Woodson Wanderings

My New Creative Outlet

2012-01-25T13:01:00.000-08:00

I like to Create.

Anything.

Everything.

Whatever whim floats across my mind.

I am not devoted to any one particular medium- I just LIKE to create! I've dabbled in a lot of things over the years and enjoyed them all. Cooking, Sewing,Writing, Painting, Decorating, Beading, Crocheting, Glass Painting , Photography, Quilling, Gardening, Basket Weaving, Nail Art, and any number of a hundred other things that don't immediately come to mind. I'm not claiming to excel in all these endeavors, but I like to dive in nonetheless.

Lately I've been wanting to get back to sewing. I took lessons when I was young and classes in Middle School and High School, but haven't done much with it since- that is until I found a simple little project that I wanted to do. I didn't have a machine, so I borrowed Aunt Viv's portable machine. I had such fun with that one little project that I started thinking about getting myself a portable machine and taking on more projects that started flooding my mind.

Then, as the perfect answer to my need, Aunt Viv called me one day and said they were redoing Grandma and Grandpa's basement and wanted to know if I wanted to have Grandma's old sewing machine and the cabinet that Grandpa built for it.

YES!

I found the perfect little nook for it at the top of Mom and Dad's stairs (If my trailer wasn't parked here at their place, I would never have had room to put this kind of machine in my 5th Wheel).

So let the creating begin!

I saw a version of these aprons on a craft blog, but they had only used half the placemat and made little waist aprons. I thought, what's the point in that- my kids are messy from the neck down when they spill! I gathered up a variety of placemats at the thrift store and ribbon at the dollar store and made up a bunch of these on Thanksgiving morning so that the grandkids that were eating here that evening could wear them (even a few waist aprons for the older girls, if they wanted them). They were a real hit with the young ones.

Seth is a much neater eater and only wears his once in a while when he is wearing something nice I don't want to get messed up, but Ellie wears hers almost every meal (and truly needs it!). I had only made 2 for her and just couldn't keep up with keeping them clean in time for the next meal, so I hit the thrift store again the other day looking for more.

Perfect!

This time, knowing how much she wears them and loves them, I splurged on some cute ribbon at the craft store- spent a whole $2 on this roll :o)

I also tweaked it a little to better fit her small frame. I put the waist ribbon just above the halfway mark and contoured the top to eliminate the gap at her neck she would occasionally loose food down.

Much better fit and too cute to boot!

Next came about a project because Ellie got a baby bed for Christmas for all of her baby dolls. It was a cute bed, but didn't having any bedding with it. I started thinking of the box full of fabric sample books I had drug home a couple of years ago for free from a yard sale. Looking through them I found a book full of children's prints.

I pulled out all my favorite pink prints and cut them into random size squares and rectangles and puzzled them together until I found a result I liked. Because I'm not above cutting corners when it's ok to do so, I then fabric glued them into place and zigzag stitched over each raw edge. Then put some soft fleece on the back, zigzagged at each fabric square "corner" and put a binding around it.

Ellie loved it so much I used all the remaining children's print samples to make a quilt for her.

Seth didn't like being left out, so we went and picked a special blanket the two of us could make just for him.

All winter long I have been looking for a bathrobe for Ellie (we had found one for Seth at the thrift store and she wanted one too). Apparently it is nearly impossible to find a robe for a two year old- I should note that I finally found one, and I do mean only one, at Macy's for over $30. I refuse to pay that kind of money on something a two year old will grow out of next time I turn around!

So when I went looking for a soft fleece to back her quilt with, I decided to get enough to make her a matching robe with. I could only find a pattern more sized to a four year old, so not having a clue as to what I was doing, when I cut out the patten I took it upon myself to downsize it.

Proof the Lord even blesses fools- it fits perfectly!

Thank you so much Grandma for the sewing machine and Grandpa for the beautiful cabinet it sits in. I am having a blast!

Arlington Stake Nativity Festival

2012-01-21T19:28:00.000-08:00

This last December our Stake (a group of LDS congregations) organized and put on our

First Annual Nativity Festival.

We had a committee of about 20 people working on the plans throughout the year, everything from the advertising and the electrical, to the set-up and the structures. I (Sheri) was invited onto the committee late in the game, after some of the others had to drop out for one reason or another.

I was part of the decorating committee, we were in charge of everything in the entryways, hallways, cultural hall, and cookie room. We divided up the duties and I worked with 2 other ladies on the cultural hall.

Wow- what an overwhelming and awesome task! We ended up with 46 tables, 60 cinderblocks, 40 bricks (THANK YOU Dad and Joel for all the heavy lifting!), 30 christmas trees, 160 huge poinsettias, 48 small poinsettias, over 200 battery operated tea lights, votives, and pillar candles, and over 500 nativities on display. We all put in 10 hour days, Monday through Wednesday and half a day on Thursday, along with countless other drop-in helpers, getting ready to open the doors to the public starting at 6pm on Thursday. It ran until 7pm on Sunday and them we spent 13 hours on Monday breaking it all down.

One of the Entry Foyers were people were greeted and offered a map to the building.

The Cultural Hall full of beautiful nativities, trees, and poinsettias.

Our members displayed nativities they had collected from all over the world.

It was more subtly lit than my pictures show- my camera enhanced every bit of light it could find.

The whole room had such a beautiful feeling about it.

We had the curtains open to the chapel and someone playing the piano or an instrument during all the visiting hours to add to the feeling of celebrating the birth of Christ.

At one end of the Cultural Hall we also had a live (still) nativity display. Families could sign up to stand in for 30 minutes at a time. With the beautiful backdrop that one of our local families painted and the bright star, this became a real focal point.

Down the hall we had a room dedicated to "The Life of Christ"

They did an amazing job!

Another popular spot was our "Cookie Room"

I failed to get any pictures of it, but we also had a "Children's Room" full of nativities the children were allowed to touch and play with as well as a craft the children could do. In the corner of that room kids and whole families could dress up in costume and have a family picture taken in a stable. My kids wanted to bee-line it to that room every time.

This turned out to be one overwhelming and exhausting week, but more rewarding than I could have imagined. What a privilege to be a part of it. I couldn't think of a better way to start the Christmas season!

We've already had our first meeting talking about next year! Hope you can all come see it!!

Make up post- Girls Trip

2011-01-20T00:12:00.001-08:00

Earlier this fall Janice and Ellie and I took a two week trip to Nauvoo and back.

We decided to make an interesting stop or two along the way and see some things we didn't get a chance to see while flying through the year before with our husbands.

We enjoyed a few hours stop at Wall Drug in Wall, SD.

Check out walldrug.com

One of the reasons we went to Nauvoo was to help Mom and Dad get a jump start on packing and cleaning as they prepared to leave in another month. While Janice and I went to work, Ellie had a great time playing dress up and getting Grandma and Grandpa's undivided attention.

