Jesse's 2nd Birthday

Jesse loves the movie Wall-E so Megan found her some cute figures for his cake!





He was pretty happy!



















Is that cute, or what?

Green Smoothies

I decided to finally try one of those green smoothies that my sister Candy keeps telling me about. It was absolutely delicious! My grandson Jesse liked it too!

Visiting Mom and Candy

Recently I made a visit to my Mom's. Candy has been visiting from Wisconsin, and we interviewed my mom on video tape. It was fun and interesting! I look forward to making a DVD that I can share with family. In the above picture, Mom is making faces at me as I take a picture of her house :-).

Candy and I decided to walk to the Art Space, a gallery in Bay City. We enjoyed a wonderful display of photographs taken by Dorothea Lang during the depression. The display included pictures taken in Oregon. Candy got a phone call from a grandson while we were there, and she took the time to sing "You Are My Sunshine" with Max.

Next we walked down on the boat dock where I got this picture of turnstones.

It's beautiful on the bay, no matter what time of the day or what season!















I just can't stop taking pictures of these characters!


Diane cooked a wonderful dinner at her house and invited us all up.












It was a real treat to be altogether with my mom and my siblings!


We also made another trip by the bay to see a new fire place that Terry built. He does such great work!












I've been looking at these pilings on the bay for years!



I never tire of the sights, sounds, and smells of the coast. This rock is just off Cape Meares.





















Even the cliffs are beautiful.
We watched a large fishing boat making its way along the coast.











Then we drove around Netarts Bay where I had to get another picture of a great blue heron!

New Years Day at the Coast

Bill, Megan, Jesse and I decided to spend New Years Day at the coast. Unfortunately, Andy had to work. As you can see, we were dressed for the blustery day...lots of wind and rain.







We enjoy a stormy day at the coast!

You can get some idea of the size of the waves by comparing them to the gull in this picture!








For those who love the coast, you can almost imagine the smell of the salt air. The only thing missing is salt water taffy!

Basket Slough

My new favorite Wildlife Refuge is right at our back door. Basket Slough is located just a few miles out of Salem. Paul and I made a trip together and I snapped this great blue heron on the side of the road.






We also captured this sharp shinned hawk enjoying a noon meal.


A few days later I took Megan and Jesse to the refuge. Megan was the one who captured this great blue heron with my camera.





Megan also got this great picture of a male kestrel.


I know our robins are a common bird, but look at the colors this time of year! Megan was the photographer.














I was so excited to see this bald eagle near the hiking trail!

As we started up the path, Jesse followed the water trail...such a typical boy!















We came across a little herd of deer next to the trail and they were not afraid of us at all.





They are so fuzzy this time of year.















































Jesse is watching the deer and yelling, "Hi deer!" It didn't phase them.
We continued up the trail to catch the view at the top.

















Jesse is eating snow.


















This was the view over the top of the hill.
As we made our way back down the trail, the eagle returned to the same tree as before. It was quite a day!

Kristin's Birthday

It was nice to celebrate Kristin's birthday with her! We even tried out a new recipe: apple spice cake with warm caramel sauce. It was yummy!

Christmas Day

Santa really did come, and Paul loved his blanket from Kristin!














Matt, Anne and Jesse are enjoying gifts from Santa (and Kristin).


Kristin gave her dad one of her sketches. It was one of his favorite ones!











Kristin got some yummy soaps!

Becky loved her Elmo bag from Bill.

















Megan, Kristin and Becky are modeling the aprons Anne made for them.





There's nothing more special than having a little one around for Christmas! Andy's helping Jesse with his presents from Santa.







Megan thinks Santa is pretty great.
Christmas dinner with family...such a special time!