Oh, Calvin, Grandma's Coming to Visit!

Spent such a lovely time in Seattle a couple of weekends ago.  Calvin is such a happy guy.

And Jake and Lyndsey are such amazing parents.  I especially appreciated getting to take part in Calvin's bedtime routine of reading books and singing songs.

Can't help but quote the last four lines of one of my favorite poems by Strickland Gillian:

“You may have tangible wealth untold; caskets of jewels and coffers of gold. Richer than I you can never be. I had a mother who read to me.”

Have to laugh out loud at this picture because it shows how active Calvin is.  Lots of the reading time is spent with him choosing books off of his bookshelf and then motoring over and around Jake and Lyndsey as they read. 

On Saturday morning, Calvin's Uncle Daniel came over and we went to downtown Seattle and walked through Pike's Place Market and then down to the water where Daniel and I got to enjoy the ride "Wings over Washington" that Jake and Lyndsey recommended.  It was so good that just as it ended Daniel commented that he would do it again right then if it weren't so expensive and that "That was a great way to see our state."  True. 

Heading out on our walk.

Lunch break at Chipotle's, Daniel's favorite.  Looks like it may soon be Calvin's favorite, too!

We had some good Grandma to Grandson visiting time in the car.

When we returned from our adventure, it was time for a walk with Sully.  Such a great pup (although he's not much of a pup anymore and is super strong). 

Ben at the Utah State Capitol

So grateful for the time spent with Ben, Brittan, and family last week.  On Tuesday, we all went to the State Capitol building in Salt Lake City for Ben to be officially sworn in as an attorney.

The ceremony was well done, with just the perfect balance of formality and informality . . . Brittan and I were comfortable watching from the perimeter of the small gathering of family and friends, which allowed us to follow James up the steps and walk with Caitlin to explore some of the behind the scenes spots.  Perfect.


This tribute to thank families for their support was perfect because as we know there are sacrifices for all throughout this long process of attaining the degree and passing the bar.

The ceremony took place in the Capitol rotunda, which is beautiful.

Can you spot Ben in both of these pictures?

Here's a bit of the swearing in . . . Caitlin and I were doing a little exploring, so we weren't at a spot where I could catch a video of Ben . . . but you get the idea.

And here's a picture of this beautiful Parker family.

Congratulations to you all!

Trip to Three Devils (and my favorite rivers)

Seems that as each summer is ending,  I have this need to get down on the Middle Fork of the Clearwater River as well as the Lochsa and the Selway.  Love these rivers!  They're kind of like the blood in my veins, as the rush and flow of the water seem to pump new life into me.

Tree Limb Coming Down--T-i-m-b-e-rrr!!!

This limb had a split all the way through so that you could see daylight right through it.  Thought of buying a chainsaw and cutting it down myself,  but so glad Don asked Roger to come over and take care of it.   His expertise helped make  quick project of it.

P.S.  Thanks, Debby, for reminding me to get outside and take pictures of this project as it was in process . . . made it just in time.

Sunflowers in Cheney

Such beauties this time of year (August 2016).

Daniel's New Place

Daniel loves his shorter commute to work each day now from Redmond.  We enjoyed a nice Thai lunch together in the very quiet and beautiful downtown area.  This place is just two blocks from his apartment, lucky guy.  Delicious!

Visiting Jake, Lyndsey, and Calvin (this was August 4, 5, and 6)

Sure is comfortable at Jake and Lyndsey's house. . . we always feel welcome and loved.  It's nice that Lyndsey's parents Lyn and George always come by for a brief visit when we're there.  As Don said about Lyn after experiencing them come to visit at Jake and Lyndsey's house when we were there earlier this year, "She's just a breath of fresh air, isn't she?"  True.

Calvin as snug as a bug with his dad.