CHRISTMAS 2009

We were lucky enough to have all of our children and grandchildren, except Hope, in Yuma for Christmas this year.  Chad and family drove down from Portland in their Bigfoot; Rick, Brett and Heidi flew down from Boise; and David and family drove over from the LA area (Trabuco Canyon).  Everyone spent a few days visiting and then Loren's boys headed over to Ajo (Arizona) Christmas morning to visit with their mother.  It was really nice for everyone to finally meet and get to know each other.

Front Row: Jonathan, Alyssa, Chase, Celie, Meg and Miranda

Middle Row: Crystal, Coleen, and Pam

Back Row: David, Rick, Loren, Chad, Brett, and Heidi

THE GIRLS

Front: Celie, Meg, Miranda and Alyssa

Back: Crystal, Coleen, Pam and Heidi

THE BOYS

Front: Jonathan, Chad and Chase

Back: David, Brett, Loren and Rick

COUSINS

Front: Chase and Miranda

Middle: Alyssa, Celie and Meg

Back: Jonathan

CHAD'S FAMILY AT IMPERIAL DATE GARDENS

Front: Chase and Meg

Back: Chad and Pam

DAVID'S FAMILY

Front: Miranda and Celie

Middle:  Jonathan and Alyssa

Back: Crystal and David

Rica checking out one of the many Christmas presents she and Chica received while Chica supervises the effort.

SHUFFLEBOARD WIN

I finally won my first shuffleboard tournament this week! 

My partner was Bill Downing from Meridian.

WEEKEND VISIT

Crystal surprised us by bringing the kids over for a three-day weekend. We really enjoyed the visit.  Thanks Crystal!!!

The RZR is always a big hit!

Alyssa's Gothic Halloween costume.

Too much Trick or Treat for this little princess.

Miranda with Chica and Rica.

Our neighbor, Sandi, let each of the girls drive her golf cart.  They had a blast!

Loren and Jonathan in deep concentration.

Left to right:  Celie, Miranda and Alyssa.  How cute can you get?

Celie won the fudgiest fudgecicle face!!!

Grandma with Jonathan, Celie (with Chica), Alyssa and Miranda.  Jonathan will be 13 December 30, Celie will be 8 December 19, Alyssa will be 10 November 19, and Miranda will be 6 February 20.  They are growing up way to fast!!!

LUNCH IN MEXICO

We went to Mexico for lunch yesterday to celebrate (our neighbor) Millie's 86th birthday.  Clockwise from left to right - Flo, Norma, Millie, Tommy, Sandi, Ross and Loren.  Tommy is Sandi's son and came down from Alaska to help celebrate his grandmother's birthday.  He also bought lunch for everyone - thanks again Tommy!!!

BOISE

We spent a couple days in Boise for some appointments, shopping, and meeting up with friends and relatives.

We met up with Loren's middle son, Brett, and my niece, Gracie, for dinner at Chicago Connection Pizza.  It was really nice catching up with them again.  Brett lives and works in Boise, and Gracie is attending Boise State University - GO BRONCOS!!!

Met up with a long-time friend, Carol Sommer, for a couple drinks at our old hang-out - 10th Street Station in downtown Boise.  It was great visiting with her again!  Loren and I both worked with Carol at the Department of Labor and Industrial Services.  She now works for the Department of Health and Welfare with plans to retire in three years.  I'll keep my fingers crossed for you Carol!!!

ANOTHER HOME IMPROVEMENT PROJECT

We just always have to have at least one project going.  We decided to widen the path out to the garage deck and I think it is going to turn out really nice.

PORTLAND

We finally made it to Portland to visit with Chad, Pam, Meg and Chase.  It was a really good visit other than the dogs and cats did NOT get along.  Poor Sophie and Casey were sooo happy to see us leave!  We did a lot of visiting and shopping, played some games, and spent a day at Canon Beach.  Thanks Chad and Pam for having us!!

Wild fire just outside Mosier, Oregon.

Meg heading out to her very first sleep-over.

Chase is really good at computer games...

and has his own swinging style.

CANON BEACH

Chad and Chase.

Loren, Rica and Chica.

Meg is such a pretty little girl!

Three generations -- Loren, Chad and Chase.

Pam and Meg.

Gotta have a sand castle!

Chad and Pam enjoying each other, the sound of the ocean, and a beautiful day.

Chase and Rica -- how cute can you get?

Grandma and Meg playing a little frisbee.

Beautiful end to a wonderful trip!

GUY MARTIN

Just a quick note to let you all know Heidi's fiance, Guy Martin, died unexpectedly Thursday night. Coleen is in Boise with Heidi and should be back home sometime next week.

RICK

Rick came up this weekend to help Loren put the trim on the garage and cut down some trees. The garage is now stained and trimmed and looks really nice.

Loren and Rick getting it positioned just right. Good job guys!!!!

Clearing the area.... with a smile no less!

One of three they cut down around the house.

and now for the clean-up!

FAMILY REUNION

Loren and I went down to Pocatello for my annual family reunion on August 1. My mom kept me so busy I didn't get to take any pictures! I did have an aunt take this one but most everyone else was gone at this point. Oh well, maybe next year.
Left to right: My brother and his wife, Becky and Zane Parris; my dad, Deryl Parris; my mother, Zola Parris; my daughter, Heidi Landon, and her fiance, Guy Martin; me and Loren.

CHICA IS ONE YEAR OLD TODAY!!!

How cute can you get?

ANOTHER HOME IMPROVEMENT PROJECT

Loren picked up a bunch of 2x4s at an auction a couple of years ago and decided to use some of them to improve the front of the house.

The old facing is on the left.

A man on a mission.....

Now we just have to wait a couple weeks until the wood dries out so we can stain it. Another job well done Loren!!!