It wasn't all work, we took a bit of time each day to go and visit the sights in Historic Nauvoo. Ellie just had to sit back and ride in style (as long as she held on tight in our ginny-rigged contraption).

On the way home we stopped over at our cousin's house in Colstrip, MT. While we were there she and her husband took us on a tour of the cole mine where he works.

Those big machines sure make you feel small.

On our final home stretch we had the joy of getting a little flat tire that set us back about 24 hours while they had to overnight new rims from Portland, the only place this side of anywhere that they had them in stock to replace the one of a kind ones that came on Janice's van.

Love road trips, love girl trips, and loved spending two weeks with Janice and Ellie!

A few updated pictures

2011-01-16T23:42:00.000-08:00

Since it's been so long between posts (picture posts that is), I just thought I would throw a few updated pictures of the kids out there from the last few months.

Halloween

Our first snow of the winter

There is no question our Ellie is all girl, she loves to accessorize and "mother" the heck out of her dolls and stuffed animals

Seth loves to help in anyway we let him: cooking, cleaning, fixing things, mowing

And he loves dressing up in his suit, just like dad

They are growing up fast!

Weekend at the Ocean

2010-07-26T02:15:00.000-07:00

Last weekend Janice invited me, my two little ones, and our niece Laney to go with her back to Long Beach, WA to play and see a sand castle building contest they had going on.

We took my brothers tent trailer, that Janice and Matt had also borrowed just the week before.

But unlike the previous week, this time we decided to take Janice's van so we would have more room and the kids could watch movies to help pass the time. Unfortunately when we went to hook-up we discovered that the electrical at the hitch was not compatible. When we ran down to the auto parts store and 3 different RV parts stores with no luck, we had to accept that they just didn't make what we wanted. The nice guy at the third RV place took pity on us and told me what I was going to need to make one. So with parts in hand, Janice and I sat down with the color code chart and the wires and went for it.

Aaand....... Success! Oh yeah, we've got skills.

And our happy crew was ready to hit the road and eventually the beach.

7 1/2 hrs., and a whole lot of traffic latter, we hit town, dropped off and set up camp

AND THEN HIT THE BEACH!

That evening we decided to do it up right and build a fire where we roasted hot dogs and toasted marshmallows

The next morning we set out for a long day at the beach and messing around town-

but we did it in style!

SAND CASTLE BUILDING:

Down on the beach they had areas cordoned off for professional, intermediate, beginner, family, and children's teams to do their stuff.

The early stages

After seeing all the work in progress down on the beach, we headed into downtown for a look around. In the town square they had these sand sculptures that had been done by professionals.

Then on to the good stuff.

(The redheaded mermaid seems to have a little head/body proportion issue.)

(What would a trip to Long Beach be without a visit to Marsh's Museum and a little quality time with "Jake" the alligator man)

Then it was time to head back to the beach to see the final sculptures before the tide washed them away.

The tide was coming in fast and we just about missed getting back in time to get some pictures.

To end our day we climbed into the van and took a short drive down to Astoria, Oregon. Just so we could say we did.

Finally it was time to head home- but we weren't too happy about it :-)

Lake Palmer

2010-07-21T00:30:00.000-07:00

Our week at Palmer Lake

This year our week started on Sunday July 4th, so after attended the little ward in the little town of Oroville, WA (where the visitors out-numbered the regulars), we came home and put our best "4th of July" faces on.

The week started out cooler than usual, but by the end of the week things had heated up.

Fortunately, a refreshing dip was only a "jump" away.

(I think that is Aunt Viv about to go flying courtesy of a few of the fellas.)

Joel and Seth tried their darnedest to get Uncle Dave's kite into the air, but the wind had a mind of its own and would come and go with no warning. A few times since we have been home, Seth has suddenly announced that when the wind comes back we are going to go fly the kite.

Because I have little ones, I tended to hang out with little ones, so as a consequence the little ones seemed to cross the lens of my camera the most often.

All through the week we had lots of game playing.

Darcey and Ellie made sure they were never left out!

The big beautiful deck was truly the domain of those not big enough to go jump in the lake. We had a big swimming pool, a tiny swimming pool, and a water play yard set up for them. They weren't very discreet about their swim attire either- I saw swim suits, pajamas, long pants, nothing but diapers, and even the occasional skirt pass through.

And then there were the truly fashionable!

The kids even had their own umbrella table and chairs which saw lots of use at every meal time.

Too soon the week was drawing to an end and I realized that I had failed, as usual, to get pictures of some of the things we spent the most time doing. Aunt Viv brought a bunch of fun beads for the kids to make endless quantities of necklaces and bracelets, and for the "big girls" to make some beautiful earrings with. And everyone, big and small, spent time coloring some giant pictures that we had fun displaying all over the fireplace and fridge.

Aunt Viv and Uncle Dave had to take off first

and then it was Lee and Tricia and families turn after a quick group photo, leaving Randy and Lisa and our family to wander around a now seemingly empty house before heading home the next morning.

I don't know if we will get the chance to return to Palmer in the future or not, but it has been such a fun place to come, play and see our family grow over the last few years.

Much love and thanks to Dennis and Laura. We miss you guys!

What's New

2010-06-22T09:14:00.001-07:00

There is a sister in our ward who has a goat farm with about 75 animals on it. This weekend Joel went out there to help out because of some health problems she is having. After spending the morning out there he came home and said we all need to come back with him in the evening, because he thought the kids would love to see all the goats.

He was right, Seth thought he was in heaven!

There were lots of young ones, but there were two that were especially small and were allowed to run around outside the pens. It was a lot of fun to watch them run around and kick there heals and play together. Proof that babies are all the same regardless of their species.

She also had 2 very large working dogs on the farm that followed the kids around.

Ellie kept squealing between fascination and unsurity (ya, I'm making up my own words again), but did NOT want me to pick her up and take her away from the animals.

^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^

SPEAKING OF ELLIE

Our girl is up and walking. She took her first independent steps a few weeks ago, but it wasn't until this last Thursday that she decided that walking was better than crawling.

Our Growing Boy Turns 3

2010-06-15T00:01:00.000-07:00

Seth has been growing up so much and he loves doing anything his dad does.

The toy hammer just won't cut it anymore.

He has been watching Dad work on the mowers and thinks he needs to check it out too.

He is so cute, the other day he rode in a car attached to a shopping cart at the grocery store. When I went to get him out he insisted that he had to check the engine and became very disappointed when he realized there was no hood to look under.

HIS BIG DAY

Today he turned 3!

The weather was half decent and there was an especially low tide today in the early afternoon so we hit the beach.

It is amazing just how much stuff you need to be comfortable with little ones involved. Seth did a great job of pulling the load...

for a while :)

We set up camp and prepared to have fun.

(Janice gave him the little tent with a matching sleeping bag and chair)

We found tons of "baby" crabs

Then we rolled up our pants and waded out to see the real critters.

