January:
This is how Jan. 1st was spent as Jonathan and I headed home from visiting with Justyn/Rae/Ali/Gracie in Shawano------- yes that's my car in the median!
I flew to Seattle with mom and again we went to Whistler while my brother Nory skied. It is such a beautiful drive that I run the batteries down on both my cameras (each way).
Back in Seattle Nory and I joined many others enjoying the wonderful weather for a walk around Green Lake.
Before flying home I made a side trip to visit Jonathan in Moscow, ID. The scenery was awesome with the frost on the trees (yes frost, not snow on the trees). Jonathan plays on several hockey teams so for the couple days I was there I sat and enjoyed watching him play.
February:
I stayed indoors as much as possible, appreciating the indoor flowers and looking out at the snow and birds. I did get out a couple times and babysat Ella.
March:
This month started out with me going to Shawano to celebrate Gracyn's 2nd birthday. At the end of the month I joined them in Neenah at an indoor water-park, and drove home in the worst blizzard ever!!! White knuckled it all the way home!
April:
Spring is in the air. My spring flowers stated peeking out looking for warmth. Ella and I walked to the park on one of the perfect spring days.
May:
This was a busy month for me. To celebrate Mother's Day (the Friday before) I met Justyn/Rae/Ali/Gracie on a warm sunny day at Point Beach State Park where we played in the sand.
On Saturday (it was cold and wet) I met Jenna/Ed/Ella at Mitchell Park Domes and we walked around the beautiful displays.
My mother and brother flew back from Seattle and we all went on a trip down memory lane. We visited Ely (birthplace of Nory and me) --- Cut Foot Souix (a favorite place where we grew up in the early years) and then drove around Lake Superior (US and Canada). We saw so many beautiful waterfalls and the scenery around the lake was breath taking!
June:
Mom turned 90 and we had a surprise birthday party for her.
July:
Jonathan came back to Wisconsin to do some remodeling on my place. I joined the kids in Door County for a weekend of camping. What fun!!
August:
With very little free time, Jonathan finished up the master bath and new windows for me before heading back to Idaho. I love what he created for this place!
Finding wild blackberries and grapes in my woods was a treat. I picked fruit and mom made jelly. YUMMY!!!!
The end of August mom and I met with Justyn and family for a relaxing day at High Cliff State Park just outside of Appleton.
September:
Jenna and I, as generations in style (hand made crib/toddler bedding and accessories) participated in Tummy's to Toddlers exhibition.
October:
Al's walk/run was on the 10th, we walked 3 miles this year --- it was chilly!! After the walk we celebrated Ella's 2nd birthday.
On October 11th Ella made the official announcement:
Wu Bing Chu - they will name her Violet Bing Chu
The girls are 2 days apart in age and almost exactly the same size. Jenna and Ed are hoping to get Violet next summer from China.
November:
I mowed, mulched, and bagged leaves for 2 months. The woods are so spectacular when the fall colors are at peak.
Mom and I joined the Stoll's (Jenna's in-laws) for a wonderful Thanksgiving feast.
December:
Snow dumped on us early in December this year. As always, it was beautiful!
Mom and I went to Shawano Dec. 12 to celebrate Christmas with Justyn/Rae/Ali/Gracie
And on the 13th we went to Milwaukee to celebrate with Jenna/Ed/Ella.
Mom and I are flying to Seattle on the 23rd and spending Christmas day with my brother Nory and his daughter Christina.
Enjoy this holiday season - I am sending you thoughts of Joy and LOVE.
Blessings!
Dawn
