Welcome to the world, Talia!!!!! Congratulations, Aren and Steph!!

To our great delight, Andrea and Greg got married on November 8th. The bride was beautiful of course, as was the entire event, and most of our extended family came from far and wide… from Boise, Seattle, San Diego, Salt Lake City, Lander (WY), Rochester, Melbourne (FL), Belgrade, Jubilee Pocket (Queensland, Australia), and London – we missed only a precious few of our favorite ladies and one son-in-law. Lisa did an *amazing* job taking charge of ALL the flower arrangements (under Andrea’s artistic guidance :)). The ceremony and music, all selected by Andrea and sung by Carmina (she is a member), was exquisite. And at the reception, we made good on our dance lessons to the live tunes of Andrea and Greg’s favorite – the Tom Cunningham [swing dance] Orchestra… here is Lester’s proof! –> Lester’s photos are here in my album, but the best photos can be found at their own website here.

It was a simply lovely wedding – only 2 blocks from their house in Seattle, in beautiful Ravenna Park. Such a perfect setting for these two – it couldn’t have been more appropriate. The ceremony started with Katie’s walk across the meadow, then words from each parent. We then walked down a path to where vows were exchanged on a huge meditation rock deep in the forest (to which Scott built stairs for Katie!). The reception was in the lush green picnic area surrounded by tall trees; so elegant with linens, huge vases of flowers, and a cupcake wedding cake! (Helen and Bobby got lost in the woods coming back from the rock, and it took them about 30 minutes to find their way back!) Katie was radiant all day and evening, and what a delight it was to finally meet Scott! After the reception, many retired to their house for the after-party with beer and left-overs and dancing – some until the wee hours of the morning :). Enjoy these photos!…I wish I had taken some of the preparations yesterday…like Kate with her cell phone to her ear in one hand, carrying a folding table with Sarah (her matron of honor) in the other hand, and her bump sticking out. CONGRATULATIONS to you both!!!

Our girls have both joined the DCSRC rowing club, and their first [sprint] regatta was on Sunday! That was a blast…except that Andrea was unable to row, having found her back in bad pain just a few days before. But their coach was able to find a replacement, and the Women’s Novice 4 won!! I didn’t get that movie clip, but here are a few more fun ones (COMING HERE REAL SOON!). Caryn also rowed in the Mixed 8, and they lost…oh well!

Last weekend I went to San Diego to Dave & Susie’s for Amanda’s wedding – Amanda was lovely, the wedding was beautiful, and Charlie is a sweetheart – enjoy the photos under “Family Fotos”!

Well, we are truly “empty nesters” now – Caryn graduated from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs with a degree in Applied Mathematics last weekend, and it was sure fun to watch her, proud and glad to be done. The next day, we went up to Pikes Peak – my first time in many years. Be sure to check out the photos of our graduate and the mountain, under “Family Fotos”!

Thank you Andrea 🙂 – this is the best Christmas present I could have asked for!! You literally anticipated what I would need and love to have, and read my mind, long before I even knew my own mind. I can’t wait to really get this filled up with interesting travel stories and photos. Thank you so much for this, and for all the work you put into it. It is great, and I love you!