Unfortunately while we were out checking out the local wildlife, the tide started coming in fast and by the time we headed back in we ended up wading through water up to our back pockets!

So what else is a girl to do..., so of course we stripped down

and hid in Seth's nifty new tent while our pants dried.

Did I mention this is a little tent?

Eventually we returned to a fully clothed state and finished enjoying our afternoon on the beach.

Then we had to treat ourselves to some ice cream

Before coming home and having cake!

Seth was so excited to blow out his candles and did a masterful job of it.

Seth got a few more fun things, a game from Aunt Viv

And a dinosaur from us (he thought it was a little scary at first, but he watched Aunt Viv having such fun with it, he warmed up to it pretty quickly)

What a fun day we had, and what a blessing our "big" boy has been.

We Hope They Call Us On A Mission...

2010-06-07T13:00:00.000-07:00

For our activity this month we had "Ward Music Night"

Inspired by the idea I wrote a version of "I Hope They Call Me on a Mission" customized just for our little family.

**********

'We hope they call him on a mission when he has grown a foot or two.

We hope by then he will be ready to preach and teach and work as missionaries do.'

'We hope she'll choose to serve a mission if she hasn't said "I Do".

We hope by then she'll be ready to learn and grow and live as she goes two by two.'

'We hope that we can serve a mission when it's down to just us two.

We hope by then we'll be ready to go and serve and love where 'er they send us to.'

We hope we'll go on our missions as we have seen others do.

We hope that we can be valiant and follow their examples true.'

**********

Thanks to all those (and I know there are many more in our family, I just don't have their pictures on my computer) who have set an example through faithful missionary service.

2010-06-06T20:42:00.000-07:00

I love my cute boy, but he has recently been over-run by a head of hair that just wouldn't quit.

TIME TO GET THE CLIPPERS!

Dang, look at all that hair

Wa La! We've got our boy back.

Locomotion

2010-05-27T23:45:00.000-07:00

With the nicer weather showing up, more and more we are using every opportunity to get outside and enjoy it.

Seth has recently mastered the "peddle" and loves to whip around the circle in Grandma and Grandpa's driveway.

We introduced Ellie to one of Seth's scoot-around toys with a push handle and she can't get enough. Won't be long until she is up and running (or at least walking).

Sometimes it can turn into a real traffic-jam!

Rush Hour

Fanning the Flames

2010-05-13T00:05:00.000-07:00

O.K., that is a dorky title, but its what came to mind so there it is.

Just before we got back to Washington from our little jaunt around the country last December, they enjoyed a couple of weeks in the deep freeze with the temp. down in the single digits (don't laugh too hard there in North Dakota- for Washington that is a deep freeze!)

During that time Mom and Dad's house was between renters and although Janice thought to run some heaters and leave the water at a trickle, we still ended up with a few frozen plumbing problems. The biggest issue turned out to be a cracked propane hot water heater. Its been running at a constant drip into the dirt basement ever since.

Well today was the day that Joel tackled the project!

We did some research on line and ask around and decided to go with a tankless hot water heater this time. So out with the old...

... and in with the new!

While Joel busy with his project, Seth had a little fun of his own. He and the neighbor (Mikey) wanted to roast some hot dogs. This was Seth's first time running a hot dog stick mostly on his own

and it looks like he did pretty good...

... until you see the other side (yuck!)

Dinner is served!

Happy First Year Ellie!

2010-05-07T23:55:00.000-07:00

A year ago today, our sweet, spicy redheaded Ellie joined our eternal family.

What a joy it has been to watch her grow...

and grow...

and grow,

and develop into quite a little character.

She is just a hop, skip and a jump from stepping from the world of a baby

into our little toddler.

And boy did she enjoy her first birthday cake!

Happy Birthday Baby Girl!

Love your family,

Dad, Mom, Andrew, Sheridan, and Seth

Special Delivery

2010-05-03T00:45:00.000-07:00

Joel received a package the other day with some diving fins he had ordered and was excited to open. The kids thought the fins were o.k., but the box was a true prize! Seth managed to get the packing tape off and proceeded to adorn both himself and Ellie with it.

They both paraded around pretty pleased with themselves...

until, that is, the time came for Mom to help rip it off!

Our ward put together an 'Emergency Preparedness' activity this last Saturday called "The Morning After". The idea being to help get everyone aware and prepared for things they might need to know and do after a big disaster hits our area.

I was ask to teach a class on 'Heirloom Gardening', or planting seeds and growing produce that you can collect seeds from to plant again the next year. (Something not nearly as easy and straight forward as it sounds and I thought it was!)

This is something that I knew nothing about, so I spent many hours looking stuff up and figuring it out. This book "Seed to Seed" was a great resource and I would highly recommend it to anyone who would like to harvest their own seeds.

As part of my class they ask me to have a plant start, to hand out to help people get started. They told me I could order starts and just turn in my receipts to the ward, but that seemed like a waste of money. I bought some heirloom sugar pumpkin seeds and containers and dirt and hoped I could get something to grow before my class.

Seth got in and got his hands dirty and helped me get all the dirt in the pots and even helped put the seeds in.

And Seth and I are glad to report that our efforts were a success! (and the class went well too)

I don't know that I will become the green thumb in the family, but it was fun to see something grow of our own efforts.

Aprils Activities: Eggs, Bananas & B.C.

2010-04-30T00:50:00.000-07:00

Easter

Easter was a little busy with General Conference and all, so Sheridan and I took Seth and Ellie out the Saturday before for a little Easter Fun.

It was a beautiful, bright sunny day and Seth was ready to go!

Ellie on the other hand was keeping a low profile.

Last year when we went to a community egg hunt, we were walking from the truck to the field about 50 yards away when the horn sounded to start the hunt. By the time we arrived at the field there wasn't one egg left in sight. A dad felt sorry for us and made his kid put 2 eggs back on the ground so Seth could pick them up and put them in his basket. He was young and didn't know any difference, but this year we didn't take any chances. We found a hunt that only let a few children through at a time and would "re-plant" the field between each group.

Meet Seth- the Mighty Hunter!

Babies, Beds & Bananas

The time had finally come for all of us to make bed updates around here.

Ellie had outgrown her 'Moses Basket' on top of my nightstand, so she moved into the closet.

That booted Seth out, so he moved to the floor between the bed and the closet and at the same time upgraded to his cool new sleeping bag instead of just blankets.

Joel and I didn't change sleeping locations (ours is the only bedroom in the place), but our mattress, which we fell in love with when we bought the trailer 2 1/2 years ago, was starting to not treat us so well. With Joel's chronic back problems and fibromyalgia we needed something better. I had been looking into memory foam mattresses for a couple of months when I came across a Costco coupon for a $100 off one they carry. We decided to go for it.

