Family Dinner - Everson

We finished off 2009 with a trip to the Pacific Northwest to spend the holidays with Valarie, Cathi and their families. The weather was very kind to us this year - no snow! Cold, clear days, with occasional sprinkles. Our flights into Bellingham were on time and uneventful - the perfect way to start a trip! However, we did have quite a bit of stress as we were waiting for our taxi outside of the BART station in San Bruno at 5:00 am - they never came!! Nor did they answer any of my many phone calls! We parked at BART, as long-term parking is quite reasonable there. But, they were on a Sunday schedule, and the first train to the airport didn't run until 9:00 am - doesn't work if you're trying to get on a 7:00 am flight! Fortunately, a mother and daughter did the same thing we did, and although their taxi was late, it finally came, and they graciously shared with us, even let us be dropped off first, as their flight was later than ours. And, they came from Montara - just two miles up the road! That was our Christmas miracle!

The first part of our trip was spent in Everson, with Val and Dave. And, another Christmas miracle: Cody was home for Christmas, for the first time in 3 years! It was great to visit with everyone in Everson, including Lindsay, Jake and Madi.

On Monday, Cathi, Don and the "littles" (Patience, Jordyn & Nick) came for dinner, which was great fun! And a good opportunity to take lots of pictures!

Madi quickly made friends with Uncle Cody, who she hadn't seen for over a year. Of course, he thought that she was just adorable!

We finished up last minute shopping, did lots of visiting and eating and just enjoyed hanging out together. On Christmas day, we went to Aldergrove, BC and spent the rest of our trip with the Murphys.

Lindsay, Valarie and Madi

Lindsay, Madi and Uncle Cody

Cody and Madi - BFF!

Yay!!!

Great-grandma (GG) and Madi, read a book.

Valarie, Madi amd Macy. Madi LOVES Macy, much to Macy's dismay! She's very good with Madi, though, and never snaps at her.

Madi tells Macy: "look at me!"

Cathi, Hailey, Jordyn and Patience having dinner.

Family picture! Valarie is behind the camera.

Family picture - Dave is behind the camera.

Family picture. Pat is behind the camera.

Family picture. Lee is behind the camera.

Family picture - Hailey is behind the camera.

Lee and Pat with the Murphy's.

Cody, Dave, Valarie and Hailey.

Lee and Pat with the Richeys

For Christmas, our wonderful children and grandchildren gave us a two night stay at the Lighthouse Inn at Point Cabrillo, located in Mendocino. We also got a gift certificate for dinner in Mendocino from Nathan. How lucky are we??