Christmas in Seattle

This year, Chris’ side of the family met at Tom & Laura’s house. Mark came into town and was able to go up with us. It was so nice to see everyone again!

There were lots of gifts, good food and wonderful entertainment!

  It’s fun to have little ones at Christmas gatherings again! Even when they are terrified of their new flying fairy presents… ;o) Poor, Maddie!

Christmas Camping

We’d had the new trailer for about 3 months or so, but still hadn’t taken it out on its maiden voyage. The weather wasn’t great, but we decided to take it out to the KOA in Astoria and see what we thought.

Here’s what we thought…

1. The KOA in Astoria is HUGE! It is the biggest one we’ve ever seen! And it is awesome in the winter when it’s completely dead but would be horrible in the summer! We loved having the pool all to ourselves, as well as the bathrooms, the dog park… pretty much everything!

2. Downtown Astoria is really fun! There was way more to do there then we thought. Lots of antique stores, coffee shops, restaurants and an awesome arcade with FREE games to play! It was like going back in time… (we went twice)

3. Our favorite Goodwill is in Astoria! We got a ton of great stuff including a whole bunch of fun games for Family Nite at church!

4. We always love eating at Rogue Brewery!

5. There just isn’t enough room in the trailer for 4 adults and 2 dogs! ;)

We are already looking forward to camping again!!!

Taking a Journey to Bethlehem

Every year since coming to Kelso, we’ve gone to the Journey to Bethlehem. This year, Zack and Tatum and Andy came up and we all went together on Saturday…

We usually miss all of the entertainment, but this year we got to see the first group. They did a lovely job!

Talia and the Olin girls tagged along, too… :)

Considering the event was cancelled on Thursday due to high winds and power outages (ours went out!), the weather was pretty good!

when it came back on, we watched It’s a Wonderful Life (Tatum hadn’t seen it before!)

I love going every year, but I really miss the great group of guys out at Esau’s Pottage… ;)

It is good to be reminded of what Christmas is all about!               

Christmas Parade

After our lights are up, the house is decorated, we’ve had our open house, it’s time for the annual Longview Christmas Parade and tree lighting.

Thank goodness it wasn’t freezing cold again this year! But that did mean there was a little more competition for good seats and candy… ;)

We picked up a treat since we parked next to Heavenly Donuts and went and got our spot.

Here comes Santa Claus!

It’s really beginning to feel like Christmas now!