We didn't make it to the store until around 7pm, so I suggested to Joel on the way home that we should just take the box inside for the night and then when we get up in the morning open it up and lay it out to give it time to "un-compact" all day long before we had to sleep on it. My wonderful honey had a better idea- open it just as soon as we get home (in his defense, he claims that the box wouldn't fit through the door so it had to be opened), lay it out on our existing mattress and then if it wasn't fully 'fluffed' by bedtime we would just sleep on top of both.

We stayed up until almost 2am but that mattress was still just about as far from ready as it could be. As we climbed into bed we had to find a semi-comfortable position on what looked and felt like a big banana. Not only were we sleeping on a lumpy mess, we were sleeping about 4 feet off the ground thanks to the doubled up mattresses.

Sorry to say we didn't get any pictures, but we slept with those doubled up mattresses for over a week before we got our old one out of here. We are really enjoying our new bed.

Our sleeping arrangements truly give meaning to the idea of 'family unity'!

The Vancouver B.C. Temple

As a ward activity a group of us from the Arlington 2nd Ward caravanned up to the open house for the new Temple just outside of Vancouver. It is one of the smaller temples, but still good sized with 2 stories. As temples always are, it was beautiful inside and out with a dogwood theme throughout.

Seth was so excited to be able to go in.

He even wore his 'Moroni' tie in honor of the occasion.

Ellie even put on her fancy duds.

After we left the temple we headed over to Stanley Park right in the middle of Vancouver. It's a beautiful, not so little park full of trees, trails, and a water front views.

Ellie wasn't so enthused

But Seth had a great time!

A fun day for all

2010-04-02T00:20:00.000-07:00

Well..., maybe fun wasn't had by 'ALL'

Joel went and enjoyed a little dental surgery down at the VA the other day.

They did a bone graft in preparation for a tooth implant they are going to do in about a year.

We had to leave the house at 5:30am and didn't get home until about 4:30pm.

It was a long day, but I think it was a little harder on Joel than it was on me :)

In the meantime, Seth (and later Ellie) got to go and play at Uncle Dode's and Aunt Stephanie's and have a great time playing with cousins and taking the Jeep for a spin.

After watching Seth at the wheel, I thought Ellie was staying remarkably calm.

The next day, in honor of their dad:

Andrew (almost 19)

Sheridan (17)

Seth (2 1/2)

and Ellie (10 months)

all sported some fashionable mustaches and/or a unibrow,

just as a way to say "we love you!"

Joel appreciated the gesture and found humor in their choices-

but smiles where a little beyond him that weekend!

Poor Baby!

IN OTHER NEWS:

Ellie has recently discovered food

AND BOY DOES SHE LIKE IT!!!

Boy Toys Up-Grade

2010-03-01T01:32:00.000-08:00

Anyone who knows him or has followed this blog much, knows that Seth is all boy when it comes to tractors. They were his first love and have proved to be a lasting infatuation.

"TRACTOR!" was one of his first 10 words and still can be heard with predictable frequency.

Living here at 'Great Grandma and Grandpa's' place and conveniently parked next to the barn he passes the riding lawnmowers just about every time we leave the trailer. He jumps on every chance he gets.

His great, great uncle Jared has been doing some work here on the property with his excavator and the other day Seth was thrilled with the chance to get in and "help" operate it.

If you blow up the picture and look close you can make out Seth through the window. Unfortunately I only got one picture off before the camera died so I couldn't try for an easier-to-see shot.

I was a bit worried that this would spoil him in his thrill of climbing on the little tractors in the future, but I needn't have worried, love is still in the air!

Where in the World are the Woodsons?

2010-02-21T09:30:00.000-08:00

As most of you have figured out by now, we left west Texas long ago, but my blogging has not caught up, so goes the speeded up version of where we went from there.

ARIZONA

We parked for a week in Phoenix and had the chance to go and see the Christmas lights at the Mesa Temple. It was cold enough while we were there that we actually had to bundle up to enjoy the lights.

We stayed in the driveway of my life-long friend Maribeth and her husband James Lee. They spoiled us and we loved it!

While we were there we went to their ward's Christmas party and Seth and Ellie got to sit on Santa's lap for the very first time. Seth was only willing once he realized that was the only way he was going to score a candy cane. Ellie held his hand for moral support.

From the brown Arizona deserts we moved west into the forests of

CALIFORNIA

First the "green" ones

And then the "Red" ones.

Thanks to some high winds and the chance of snow, we veered off of I-5 in northern California and cut over to 101 along the coast. This added some time and miles, but also some wonderful sights and experiences.

Joel got to see the Redwoods for the first time.

It was a cool morning, so we pretty much had the place to ourselves.

OREGON

One of the best things about traveling in an RV is: your backyard can be some of the most beautiful places in the world!

(Without the high property taxes :)

WASHINGTON!

Finally home! 12,000 miles and 3 months later.

Just in time to spend Christmas Eve with Joel's daughter Sheridan (16)

and step-son Andrew (18)

And Christmas morning at Grandma & Grandpa's.

I loved traveling and we hope to do some more in the future, but it sure feels good to be HOME!

Back to Blogging: West Texas

2009-12-20T23:00:00.000-08:00

After we left San Antonio and 'The Alamo" we headed west to Balmorhea State Park.

It's a little bit in the middle of nowhere, but even here there are interesting things to see.

I've passed many a little roadside chapel, but this was the first little roadside mission!

When we got into the hills there were all these fun rock formations. I thought they looked a lot like those drawings of crowds of people- a little square and stacked together.

While we were in Balmorhea, we took a little drive over to Fort Davis, an old Army fort from the mid to late 1800's.

My desert knowledge is definitely lacking, I didn't even know that these plants bloomed like this. They were huge. They looked like they had been there since the fort was active.

I know these oaks were around!

Now to the park-

The main reason we chose to come here was because the CCC took a spot that has 7 natural underground springs and build a big swimming pool around it back in the 1930's.

The pool is full of fish and people come from all around to swim and scuba dive.

It says that it is 25 feet deep, but Joel's dive computer said it was only 10 feet at the deepest.

He saw some catfish and this turtle...

but mostly he saw hundreds and hundreds of little fish that surrounded him everywhere he went. It was funny to watch; when he was swimming away they would trail him like a big fan, like he was the head duck in a formation flying south.

It wasn't much, but at least he got the chance to get his feet wet.

The Alamo

2009-12-01T15:24:00.001-08:00

Remember The Alamo!

We stayed in San Antonio for a few days on our way through Texas, and on Sunday after church we made it in to see the Alamo. It seemed a little strange to head downtown amidst all the high-rises and hotels and see the little old Alamo sitting there.

You really felt like you were walking through a piece of history. In the main building they had a sign asking you to please talk quietly and turn your cell phones off so when you are in there you can feel it is a special place.

This Live Oak and several others on the property were so cool. Any kid would love to have one of these in their backyard.

Even the walls surrounding the compound looked to be full of history.

As a side note: Our Ellie finally learned to sit up!

