West Coast Trip

Finally I find time to put a little bit on here about our Washington trip and post a few pictures - mainly for you Bobby.

It seemed that everywhere you look - there is a field of blackberries.  Yum.  We stopped to pick some one day, but didn't have any containers to put them in, so the next time we stopped, we had several cups, and picked enough for a nice blackberry cobbler that night.  Again, Yum!

The Seattle Aquarium

This was at the Pike's Market in Seattle where they throw the fish.  Have you ever heard of it or seen it on television?

Earl went on a hike with an old buddy.  Apparently it about killed him - it was a really tough climb - getting back down was the hardest part.  Rachel and I had a girl day and went to the mall.  She got her hair colored, and I got my nails done.  Much better than hiking!  I would never have made it.

On the beach of the beautiful Puget Sound near Michael and Rachel's apartment.

We had a very nice time, but at the same time very exhausting time.  Walk, Walk, Walk...

National Symphony Orchestra

This is one of the perks of living close to Washington DC.  Sunday evening we were privileged to sit on the west lawn of the Capitol building to hear one of three yearly concerts given by the National Symphony Orchestra.  It was a wonderful evening of enjoying great music and good Christian fellowship with good friends, after eating a fun picnic on the lawn. 

(Sorry, we don't know how to get the date off our camera - it's NOT February!)

Robert and Paula's baby...

This was the orchestra...

This was only a small portion of the crowd.

Here is a picture of our Capitol at night - a beautiful sight. 

Ellie's Visit to Grandma and Granddaddy's House

Guess it's about time to post some pictures of Becky and Greg's visit with Ellie and Lucille.  Our time with Ellie while Mommy and Daddy went off to Williamsburg went too fast.  Although at times, it seemed like we had three toddlers at our house (Ellie, Lucille the Cocker Spaniel and Daisy the mutt).  The dogs were fine with each other.  Lucille was enthralled and Daisy was aprehensive.  Lucille was active, and Daisy was evasive.  Lucille was playful, and Daisy was grouchy.  All in all, we got plenty of exercise that week!

We had a library day one day, and she loved "reading" a book on the computer.

Swimming in a friend's pool with Granddaddy was a special treat.  We got just enough time in between thunder storms for a refreshing swim.  I think the most fun part for Ellie was squirting Grandma with a water gun, and, of course, a ride on the allegator.

Another day was playday at the mall.  She climbed to the tippy top of a kangaroo statue there.  What a dare-devil!

We loved our special times together - reading books before bed and nap.

And, of course, no visit to Grandma's house would be complete without helping Grandma bake cookies.  Here is the one offered to Grandma afterwards!

All in all - we had a very grand, albeit exhausting for Grandma and Granddaddy, time and would do it again in a minute.

Oh - yes - Becky and Greg were here too, although Becky wouldn't allow me to post the pictures that I have of them.  Anyone reading my post has already seen pictures on Becky's Xanga of their Williamsburg trip.

New pasttime?

What do you think?  Do you think he should take up golf on a regular basis??

August day

 This is what we do on a hot August day in Maryland:

Yes, Daisy likes a good bath to help her feel all warm and fuzzy (cool and fuzzy??)

I put these on here for you, Rachel!