More good times in January

LeAnne and Ella came for a short visit last week.  They had Dr. and dentist appt's.  It was sure good to see them both again for a few days.  Ella always captures Grandpa's heart!

We had a fun dinner together this week at Brittany and Quinn's.  Thanks for the yummy "spadini's", etc.  It was a good time to hang with the kiddies and enjoy a great meal, (and cake Karli).  I caught a quick "side profile" which Karli won't appreciate.

 We went to see Mom this week and had a lovely visit.  She is such an amazing 91 year old.  She is beautiful, quite lively, very involved in a wide variety of good things and for the most part has a great outlook on life.  I really admire her and have a tremendous legacy to attempt to live up to.  She asked us to come and do our
"have dog-will-travel India show" for a women's group she belongs to.  We wondered if the "seniors" would stay awake for it and we were pleasantly surprised that the group of about 70 were  quite involved with questions and comments.

 Now we must officially change gears and move toward Germany!

ICEEEEEE TRIP TO CANADA

We made a short but very worthwhile trip to Canada.  We were able to spend 4 days with Allan's mother, who is having serious health problems.  She is now staying in assisted care near her home.  It was a very good visit and time to support her.  We also had good visits with many of Allan's siblings .  Everyone is stressed with Mom's condition so it was great to have occasion to talk and make future plans.

It was SERIOUSLY cold!!  I had forgotten how quickly your nose hairs freeze in -0* weather.  But it made for beautiful sights with frozen snow clinging to everything.

 
We were happy to stay with Jim and try to lighten his burdens.  He was for the most part, his same funny, jovial and terrific host.   How much alike are these 2 cute and wonderful brothers!

CALIFORNIA TRIPPIN'

We just returned from a wonderful  visit with Aaron and Debbie and their 4 busy-boys.  We stopped in Vegas on the way and had breakfast with our good friends the Eichelbergers (comrades in the Bangalore mission).  It was so fun to see them again and do lots of reminiscing. 
  Nothing quite warms a grandparent's heart  like knocking on the door to hear the boys all shout "they're here, they're here!!"  We were able to have our classroom volunteer time and lunch with Evan and Kyle. Luke had us engaged in playing Monopoly when ever possible and Reid did not fail to give abundant smiles and snuggles.  Debbie spoiled us with delicious dinners day after day!

Becky and Bob came to the house one night and had dinner with us and we met them at their beach house the next morning for breakfast.  It was a wonderful time spent together.  What dear friends they have been for some 35 years!!
Saturday we had a wonderful day at the beach.  We visited the elephant seals and went on a fantastic hike at San Simeon.  It was a beautiful and WARM day together.

Aaron coaches Evan's basketball team and we were fortunate to be there for their first game, AND VICTORY.  It was really fun to watch Evan and the coach!

This "last" voyage to the California territory was so enjoyable!