Louisiana Swamps

2009-11-21T21:41:00.001-08:00

After we left New Orleans we headed west further into Cajun Country. We stopped at a state park in Lake Charles near the Louisiana-Texas border. We were delighted to pull in and realize that there was a swamp running right through the campground.

We didn't spot any alligators, darn the luck, but there were plenty of turtles out sunning themselves.

This is a row of Cyprus Knees. They are part of the tree's root system; I don't entirely understand their purpose, but it has something to do with having some of their root above the water since Cyprus trees grow most often in the swampy areas.

I found the trees, often draped in moss, and the still waters of the swamps to be beautiful in a mysterious, haunting kind of way.

I think these must be where the expression "odd duck" came from. They have beautiful green iridescent feathers and the homeliest faces I have ever seen. And their swimming form and sounds they make, leave a lot to be desired!

I can't tell you how often, right along side the spanish moss, we would see a fishing bobber hanging all sad in the trees. A few of these trees looked like they were being decorated for an early Christmas :P

The campground wasn't all swamp, they were kind enough to provide swings for our favorite Mother-Son activity!

This tree next to the swings looked like it had been moonlighting as the local bulletin board.

The best part about traveling the country in our 5th wheel is that no matter how far we go or what state we're in, we are only a few steps from home.

New Orleans!

2009-11-18T22:05:00.000-08:00

We've made it as far as New Orleans! What a fun/exciting/scary/and depressing place to be, lol. Typical of most big, older cities I suppose.

Joel was feeling a bit under the weather, so even though we were here for an entire week, we only made it into the city twice for less than 3 hours each time. At least it was enough to give us a little taste.

The French Quarter was full of fun and colorful architecture and the streets were crowded and narrow. Driving our one-ton crew cab truck down some of them was a bit of a challenge.

Down by the river was a city square where everyone seemed to gather and sell their wares.

Someone was trying to make a buck on every corner. This guy was one of our favorites. He earned our dollar and then some.

We grabbed some lunch here at the Rivers Edge. The food wasn't much to brag about, but it was great to sit down and watch the world go past our open french door style window.

The Saint Charles Line is the oldest continuously running Street Car line in the world. Its been running for over 150 years and its cars are definitely from another era.

Down town has street cars everywhere you turn and each time Seth would see or hear one, he would start talking excitedly about "the train" and want to get on it. So the second time we made it to town we made it a point to take a ride. Seth sat by the window and was really in his element.

Ellie couldn't have cared less, but like any woman worth her salt, she was excited to have her purse!

We ended the day touring through a fairly new WWII museum- now it was Joel's turn to be in his element!

*******************

"WELCOME TO THE END OF THE WORLD"

Sunday after attending a good sized branch not too far from here, I talked Joel into going for a long Sunday Drive. We headed about 75 miles down into the southern most point of Louisiana (that you can drive to) where the Mississippi finally empties into the Gulf.

At the point when you think you have come to the end of the road, it just turns and keeps on going right through the water (well it seems that way at least).

If you look closely at that little strip of land just past the trees, you will see a couple of cars driving on it. This view was looking back after we turned around to head back to the main land. You couldn't believe there was enough dirt there to make a road.

It was a fun place to watch the sun go down.

Farmerville, LA- Fun with Friends

2009-11-17T21:42:00.000-08:00

This week we have been in Farmerville, Louisiana where Joel graduated from high school.

A few months ago Joel was able to get in touch with his good friend, Cindy who still lives here in town. She took us under her wing when we hit town and kept us well entertained and well fed!

She invited us out to her family home and spoiled us rotten!

She called up another one of their good high school buddy's, Bill, who came and spent the day. There were old "remember when' stories flying left and right.

This is Cindy and her husband, Brian, and Bill standing by Joel.

Cindy cooked up a true southern feast and had ruined Joel for my cooking.

She baked a turkey and made cornbread stuffing

sweat potato casserole

green beans with bacon

warm rolls

pecan pie

sweet potato pie with pecans

and a rich yummy chocolate cake!

I think we were all about waddling by the time we were done eating.

Brian took Seth and I out in their 'gator' for a tour through the back 40, so to speak. He really tried to find an armadillo for me to see, but we didn't have any luck.

Seth and Ellie made a new friend in Cindy's nephew

Cindy's dad has a new hobby of raising mules

Cindy found a big box for Seth and Ellie to play in.

They had a blast!

And to top off our fun day, it was also Ellie's 6 month half birthday. She is getting so big and is such a delight! What a blessing she is in our already blessed life.

Halloween

2009-11-07T22:01:00.001-08:00

Last year Halloween just didn't happen for us. Joel's mamma had just passed away the week before and we had just gotten home from being there with her and attending the funeral and well- you know how it goes.

So this year I was determined to get the kids dressed up and teach Seth the joys of 'Trick or Treating'.

Not being from around here I thought a trunk or treat would be the way to go, so we got dressed up, climbed in the truck and started driving around past all the churches until we found one. And find one we did! ...(to be continued)

Ellie sported Seth's old lion costume, and pulled it off beautifully!

Seth was a bumble bee, but refused to wear the antenna I spent making him the night before!

... Unfortunately I'm not sure this was the fun and exciting introduction to trick or treating that I had hoped it would be. The lines were long and the people were stingy. At the end of the night Seth had stood in about 12 lines over a 45 minute period of time and came away with a pumpkin pail overflowing with 12 pieces of candy- including 6 mini suckers and 4 pieces of hard candy. Only 2, count em: 2 pieces of chocolate for me to steal when it was all said and done. Pitiful! I've got to plan better for next year.

Arkansas part 3- More Woodsons

2009-11-07T21:27:00.000-08:00

While we were here in Russellville, we were able to go and spend some time with Joel's uncle and aunt that live just a few miles out of town.

Uncle Jimmy Dean is his dad's youngest half brother (23 years younger), with his wife Johnnie Faye and daughters Rhonda and Regina.

They live right at the base of Mount Nebo, a small but steep little mountain with 14% grade switch-backs climbing up to its flat top.

Seth was a little (ok, a lot) cranky when we got to the top, so he and I decided to check out what cool things were living in the puddles up there.

Then we could truly enjoy the view!

What a fun back yard!

Arkansas part 2- Where it all began and more

2009-11-05T21:57:00.000-08:00

As I said before, Joel was born in the town of Russellville, Arkansas and lived there until he was 6 years old.

He had fun seeing the old family home (added onto and changed a bit)

and the church his dad worked at as an associational missionary.

One day we drove about 70 miles south through the hills to the little town of Mount Ida.

They lived here while he was between 6 and 9 years old

while his dad was an associational missionary here too.

After leaving Mount Ida we headed east to Hot Springs, Arkansas.

Most of the town was just typical town, but in the old part of town was Bathhouse Row, a truly fun place to see.

Behind the Row, up on the hill, was the Grand Promenade.

