34

 

Wow! It's been 34 years since we got married!  How is it that it seems like yesterday and yet it seems like we have always been together?

We went to Crater Lake.  I have always wanted to stay in the Crater Lake Lodge.  It met all my expectations!  So fun...beautiful view of the lake.

We enjoyed lots of hiking and walking the rim.

Enjoying the grandkids!

Hannah and Arden came over to Sarah's in July, so we were able to have all the grandkids together! Thommy was able to come for the weekend, too.  These are precious times!

 

Welcome Halston!

 Welcome to the family, little Halston!  It was so great to travel back with Faith and Mikayla to spend a couple of weeks with Sarah and family.  Brian and Josiah came out near the end of our trip to surprise all of us!

Day 18

Welcome to Oregon!

On the last day of our three week road trip, we were all excited to be back in Oregon!  We were in ten different states, some multiple times.  It was great to get to see Sherrilyn, my parents, Hannah, Thommy, Arden, Sarah, Caleb and Beckhem.

 

Making Trail Mix

 Josiah and I made some yummy trail mix for a New Year's Eve snack.  The dried cherries were so much better than the usual raisins. It was delicious!

Fall Trip

In November, we were able to take a trip to Southern Oregon, and go to the Redwoods.  We were so near the California Border, we actually crossed over on our way home.  It was a beautiful hike through the forest.  The kids had a great time!
 

Mr and Mrs

 

We were so thrilled for the wedding day to finally arrive.  It is a blessing to have such a wonderful daughter join our family.

Snow Day!

It snowed after Christmas in the beautiful Pacific Northwest!  Just like a brand new year, the snow reminds me of a fresh, new start. Mikayla and I enjoyed a walk in the crisp fresh snow.  There is something so peaceful and quiet walking outside with the ground and trees covered in freshly fallen snow.  

As I think about a fresh new year, I am looking forward to all the Lord has planned for my life. I hope to grow and learn and draw ever closer to him.  I hope this year brings you blessing upon blessing!

Adding a Dutton

We are so excited to welcome Sherrilyn into our family.  Matthew are Sherrilyn got engaged in August.  We are looking forward to a November wedding.  Looking forward to having my first daughter-in-law, even though Faith and Mikayla have treated her like a sister for the past two years.😊

 

Together

It was such a blessing to have everyone together this summer. As a mother of ten, I am so grateful for the times we are all able to be together.  
 

Welcome, Arden

 Welcome to the family!  We love you so much!!!

A Reminder

 The most beautiful rainbows only come after a storm.

Tiny

Tiny loves drinking out of cups.  She is so adorable.
 

Building Puzzles

 The girls have been putting together a couple of puzzles over the last month. Mikayla especially has been having fun.

Here is the first one they did!

New Year

I have been enjoying going for several walks a week.  I can easily get in 2 miles on the kids lunch break.  I like to walk to this bridge and back.  It usually takes me 35 minutes and when I am feeling really good I can fit in 5 or 6 miles.

I love setting new goals every January, and I am hoping to be able to continue walking often in 2021.

The Tree

 

It was a great day to go get our Christmas tree.  Everyone bundled up, it was cold, but not too wet.

Riley was so excited to be out with everyone!

The kids did a great job decorating. I let them do the decorating, and I get to take pictures, my favorite thing!

Leaves!

 Riley had fun playing in the leaves.  Well, maybe he had fun.  I think he only sat there because I told him to stay.  He wasn't too sure about it.  Nevertheless, he loves being outside, and because it's fall, he will be spending a lot of time around leaves. Next up will be snow!

Building Space

 

Josiah has really been having a lot of fun having a Lego table set up in the office. He is so imaginative and can spend hours building his own creations. I really can't imagine a time when Josiah doesn't like building anymore, but it has happened with all the others.

Last night!

 On Beckhem's last night with us, he was enjoying his snack.  They are moving to Tennessee.  I will miss them, but am also excited for this new adventure they are embarking on.

Game Time

 Josiah really enjoys playing chess, so he was excited to be able to play when Matthew was here.  The kids played quite a few games, and even bought a couple of new ones.  I think we will playing a lot this fall.