Halloween '06

No Halloween is complete without nana Ludden's fall stew. It's fun to share it with the next generation, where it's become an annual tradition! And then of course there is the real fun of having your granddaughter so excited that she can go to people's homes and knock on their doors and have them give you bags full of candy. This is joy!

Crab Cooker

Our favorite family dining spot when we're down in Newport Beach--The Crab Cooker (http://www.crabcooker.com/)

Beauty around SO CALIF

Sometimes California can display incredible beauty! These wild flowers are agreat example. This day was clear and warm with blue skies and great mountain views. A wonderful time to be out in nature.

Apple picking fun

This is our annual trip to Oak Glen apple orchards, up in the beautiful high country of San Bernardino. Our favorite stops are the barn store at Parrish Pioneer Ranch (http://www.parrishranch.com/_ then a trip over to Snow-Line (http://www.snow-line.com/) to pick up my favorite apple (McIntosh). Our favorite place ot eat is Apple Annies (http://www.oaktree-village.com/id28.html) for their delicious peasant lunch and large apple pie slice! Yummmmmm Last stop usually Riley's Ranch (http://rileysfarm.com/cherry_details.htm) where there are early America re-enactments and fun trails around the moutainside.

Mary Poppins and Bert

Well for some reason Heidi had been on a Mary Poppins movie jag, and who do we happen to run into at Disneyland this day...but Mary Poppins and Bert ( or is it Burt?-oh well)--pretty fortuitous wouldn't you say? At first she was so brave and called out to them and waved, but when we went to approach them she clammed up! We went for the photo-op anyway!

Also DISNEY went Halloween wild and the whole park was decorated to the hilt with pumpkins everywhere! Way cool.

Los Angeles County Fair'06

We have gone to the LA county fair for years, and as much fun as it was with my kids---it's even more fun with my granddaughter! Here we are enjoying the barnyard animals and Heidi's first pony ride. We were worried that she would be a little intimidated, but if you look at her face you can actually see disappointment! She kept yelling and kicking her pony and saying, "faster, faster". YIKES! (http://www.lacountyfair.com/2007/homepage.asp)

Also there's nothing better on a hot September day than the best ice cream the county offers. And it's written all over her face!

For the best ice cream experience head to Firview farms and just opposite the dairy milking barn it Dr. Bob's Ice Cream Manufacturing Plant or visit their website at: http://www.drbobsicecream.com/

Rattle Snake

Yuck! look what we found lurking under our front doorsill!!!

I managed to de-capitate it with a shovel, and it continued to writhe around for quite some time before we scooped it into a plastic bag to show Ken when he got home. SCAREY!!!!

Cousins

One good thing about funerals is the opportunity to reunite families. And with us living on opposite coasts it was a real treat to get together with our Tate and Bruffy cousins. Thanks to Timmy who found us a hotel that was close and convenient, and to the wonderful hosptality we got from Robin and Michelle, and Kathy, as well as our cousins Tommy, Irene and Debbie.

Aunt Judy's passing

Sadly my aunt Judy passed awayThursday Aug 10th, 2006. I have such incredible memories of summers spent at her home in Richmond Virginia. She always knew exactly (whatever my age) what would appeal to me, whether it was books or crafts, etc. And she provided these to keep us entertained while the adults did their thing. I think I was heavily influenced by her love of her pets, and all the strange nicknames she had for them.

My uncle Tom and she, always had such a loving relationship. They are always paired together in my mind. Now she can be with her beloved, who passed away in 1994.

Girl's Camp

Ok you don't have to twist my arm to tell you how much I despise camping! It's just not my thing. I love being in the outdoors, I love solitude, but please don't take away a nice bed and a hot shower. Is that too much to ask??? Well for over 4 years I have made the sacrifice, took the ribbing, and bit the bullet to attend Girl's Camp with the Stake Young Women. For our last year it was only Janet and I, and we came through with flying colors. It was a great way to finish off my camping experience!

We worked with some incredible girls this year, and that made it a joy going into. Susan was the best camp director ever and so it was mostly smooth sailing! Wooohoooo! All done!

Best Friend's Wedding2

Here are the rest of the pics!

Best Friends Wedding

So hard to believe that Ashley is all grown up but that's the reality. Lucky for us she allowed the Boyer's to share in her joy by hosting the reception in their backyard! Pictures of the bride are at her BLOG, I have included the bridesmaid pics and the food and decorating. It was all so beautiful. Way to go Ashley and Phil.

Pioneer Trek

Here are the ladies who endured the Pioneer Trek for Youth Conference. Through 118 degree temperatures, dust, no bathrooms, and sleepless nights! Was it worth it? YES! I'm not sure I'd do it again though. I'd say it was a once in a lifetime event.

Michelle, Linda, Janet

Connie & Linda

this is it for the reunion!

...of course there is the most amazing frozen concoction that we never fail to buy boxes of....MELONA BARS....ummmmm a decadent daily treat!

this was the special dinner the cousins
shared, while the parents went to their fancy luau!

Almost done with Maui...

Brian is always good for entertainment, and Heidi follows along in his footsteps!

The "girlies" enjoying the tropical waters of Maui, with Moloka'i in the background.

Special Luau

Special Luau dinner in honor of Annie's birthday!

Very nice beach front show with beautiful setting sun, and scrumptous dinner! Feast at LELE www.feastatlele.com Definitely a special treat for the adults. We sampled dishes from Hawai'i, Aotearoa, Tahiti, and Samoa. With a wonderful show that started with a canoe coming in from the ocean to the shore

maui, woweee

Heidi in her au natural best, enjoying the Maui breeze.