This was built back when the bathhouses were in their heyday in the 1940's to encourage exercise between bathing sessions.

It's a beautiful little 30 minute walk- if you walk faster and get distracted less than we did :-)

As you walk along you can see areas where the springs are coming up from the ground, and they are hot and steamy!

The bathhouses were grand and amazing.

There at the end of the row is "THE ARLINGTON". This grand hotel is a bit more, well, 'grand' than my little home town, but it found a soft place in my heart simply by sharing the name.

Arkansas part 1- Ola

2009-11-03T20:49:00.001-08:00

After leaving Florida we headed up north to Arkansas where Joel spent some of his growing up years. Up off of I-40 in the northwest part of the state is the town of Russellville where Joel was born, and about 20 miles south of there is the little town of Ola where his dad grew up and both of his parents and older brother are now buried. We went up to see the cemetery and found that most of the graves were overtaken with moss and time.

We hadn't come prepared with anything to clean them up, but Joel found what he could at hand (a trusty bit of wood) and worked on them for almost an hour.

When it was all said and done he had made tons of progress, but they were still black with moss he couldn't get to budge.

To add to the fun, it was pouring down rain and I got soaked! So you may ask yourself, "wasn't she smart enough to get out of the rain?" Unfortunately the entire cemetery seemed to be one giant ant hill- the kind of ants that bite. About the time we realized what we were dealing with, Seth started crying and hitting at his legs. I took him to the truck and stripped him down and shook out his clothes, all while I was getting poured on and yes, (insert self-sacrificing/noble sigh here) getting bitten myself.

The next day we returned, this time with the proper tools, and after about half an hour Joel had the stones cleaned up beautifully!

Joel's mom (this stone was already in great shape)

Joel's dad (he got this one so clean you couldn't hardly read the lettering)

Joel's brother Jim

And the line-up of the family plot.

Florida part 2- Naval Aviation Museum

2009-10-26T20:49:00.000-07:00

Florida is the home of Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, also known as the "Cradle of Naval Aviation" because this is where it all began back in the early 1900's. Today Navy pilots are still trained here and this is the home turf of the world renown Blue Angels. On base they have one of the worlds largest aviation museums, and best of all- It's FREE! (You know how I feel about free now.)

They boast over 150 beautifully restored aircraft and 4,000 plus artifacts and lots of hands on fun.

A few of the highlights are:

"Marine One" for President John F Kennedy.

The "S-3B Viking" that delivered President George W Bush to the deck of the USS Abraham Lincoln.

And a "Grumman A-6 Intruder", the plane that Joel worked on as an electronic technician in the Navy (as a matter of note; this one is from Joel's old squadron).

They have displays here on everything from WWI to hot air balloons to space capsules.

One of the displays we found was a list of Enlisted Naval Pilots (something they do not have anymore, all pilots are Officers now).

This was of special interest to Joel, because his uncle, Jeff D Woodson, was an enlisted pilot in WWII. His entire squadron, save one man, were all shot down and killed during the Battle of Midway.

Seth decided to try his hand at being a pilot. Maybe he will try out for the Blue Angels someday.

Mom and Dad couldn't let him have all the fun!

A fun day and a place well worth visiting.

The Emerald Coast- Florida part 1

2009-10-26T19:36:00.000-07:00

We still had a week before we were due in Texarkana, so we took advantage of the fact that we were so close to the Gulf Coast and decided to stay a week on the Florida Coast just a little east of Pensacola. This was my first time to Florida and the Gulf Coast, and I thought it was great! Mind you it's fall, so the weather was if-fy and ever changing throughout the week.

Once you see the beautiful shore, you have no doubt why they call this area the Emerald Coast. The water was so green and the sandy beaches so white; a world away from what I am used to back home.

While we were here we even did a little beach driving :-)

We finally got a warm day in the low 80's, so we hit the beach! Boy was it windy though.

It made for some great waves for Joel and Seth to play in.

Our beach bum and beach beauty!

The day came to a close and we headed back toward our trusty traveling home, by way of another gorgeous Florida sunset.

Ruby Falls, Chattanooga, TN

2009-10-22T22:31:00.000-07:00

RUBY FALLS

After we left the Pigeon Forge area in eastern Tennessee, we headed southwest for Chattanooga. We needed to go in that general direction anyway, but we had seen a pamphlet for a place called Ruby Falls and that cinched our plans. It is an underground waterfall under Lookout Mountain inside a natural cavern that they have enhanced a bit for easier navigation.

It was a half mile in and a half mile out and well worth the walk.

Seth walked it with enthusiasm. Joel is the only one who had any trouble, because he had to watch his head on all the low overhangs.

Love seeing all the formations.

This is a big naturally round room that the falls are in.

(note the water spots on my camera lens)

And finally the falls! It is almost 150 feet tall and a very fun sight to see. They have used some creative lighting throughout the cavern to enhance the experience. The man who discovered the falls named them after his wife, Ruby. What a romantic!

We never did get a chance to see the Chattanooga Choo Choo, but I read up on it- they have taken the old train station and a period train and made the two of them into a hotel and restaurant and shops. You can rent a sleeper car as your hotel room for the night, starting at around $150. I think it sounds pretty cool, but maybe more the kind of thing to do for a special anniversary night if you lived in the area. Who knows- maybe next time!

Tennessee on a whim- oops!

2009-10-20T06:50:00.000-07:00

Dollywood or Bust!

Because of the possibility of snow (that didn't amount to a hill of beans), we packed up in just a couple of hours and left Nauvoo a week early. Since we weren't expected in our next destination for another 2 weeks we decided to head for Tennessee where Joel wanted to show me the fall colors on the rolling hills. Well, we got to thinking- why not pick a real destination, something like Dollywood? We didn't know much about it but that never stopped us before! So as we were driving I grabbed the map and quickly rerouted us and off we went. We drove until 2 in the morning, went to church at a little branch sized ward in southern IL then pushed on into the wee hours again in an effort to arrive near Dollywood at a decent hour the next day and get un-hitched and set up in our chosen campground.

Finally, after all that was successfully accomplished, it was Monday afternoon at 4pm and we sat down and got around to looking up details about the park on the internet. What's that? The park is closed tomorrow and they close at 6pm today? And it cost how much?! $104.00 just for the two of us?!

Ok, change of plan... Welcome to the Smoky Mountain National Park!

And it cost how much? Yea it's $FREE !

A note to those of you who have never been to the area: Dollywood is near Pigeon Forge, TN in the southeast part of the state where Dolly Parton grew up. I don't know what it was like back then, but know the road is a 10 mile strip of Outlet stores and tourist attractions. Your eyes don't know where to look next there is so much going on.

And then you get to the entrance of the Smoky's and everything stops and you enter a different world.

It's a beautiful park and we definitely got to enjoy the start of all the fall color.

I've done more than my share of chatting already so now I'll sit back and just let you enjoy the view.

