November 25, 2021

Gratitude opens our minds to a universe permeated with the richness of a living God. Through it, we become spiritually aware of the wonder of the smallest things, which gladden our hearts with their messages of God’s love. - Bonnie D Parkin (April 2007)

This trip we’ve seen some huge vistas and trees. Then there have been the little things you have to look for which are just as cool. 

Also - Yosemite is so photogenic. And I can see why Ansel Adams choose black and white. I got back to Vernal Falls. Just as cool 6 years later. The sound of this waterfall is awesome. 

November 22, 2021

Darren’s birthday in Yosemite. Awesome hike from Taft Point around Sentinel Dome and back to TH. Way cool views of Yosemite falls and the valley far far below. The lime green trees were so cool. 

 

November 1, 2021

Woke up to a voice message from Mason’s mission president. What a great surprise to start November. 

“Hey this is Norm Hanson I was your son Mason Draper's mission president Arkansas Little Rock and I do not have his cell phone number.  I'd like to get a hold of him to stay in touch.  If you could give me a call back at 360-890-6553 or just a text me his phone number we sure love to get caught up with a remarkable missionary.  He was a hard worker he should've probably been home for about two years now on we've been home for about a year.”

 

Photo - October 2017
 

October 18, 2021

Happy happy birthday to Rylie. 19. Such a fun kid to have around. She’s always up for an adventure or activity and I love that she takes initiative and makes the activity happen. 

Here's the birthday pic she sent me from Utah State.

October 16, 2021

Had all my kids together for a few hours tonight for a little Rylie early birthday celebrating. Homemade Mac and cheese, caramel apple making, and some pickleball. Pickleball was super fun and also included some cheers from the sideline. Great couple of hours.  

October 8, 2021

Rain didn’t stop us from grabbing some pumpkins. But it did hurry us up. It was rainy and cold. We then came home for some birthday pumpkin carving. Good evening with the kids.

Also - Cam’s window almost flooded again and she came up to tell us, “It’s raining men.”  That is apparently a song from the 80s that the kids know but Darren and I didn’t. 

Also - went on a quick rainy solo hike from the AF Summit because I was told the yellow trees are amazing.  The yellow trees were amazing.

October 7, 2021

Cam is 17.  What!?! Love this girl who calls everyone "numbnut".

Loves - sleeping in, Baylie, West Coast, sisters, Capri Sun, winter, courtesy cones

Likes - Minecraft, Ben & Jerry's Tonight Dough ice cream, her green jacket, pandas, firewords, anime and K Pop

Hates - school, racism, bad people, global warming, parking the car, sweat bangs

The Old Spaghetti Factory was fabulous.