Highlights of 2008

This blog encouraged us to take plenty of photos and record interesting events, providing more accessible memories than in previous years. That alone has made the writing effort worthwhile.
We enjoyed a great family get-together in June. With our children so spread out, such times are a treasure.

Jackson’s birth in November gave us an excuse to visit Seth, Darleen, and the grandkids in Connecticut.

We grew our own hay for the first time this summer.

Sunsets and rainbows made for memorable sky-viewing.

The Cedars provided pleasant ski tours close to home.

During the 2008 riding season, we traveled 750 miles on horseback, seeing lots of new territory and amazing scenery.

We're grateful for family and good health, both great blessings.

Happy New Year to all!

Holiday Ski Tours

On Saturday, we returned to ski in Mill Creek Canyon, the same area we skied on

Christmas Day. This canyon was a favorite haunt when we lived in Salt Lake City. Tess and Tim continue the tradition. It's one of the few remaining bastions of free doghood (dogs allowed off leash) in the valley. Above is a view of Mount Air from Mill Creek.

We had beautiful blue skies for our trek with Tess, Tim, Eric, and 3 dogs.

Today, we took Eric on a tour around the Cedars, west of our Roosevelt home. Note the snow-covered Uintas in the background.

The snow was good, the sky was blue, and the exercise kept us warm.

Good Cheer

Stockings

Carols

Skiing

A beautiful Christmas day.

Christmas Memories

Our first Christmas together was simple and quiet, with homemade ornaments and popcorn garlands.

Then Seth arrived to clutter the floor with his baby toys.  He made us laugh.

The grandparents were proud to take part.

Soon Eric joined the family. More clutter, more laughter, more toys and games and stories and songs.


Then Tess added her unique style and culture to the mix.

Every Christmas was chaotic good fun.

Every year the kids grew taller.

We acquired more ornaments, and the gift requests became more serious, or scientific, or complex.

Santa Claus was long passe, and fine camaraderie won the day.

Of course, we still had our silly times.



We expanded when Seth brought us Darleen, and Tess brought us Tim.

Still, we sang our Christmas carols and counted the years.

Now we're the grandparents.

And the circle begins again.

Hard to believe it was so long ago that Steve and I sat beneath our very first Christmas tree.