True to their nature (hence the name I'm thinking) by the late afternoon the fog had rolled in to the "Great Smoky Mountains" and it was time to head back home.

Nauvoo Continued (#2)

2009-10-17T21:33:00.000-07:00

PHOTO OP'S IN NAUVOO

We had a great time in Nauvoo with Mom and Dad and Janice and Matt.

Here are just a few of the snapshot portraits of our time together.

Seth and Ellie, Sunday morning

Uncle Matt and Seth- first day, on a wagon ride

Joel and Ellie checking out the sights

The whole gang just after Rendezvous

Uncle Matt with Seth running the camera

Seth and Ellie with Grandpa (Elder Dickson) outside the Blacksmith shop

Janice getting cozy with some of the locals (Matt doesn't look too jealous)

Ellie after a long day of slogging around the sights

Seth loving his time with Grandma

Seth and Aunt Janice being real hard drivers while mom does all the work and dad looks on

Grandpa mugging for Seth's camera

Three gorgeous ladies- one great backdrop

Elder and Sister Dickson (Mom and Pop's)

Matt and Janice

Joel, Sherilyn, Seth and Ellie

So much fun and so many memories. I'm so glad that we were able to do this with Janice and Matt. We are so proud of Mom and Dad for their willingness to serve the Lord and for their example to us and all their grandchildren.

For those of you who would like to see a little more of what they are doing in Nauvoo, I would direct you to their blog: lynnandsharondickson.blogspot.com

Finally blogging about Nauvoo #1

2009-10-14T21:43:00.000-07:00

THE NAUVOO TEMPLE

We loved all of Nauvoo, but seeing the rebuilt temple topped it all.

When we would come up from the river and see it standing atop the hill for all to see, it would give us the same thrill every time.

We couldn't seem to drive by without stopping to take just a couple more pictures.

It looked different in every lighting.

Loved all the architectural features.

Oh, come on- talk about the perfect set up!

Knowing how we felt driving away, not knowing if we would ever be able to get back this way, I can't imagine how the saints felt as they turned to see it for the last time as they began their journey of faith toward a land of promise and the unknown. All I can know for certain is that they must have had love and gratitude for the blessings they received there in the short time they had it.

Woodson Royalty

2009-09-30T08:04:00.001-07:00

CHIEF SETH

This old blue sarong is one that a co-worker brought back to me from Hawaii about 15 years ago that I would pull out and wear with my bathing suit occasionally. This summer I started using it as a light weight nursing blanket during all that record breaking heat.

The moment Seth laid eyes on it he proclaimed it as "MINE" and steals it every chance he gets.

He has this thing about wanting it wrapped around him just so, then parades around in his chieftain robe.

PRINCESS ELLIE

Ellie isn't quite as vocal in her claim, but assumes ownership based purely on the fact that she is the one being nursed.

It is always a toss-up as to who will come up triumphant as the owner, possessor, and wearer of this royal garb.

Life on the road

2009-09-25T16:12:00.000-07:00

For those of you who don't know, Joel and I bought a 5th wheel trailer 2 years ago with the intention of traveling around the country while the children were young. But as occasionally happens, life changed our plans for a time, and we had to spend a little more time at home. Now we are finally off on a 3 month tour (not to be confused with a 3 hour tour :P ).

Let me give you a little tour of our home

Our living room with our daybed we put in when Sheridan was staying with us.

Our dining room and a swivel rocker that used to belong to Joel's mother.

We replaced the original T.V. with a flat screen (doubling as monitor) so that we could fit our computer tower behind it (the whole thing swivels) Later we bought a laptop (to reduce weight, of course)!

The kitchen in a slide out. The living room area is also a slide out which makes for very comfortable living in a trailer.

Our queen size bed, which fortunately the previous owners had upgraded to a 17 inch pillow top. Ellie sleeps in the "moses basket" on my night stand. The bedroom is also a slide out.

Seth sleeps in the closet next to the bed and has all of his bedtime books hanging in a rack there with him. (harrypotteresk, no?)

Bathroom vanity

Roomy shower with a little tub in the bottom just big enough to bathe the kids.

The head, enough said!

One of the things we liked most about this 5th wheel is that it came with an apartment size stack washer and dryer.

I love how big our place is when I am living in it, but I would love it to be a whole lot smaller when we hook it up and start towing it!

This is one of the chocks we use to secure the tires when parked and seth thought it was the best drag-behind toy ever.

But all fun and games aside, when it came time to actually leave great-grandma's and great-grandpa's he threw himself down as a human barrier in protest. He is really going to miss them, but he is also excited to see Grandma Sharon and Grandpa Lynn.

Finally time to hit the road!

We traveled a few hours down the road before pulling into a rest area to stretch our legs. Boy, does it look big compared to some of the other RV's.

Joel and Seth chased each other all over the grounds, before hugging a few trees. (Joel wants to stress; however that he's not a tree hugger)

Why stop the love with a mere hug, climb that puppy!

Ellie won't be left out of the fun.

Poor boy wore himself out.

We stopped in Spokane, WA to stay the night and see my brother Brent, his wife, Ann-Jeannette and their 6 kids. Unfortunately, we got into town too late and missed half of them, but we loved seeing the rest of them!!

Through Idaho's panhandle and into 'Big Sky' country

We stopped near Bozeman, MT and stopped to visit and be fed by one of my lifetime family friend Collette and her husband Lonnie. While we were there Lonnie took Seth out to "see" some of his antique tractors.

I look out the window and see he is actually letting Seth drive it around. He loved it!! Thanks Collette for the yummy food and Lonnie for the tractor rides.

Back on the road, which means meals on the road. Some good...

Some ok...

and some just plain typical :P

Janice and Matt caught up with us in Montana (they are going as far as Nauvoo to see the folks, then they have scurry back home and to work again)

So we decided we would let them do the towing for a while. lol

This one is for you, Sheridan

In South Dakota we dumped the trailer and took a little side trip...

to see dead people

It was so windy, but we had a great time.

We enjoyed seeing all kinds of country

in all kinds of weather. We saw some pretty good lightening storms and lots of wind and rain.

Once we hit Iowa, it seems all we saw was corn fields and construction cones, for miles....and miles....and miles!

Nauvoo!!! Grandma and Grandpa came running out to see those grand-babies! This was the first time they got to meet 4 month old Ellie.

Traveling is fun, but it sure is good to be parked again for a little while.

Joel says we should get a personal thank you from the state of Iowa for single handedly lowering their bug population!

Although in the underneath cargo hold we discovered that we had brought along one of our own as a stowaway. :)

Catch Up Time

2009-09-14T12:11:00.001-07:00

I'm going to take a leaf out of Aunt Viv's book and throw everything in this one blog, things I have been putting aside thinking I would make individual blogs out of. So sit back, get comfy and enjoy a bit of this and a bit of that.

