34th Anniversary

After arriving home from Austin late Thursday night I was tired, but restless, so it wasn't the best nights sleep as I had hoped. Tony surprised me Friday morning by still being home when I woke up. He took the day off of work thinking it was our Anniversary when in fact it was Saturday. So he decided he wanted to go to the beach for the weekend.
The weather was beautiful, and all was peaceful. Lonnie, Sandi, and Amanda arrived about 5 minutes after we did. They to were anxious to just relax, so we didn't see allot of them. On Saturday we went to Saturday market in Illwako along the wharf, had lunch in Longbeach
and walked the beach,
then enjoyed visiting for awhile as well as be entertained by the raccoon that seems to have claimed Lonnie & Sandi's home as its own. As you can see it is very nervous around humans. NOT
To close our evening we enjoyed a soak in the hot tub, and watched a movie.

Today our drive home was the beautiful Columbia from the Washington side. We have never traveled that side before since we heard it was a longer drive, however it really was a beautiful drive. We stopped a couple times to take pictures. I must admit the greenery, trees, rivers, and streams that are all around us here it so amazing, especially on a 76' day.
It was a wonderful weekend we had together to close out another year, and begin anew. How grateful I am that after 34 years Tony still puts up with me, and we feel a need to continue to improve our relationship to enhance, and endure the rest of the eternities.

Happy Late Anniversary!

Happy anniversary, I hope the get-away was nice & relaxing. I don't have many pictures of you two together I've realized.
(I don't have much to update with Anthony. We had a brief call this evening & basically caught each other up. I'm hoping for an email in the next few days). E's had a very hard time this week, and today, so it's easier to write when I get the chance. Overall things are going well as the juggling act continues. We love & appreciate you. Have a happy week & upcoming year. love, Chelsea

all smiles

I loved all the laughter and the smiles ! !

Grama's special times

My visit here in Texas has come to a close, but I take with me many wonderful memories, so prepare for the next several blogs to see pictures galore.

The heat is on here in Austin !

I'm not sure why all of my kids live in hot spots, though Portland has been experiencing the heat also, probably to prepare me for my two week stay here in Austin Texas. Austin just passed the record of having 50 consecutive days of over 100'. Yeeks ! Thank goodness for air conditioning.










I have enjoyed one week now here with two beautiful grand babies. It's amazing how much Savannah and Alexandra look the same at this age, but yet look different due to the hair.


Savannah seems to love having Grama around, but is not too fond if I hold Lexi. She will start her fake cry and make sure all can hear it.






She does however love to hold her sister, kiss her, and of course squeeze her. That one we especially keep an eye on.


Oh I remember the days of having two little ones and how much effort it took to prepare to go anywhere. What a job to gather all the necessities, change diapers, feed babies and pray you have everything. Then comes the juggling act with not enough hands.




Naomi and Michael seem to have everything under control as they work together with the two beautiful blessings. It's been very fun to see the interaction they both have with the girls.








I on the other hand have enjoyed helping out as much as possible with chores, meals, reading stories, playing with toys, feeding, bathing, cuddling and changing diapers. A lot of the changing goes on at this stage.








I've truly loved my visit here so far, and am not looking forward to leaving and being so far once again.

Getting closer! Hallelujah (:

We were happy to talk to Anthony (though very briefly) on Sunday. He was able to call on Monday & Thursday. He is dealing with a lot, as you can imagine. Still he remains positive & handles things incredibly well. Please keep him in your prayers for strength physically, spiritually, mentally & emotionally. I'm sure you already do..but I want to be sure all areas are covered. (:

It's a blessing to have our calls & any other way to communicate. We've been able to keep each other positive & motivated. What a long, long 5 months but the time is almost here that we'll have him home with us. So much excitement, happiness & relief as well! We've been planning for our outings as a fam as well as for the two of us. We have an idea of when he should be home. Keep in mind we're not holding our breath on any dates. The sooner the better, we're greatly anticipating being together as a family at last.


Enjoy a safe & happy week. Here are a few older pics from our engagment, honeymoon & a younger Ethan (about 7mo. here) playing in daddy's boots.
We appreciate your support & love.
Chelsea