Thanks for the fun game, Hilary at The Smitten Image. A game of TV trivia, Hilary posted names for supporting character and recurring characters from some of our favorite TV shows both recent and in the distant past. I can’t resist a contest.
The Smitten Image’s mention of me and my blog has given me the impetus I needed to post on this blog again. Thank you, Hilary.
It’s been a very full year. I’ll give you a quick list of what’s gone on in my life since my last post. 
In March our first grandchild was born. I had the immense privilege of, not only traveling to Norfolk to be there at the time of Gabriel William’s birth, but of actually being present in the delivery room. I’ll be forever grateful to my lovely daughter-in-law, Bridget, for allowing me to be there. Our son, Mark, and Bridget and Gabe have traveled several times back home here to Spokane in the ensuing year.
In May my husband, Scotte, and daughter, Kaarin, and took a road trip through Idaho, Montana, Utah and Colorado. 
Our eventual destination was Buena Vista, Colorado where we welcomed another addition to our family. Patricia became a member of the clan when she married our oldest son, Andrew. 
We had a wonderful time. Patricia’s parents, Dean and Sue, are phenomenal hosts at the Bible camp where they serve. I’ll write more about our time there in a later post.
Kaarin flew home from Colorado. Scotte and I drove home north, through Colorado, Wyoming and Montana. We had a lovely time with friends in Fort Collins and enjoyed a few days in Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks.
Both of these incredible places rank high on our list of favorite places.
Other major events this past year included: new jobs for both my husband, our daughter and myself; the passing of a favorite uncle; medical tests and procedures; visits by our east coast kids; and a move to Seattle by the newlyweds. It’s amazing at how rapidly the months flew by. It’s been a rewarding year.
The upcoming months should prove to be just as rewarding, and just as full. In the next few weeks Kaarin and I will travel to Florida to celebrate my parents’ Fiftieth Wedding Anniversary. We’ll be in the Daytona Beach area and Kaarin will get her first look at a Disney Theme Park. Mark, Bridget and Gabe will be joining us from Norfolk. We’re very excited.
I’m holding out hope that Scotte and I will make it to Leavenworth, WA in the coming few months. It truly is our favorite place. My only regret of the past year is that with job changes, the birth of our grandson, and a wedding with its required travel, we were unable to make it. Memories of past visits are fresh in my mind. Can’t wait to drive Highway 2 into the mountains above Wenatchee, through Cashmere and over the gentle rise that marks the last few hundred yards into Leavenworth.
