Getting the tree!

 Frank returned from the hunt and we snagged him right away to take part in the annual tree hunt.  Bobbie came too and together we picked the perfect tree!

A wonderful weekend!

Kristin and I have had such a fun Thanksgiving weekend!  

We've eaten great food, 

enjoyed family...

watched fun movies...

and enjoyed the sights of the upcoming Christmas season!

Fun after the feast!

Many thanks!

I am so thankful this day to have great friends, family and faith.  Add a fabulous meal and my gratitude is over the top!

New roads!

There has been a lot of road construction in our area over the summer...new round-abouts...galore...so today I took a turn off one of them I'd never taken before and found a whole new road!  I'm boring (or easily amused...I know)  but it was so cool!

International Language

As I come to the end of my second class with the Chinese Champions, I am reflecting on all that I am learning through this experience.  One strong lesson from this group is the universality  of the language of laughter.  Although we need an interpreter to explain our ideas to one another, our feelings are clearly expressed each time we meet.  Here is an example:

What a great experience!

I got away! More fun!

Other incredible activities included, Rosie, Andrew, Melanie playing indoor tennis at an incredible indoor facility that Andrew's doctor made available to him. 

Drew and I walking along the river across the street from their house, where we investigated the flood reporting station and an old cable that crossed the river.

 Rosie showing me the clothing bank that provides  a wonderful way for people in the community to give and receive clothing to one another, and Rosie's passion for helping is well suited for her work here.

(Anyone considering a charitable gift for the holidays might want to consider supporting this wonderful work!)

And a hike with Rosie up the little mountain near their home...

Thanks to all of you who made my trip possible!

I got away! (Day Four)

I got up early on day four and took a ride...and this is what I saw...unreal!

The I took Drew to meet his ride to Youth Symphony, and we laughed as we decided that this might not be the best place in Enumclaw to eat!

Note the small print...

I got away! (Day Three)

Drew and Scott and I started day three off with a secret doughnut run (I guess it's not secret any more) and then a little prank at Scott's house....great start to the day!

Look closely for the pathway of pencils that lead to the chocolate treasure!

I got away (Day Two)

Day two was amazing.  Rosie and I, thanks to Brad's help with preparing a couple of mountain bikes, drove up to the Carbon River Ranger Station,

hopped on the bikes and rode up the sometimes washed out road....

to the trailhead of the Carbon River Glacier Trail at Ipsut campground.

It's a rainforest...

across an amazing bridge...

to the glacier...with Rainier behind it!

We had another gourmet lunch (thank you Rosie!)  then hiked and biked back to the car.  What a beautiful day!

I got away! (Day One)

I found myself wearing down and needing some catch up time with Rosie, so I asked Frank and the Ben team to care for Ben while I took a long weekend away.  Frank and the Ben team said yes, Rosie generously offered her home and companionship, and I jumped at the offer!

The first day Rosie and I took a day trip up the pass to Crystal Lake trail...awesome!

Driving up

The trailhead

 

What a view!

The luncheon chef!

The lake

Fun with Ben and Bobbie!

Bobbie came down for a nice visit and Ben and I have been enjoying her company.  First, she helped cut Ben's hair...

Before

After

 

 

 then we did a multitude of errands...(where we saw this sign).......

and finally we did a bit of yard work (between halves of the Badger game).....

What a great day!