Thanksgiving Blessings!

We were so excited to have a full house for Thanksgiving! Grammy flew in from Arizona, then Steve, Krystal and Lilly! Then came Eric and Stacey, and finally Kristy made if after Cody went to San Luis to pick her up and tow her broken car home.

On Thanksgiving Day we had all the family from Sacramento come for several days of eating, game playing, visiting the beach and Monterey Aquarium. Even Eric's family and best friend, Jeff, were able to come for a day. What a blessing to have everyone together, including all grandparents!

The highlight of our time together was celebrating the marriage of Steven to Krstyal in August and welcoming Krystal and Lilly to the family! We held a little reception for friends and family that could come. It turned out to be a very special afternoon.

Papa (Mark) and GG (Grandma Gayle) are enjoying their new role to 6 year old Lilly!

One of our alpacas, Zsa Zsa added to all the excitement and gave birth early to a darling 11 pound male cria that we have yet to name!

The blessing of the one and only dog we have ever had, Annie, sadly ended when she died peacefully after the busy week. We were glad she got to see Steven one last time since she really was his 15th birthday present. We will treasure the memories of our beloved golden retreiver.

Fall Frolicking

We weren't empty nesters for long when Mark had to learn to be a bachelor again! I made a trip to Florida to visit Eric and Stacey. I really enjoyed our time together. I loved helping out in Stacey's classroom and got to meet her sweet kids. Her job is really demanding but she is doing a great job. I was invited to join their couple's Bible study and to friend's home for dinner where the highlight was trying out a harp! Stacey and I went to St. Augustine's for a day which was lots of fun. Eric and I had some time to bond together on the long trip to the airport. Unfortunately, it involved visiting with a police officer!

After being home from that trip for a week, I led a trip to the East Coast with middle school students. It was so much fun to tour Boston, Philadelphia, the Amish and New York, including a Broadway show.


Our first Halloween without kids but it didn't stop Mark from carving a pumpkin or me from pulling out my special costume!Our caretakers at the ranch, Sam and Cody, came over to show us their new truck they bought to modify for off roading. Apparently, they have spent too much time in Prunetucky as they have become total rednecks!