2024 wrap up

Lynn Canyon Park- Vancouver, British Columbia

Connie with sister-in-law Lois.

Some things just didn't get to the blog this year.

But, wanted to post a couple highlights.

 Our trip to Canada in September was a beautiful trip.

Queen Elizabeth Park in Vancouver

Beautiful Stanley Park in Vancouver

L to Right- John, brother David, David's wife Kathy,

 sister Lois and Connie

Van Deussen Gardens

 

Siblings-Time just hanging out telling stories.

We ended our trip with a train trip 

through the Canadian Rockies. 

Vancouver to Edmonton

Just stunning wildness and beauty.

A very fun experience. 

As this year comes to a close we give thanks 

for God's goodness in the care and recovery

 of son in law Daniel. 

I haven't written much of this story here, 

but it the central part of our lives for 2024 since Aug 10.

Lord, if it be your will continue 

to restore all senses to Daniel. 

Give them the strength to go through

 the changes and adaptations.

Bring Dan  and Jess closer together

 in their life walk and closer to you.

In all of the events, people and challenges of 2024,

 we give you thanks and praise 

for walking with us on this journey.

Bless our family in 2025.

 

Birthday Celebration- Jessica

 

Jessica Laine recently had a 40th Milestone birthday.

(Thanks to mother-in-law Kathy Meier

 for the sash and tiara.)

It took a bit of planning and alot of helpers for 

three moms of 10 kiddos 

to be gone for a one night getaway.

We flew in Sara from Virginia and scooped up

 the Michigan classroom teachers after school.

Jessica had mentioned that a quick family trip

 to Holland, Michigan was a favorite.

 She didn't get to spend enough time

 in that cute town.

Time to go back.

Sisters took care of decorating 

and we had some fun gifts to open.

Laura hand carved a stencil block 

and custom printed a beautiful towel for each of us.  

We found a great Hampton Inn for overnight

and started the day with a special birthday gift.

Vintage Culver butterfly glasses for the win.

(the 22K gold just makes them sparkle)

We had our "vintage eyes"

 all ready for the adventure.

I had researched for the best stores 

on the Antique Trail.

We were able to find some great spots

 in this picturesque and well-kept town.

Here is the list of our favorites:

Not So Shabby Marketplace

Downtown Antiques

Seedlings Boutique

 We had to try out this last one

-just because. We were in Holland after all.

The Wooden Shoe Antique Mall

We found great prices and LOTS

 of Pyrex goodies on our hunt.

I had a "scoop" from a friend for a great lunch spot.

Waverly Stone Gastropub.

Innovative cocktails and a yummy menu were a hit.

 

Thanks to Visual Faith® Ministry Team Coach- 

Beth Foreman for meeting us 

at their "family restaurant".  

Son-in law Andrew Westerlund and his father 

are the chef duo who design the creative dishes

 in this downtown delight.

waverly stone pub

A whole lot of laughing, a wee bit of fun,

and some really great memories for our day.

More shopping and we tried out 

a great coffee spot for an afternoon pick me up.

We spent some time just hanging out by the water.

(Holland is right off Lake Michigan.)

We finished out the day with 

ice cream treats at the cutest spot.

Home of the Tommy Turtle Sundae.

captainsundae

What a blessings are these 3 daughters.

Sara, Jessica, and Laura. (L to R)

We certainly had fun celebrating you- Jessica.

We pray that the next decade is just as awesome.

May the Lord bless you!

A special shout out to dads and Papa 

who helped watch the troops for our getaway day.

Hillwood Estate and Gardens

 

Top right and around-Entry Hall, Library,

Dining Room, and Breakfast Room.

Catching up on a May trip to 

The Hillwood Estate and Gardens in Washington, DC.

It was the home of Marjorie Post- heir 

to the Postum Cereal Company which became General Foods.

Marjorie Post (1887-1973) was among the 

wealthiest women of her time. 

She was an astute business woman 

and also was very focused on collecting French and Russian art.

The icons and chalices represent the many objects that Post 

purchased at sales and commission shops in the 1930's 

in the Soviet Union. She spent 18 months there (1937-1938) 

with her husband who was Ambassador Joseph Davies. 

During this time the Soviet government was yet 

selling imperial treasures to finance the plan for industrialization.

 Her collection at Hillwood is the most extensive collection

 of Russian imperial art outside of Russia.

The bedroom suite of Marjorie Post.

Post purchased Hillwood as her spring and fall Residence.

She spent winters in Palm Beach, Florida 

at Mar-A-Lago- (the current owner is Donald Trump).

Summers she spent in the Adirondack Mountains of New York.

Her lifestyle was lavish and she was also very generous

  with her charitable contributions.A Mother's Day visit was delightful with the flowers

in bloom on a blue sky day.The grounds are stunning and reflect the graciousness 

of Marjorie Post who bequeathed the 25 acre estate

 to future generations with an endowment for its care.

This gorgeous bouquet of peonies

 created guests at the welcome center.

Marjorie Post's collection is truly a fine gift

 to the world and we will back with a picnic lunch

 to enjoy the grounds.

Multnomah Falls, Oregon

 

A beautiful June day ushered 

in our recent visit to Multnomah Falls.

John had been there before 

and this was my first time in Oregon.

 Multnomah Falls is the most visited natural recreation site

 in the Pacific Northwest. This site has over 2 million visitors

 each year and there are now 

timed entries to deal with the crowds.

The view at a bit of distance from the falls-

 coming in from the parking lot.

The falls are fed by underground springs 

from Larch Mountain and the 

flow is usually greater in the winter and spring seasons.

The sound is mesmerizing.

This photo shows the log bridge 

that was built over the lower falls.

The cement bridge that is in place now

 was built in 1914 for Simon Benson 

who owned the land.

The early visitors came by train 

and steamship to see the falls.

An easy hike a bit higher up gives

 a great view of the Columbia River.

The falls are located about 

30 min outside of Portland. 

The Falls roar from a height of 611 feet.

The beautiful colors of green were such

 a blessing to see at this amazing natural site.

Worth the trip to see Multnomah Falls.

Cannon Beach, Oregon

 

A recent visit to the Oregon Coast 

included some Time at Cannon Beach 

and the iconic Haystack shoreline.

 

A brilliant sunny day welcomed rippling waves

 and warm sand on our feet.

Cannon Beach is a small coastal city 

in northwest Oregon. 

It is known for its long, sandy shore. Haystack Rock

 is a seasonal haven for tufted puffins.

Nearby sites include Arcadia Beach with tide pools,

 Hug Point with sea caves, and Ecola State Park 

has coves and a lighthouse.

We were blessed to hang our with some friends

 of the last eleven years 

who also served as District Presidents.

There were stunning new flowers 

to find names for on our trip.

The Blue is Ceanothus- Blueblossom.

The Pink is Cistus- Rockrose.

Crossed paths have left us with shared journeys

 and a great love for each other.

(missing Pat the photographer)

Here she is.....

And a goodbye to this beautiful, 

beautiful coastline.

To my friend, David-

may there be many, many 

more times of laughter.