the toy aisles one by one.....searching for just the right item they wanted to give to their cousin.......... AND what might be the item that would be chosen FOR them. :)

Second, we all went to Red Robin Restaurant for lunch together. We were all starved and enjoyed the sit down time together.

cousins visiting

Lastly, we went to the mall to ride the carousel.......

although they all chose to ride in the "teacup" that spins round and round ....... :)

AND finally...... we paid a visit to Santa.

Bailey enjoyed Santa MUCH better from afar. :) This is the kids looking down at Santa from the second floor. We decided to go SEE Santa. Bailey was right there.....so excited. They all ran up to Santa.....and then it HIT.....Bailey couldn't believe her eyes, as she stood RIGHT there in front of Santa.....and her sad face turned to us.......and we could see the thought in her head "this is Santa?.....I sure don't want to be ANY closer"! It was precious.

Alden loved having her.......her head buried in his shoulder. Won't be long and she WILL be sitting on his lap.

Then as we rode around dropping kids off at their houses........"grandma's bag" was passed around with a few toys and candy for the kids to enjoy. Ohhhhhhhhhh, lots of laughter and fun was had by all.............grandparents to grandchildren and cousin to cousin.........and the tradition continues.......with Papa, Grandma, and precious grandchildren. Sawyer and Ayden will join us real soon....but for now they were tended to by mom and dad. Being grandparents is just the BEST...................a true blessing from God. Thanks Courtney, Pat, Phill and Christy for sharing your blessings with us. We're glad you all had a fun day as well.

It's beginning to look alot like Christmas........

even though......Thanksgiving is in just a few days.

Grandkids ~ 7 precious lives

What a simple blessing it is to live in the same area as your grandchildren. We love being a part of their lives ~ in the simple things. We love them SO much.......Brittany, Andrea, Rebekah, Joshua, Bailey, Sawyer........and soon to be Ayden.

We got GREAT news today: Ayden has been a little low in weight, but he weighs 5 lbs 6 oz as of today......and he is 5 1/2 weeks from his due date! Thank you Lord for your hand on this precious little baby.

We have recently been able to go to soccer games of Andrea and Joshua.

Phill and Christy have finished the baby's room and it is adorable! Sage green and brown. We can't wait til Ayden is sleeping in that crib.

Oh yes, Alden and I are blessed with our grandchildren. We love you....each and every one.

California Trip ~ Absolutely Fantastic

Alden and I just spent 6 wonderful days in California ~ it was absolutely wonderful...from start to finish.

We enjoyed:

• time with family: Dianne and Chuck, Marsha and Jennifer
• CA agriculture
• CA scenery of mountains and coast
• big city: San Francisco
• incredible weather ~ blue skies, warm and cool days
• good time as a couple

We have had the privilege of visiting California 4 times in the last two years. It has given us special time to connect with family that we don't usually get to see very often. We are thankful beyond measure. We feel connected. It has just been a pleasure to spend time with Dianne and Chuck (Dorian's sister and brother in law) ~ they are so fun to be with and both are FANTASTIC cooks. They love the outdoors and we love being outside with them.....whether it be talking on the back patio, walking their beautiful neighborhood, going to Farmer's Markets (delicious fresh fruit and vegetables....YUM!), and eating authentic Mexican food.

Jennifer and Marsha (my cousins) gave up their precious time to visit with us in Fresno. We love you both and so enjoy being with you. Thank you Marsha for "shopping" at Sun Maid for us. We love raisins!!!!!!!!!!!!! My aunt was not feeling well and we missed seing her this time......get well soon Audrey! We're thinking of YOU. My parents both grew up in this area and it is just really good to be there. I love driving around and hearing "mother and daddy" did this... there. This trip was "that is the hospital where Susan and I were born". I just love hearing and seeing about family history. I suppose it is the fact that we grew up in a military family and hearing about "rooted family" fills an empty hole.

After visiting in Fresno with family, we drove to Monterey where we saw some family friends, Joe, Tara, Luke and Ty. We loved seeeing their house and spending some time with them. Pat, we gave them a special hug from YOU!

We love the drive across the state........cotton being harvested and the rolling hills and blue sky.

Alden then surprised me with a wonderful night right on the bay........we loved being on the coast, watching the sun set, walking on the beach, seeing dolphins swim along......very relaxing and just beautiful scenery. Great, relaxing time together.

View from our balcony ~ incredible

We walked on the beach the next morning......

Pacific Ocean ~ lovely

Then..........off we went to San Francisco......driving along the coast.

Yeeks......tsunami!!!!!! We are used to "hurricane evacuations".

We got to spend the evening at the new AT & T baseball park in SF

Cable cars

So long San Francisco and CA..........for now.

So very thankful for the time we had away.

Baby Shower ~ Celebrating the soon arrival of Ayden Phillip

Oh what a fun time was had by all on Saturday! Phill and Christy are expecting a baby ~ a baby boy ~ Ayden Phillip around December 20th.

To celebrate with them we had a baby shower with family and special friends. We loved having Christy's mom, Cindy with us, Christy's girls, Brittany and Andrea, Tim's mom and sister, Terri and GiGi, Christy's sisters and many, many special friends. Thank you to all for being here to celebrate with us! We love you all dearly.

We had not only a fun crowd, but we enjoyed games, advice-giving, good food and such wonderful and thoughtful gifts of love. Baby Ayden should be well taken care of. :)

Enjoy the day through pictures ~

The honoree ~ Christy and little Ayden

Phill saying a quick hello to the ladies

Christy with the proud big sisters ~ Brittany and Andrea

Friends More friends

Christy with the moms (grandmas!)

Baby pictures of Phill and Christy

Welcome table.....baby bottle guessing game, favors, and collection of prayers, stories and songs

yummy food

Phill, Alden, Tim and Steve went to lunch while the ladies partied

Wonderful friends ~

Tim's family ~ mom Terri and sister Gigi

Thank you dear daughters and sisters and niece for your help in giving this wonderful celebration.

Ayden Phillip ~ we can't wait to meet you!