SHERIDAN

We needed to run down to Portland to grab some stuff from Joel's sisters this weekend so we detoured over to visit Sheridan who is attending Job Corps over by Yakima, WA

Sheridan reported to Job Corps on July 28th this year and is settling in nicely. This is the first chance we have been able to go and see her since she left. She is going into the Culinary Arts program and is just now starting that part of her education.

She and Seth joyfully took up right where they left off. I don't know who was more excited to see the other- I think we'll call it a draw.

I don't think that they have to worry about the students taking off too far, based on the country side surrounding the campus for miles and miles around!

hellooooo.......anyone?!

THE GARDEN

The garden has been ongoing fun and trial for the 4 gardeners at this house. Grandma and Grandpa's original boundaries were expanded to about twice its original size and

planned out(?,lol) by them, Uncle Dave, and Joel.

it has done pretty well despite all the help :)

A little impatient to see something growing, Joel started some corn in trays in the greenhouse and then transplanted them into the garden. The little buggers got a great start and went to town producing corn as fast as they could (go ahead and enlarge the picture so you can fully appreciate its efforts), do you see the ears of corn ready for harvest?

The problem is the whole stalk is shorter then my short 2 year old son! Maybe its the new "dwarf" variety. :P

Luckily they planted more corn later and it behaved properly. Check out these tomatoes- they are loaded.

Have you seen the commercials on TV for the "topsy turvy" tomato pots? Joel decided to make a homemade version out of some 5 gal. buckets. He painted the buckets green to help absorb heat into the soil, cut holes into the bottom, planted tomato plants into the holes, turned right side up and filled with soil to hold the tomato roots, then planted pepper plants into the tops of the buckets. they have done very well.

We now have home grown jalapenos!

LIFE WITH SETH (and Ellie)

hey, if he doesn't care....?!

snack time!

(sleep happens)

The other day we went to the lake to feed the handful of ducks that live there. As we were walking toward the water about a hundred canadian geese flew in and landed on the lake, fun to see and hear.

They say if you ever get lost in the woods to hug a tree; which of these do you think was lost?

Proof that opposites attract.

Mole harassment.

This wooded area is one of our favorite spots out at the lake. We love to run through and play hide and seek.

TIME WITH DAD

I'm sure this will be no shock to the mom's out there- he ate his ice cream on Joel's lap and got down to play without "dad" ever noticing a thing.

till next time... bye.

Day at the Fair

2009-09-07T00:26:00.000-07:00

This last saturday over Memorial Day weekend, thanks to some extra tickets from Matt and Janice, we decided to take the kids to the Evergreen State Fair in Monroe. Even though this is Washington's official state fair, it is not the largest but still a lot of fun. It's really just an oversized country fair.

It was a blustery day and rain was in the forecast so we just put on our long sleeves and our smiles and headed out.

Joel and Seth

Sheri and Ellie

and Aunt Janice along for the ride!

(Like her fun new hair color?!)

Aside from the food, the animals are some of our favorite fair fun.

We saw cows (picture courtesy of Seth)

Ducks

and a couple of chickens :-)

Seth even got to do a little hands on country fair fun.

You would never know it from these pictures but we even indulged in some of the yummy fair food, but we (Janice and I) were so busy hiding our giant choc. chip cookie and nitrogen icecream with choc. and carmel syrup sunday from Seth that we didn't think to pull out the camera until all the evidence was "licked" away. If any of you are wondering if I was then or am now suffering from "Mothers Guilt" for keeping all that yummy goodness to myself while feeding my son fruit and Sun Chips- the answer is - are you kidding, HECK NO!

Seth LOVES tractors

Luckily his daddy kind of likes them too

I think this picture is worth a thousand words- thats one tired looking, well used stroller full of everything and then some of stuff needed for and acquired while at the fair.

And yes, we did give into the occasional vender (but it was all very needed and of the highest quality-honest! lol)

As on all such family outings- the camera battery went dead, so there is much we didn't get pictures of; but we had a great time, brought home some great memories and tired (only slightly wet) kids.

Good Times...!

Budding Photographer

2009-08-05T22:58:00.000-07:00

Seth has discovered the camera!

Since he figured out how to turn on the camera and snap pictures just a couple of weeks ago, Seth has taken over 300 pictures. I've chosen my 25 favorites to share with you. Let me know which one is your personal favorite, and why.

#1 "The Mirror"

#2 "Daddy"

#3 "Perspective"

#4 "Chickens!"

#5 "Baby!"

#6 "Truck, Vroom"

#7 "Great-Grandpa"

#8 "Great-Grandma"

#9 "The Cute Redhead"

#10 "Lotsa Hosta"

#11 "Mommy"

#12 "Ellie's Foot"

#13 "Reversal"

#14 "First Steps"

#15 "Summer Shimmer"

#16 "I Pledge Allegiance"

#17 "Easter Lilies"

#18 "Foliage"

#19 "Canopy"

#20 "Temple Spire"

#21 "Big Wheels"

#22 "Hot Hot Hot"

#23 "Raspberry Blast"

#24 "Grass Between My Toes"

#25 "Toy Collage"

Cove 2

2009-08-02T10:53:00.000-07:00

Alki Beach, Cove 2, Seattle

So how do you like that back drop for a dive?

The other day Joel, Janice, and Matt went for a dive over in West Seattle, one of their favorite places to go.

You can drive around over the West Seattle bridge

or come across from downtown on a water taxi that comes right to this dock at Cove 2.

Seth and Ellie and I came along for the ride. To help wile away the time in all this heat Seth decided to enjoy the outdoor shower. He started out with a t-shirt and swim shorts, but he likes the "less is more" approach.

A little jungle gym time helps with the wait.

Finally the divers resurface.

Seth is there to meet the under see explorers

ask how their dive went

and lead the way back up the beach.

In this heat and in all this black, thick rubber gear, these guys were more than happy to get into the cold refreshing Sound water.

And now to use the shower for what it is really intended- getting all the salt water off their gear.

Now to put Seth to work helping the divers.

Ellie is close at hand for moral support.

Appropriately wearing her mermaid shirt, of corse!

Girls Day Out

2009-07-29T23:41:00.001-07:00

What do 4 girls, a nice day, and no immovable obligations equal?

Road Trip of corse!

A couple of Saturdays ago I was supposed to be at a Stake Pioneer Day activity and Janice and our friend Rachel were going scuba diving and then off to other appointments when it suddenly became apparent that we were long overdue for a girls day out. Naturally we dropped everything, told the fellas to hold down the respective forts and hit the road.

A girl is never to young to be indoctrinated in the art of a "Girls Day Out", so we invited Ellie along for the ride.

So through the woods,

and over the river,

and under the mountains, to Leavenworth we go!

I hope anyone who has ever been to or through Leavenworth, WA has taken the time to stop just west of town on hwy 2 at the best little candy shop there is called "the Alps". We have been stopping here for as many years as I can remember and enjoying the owners own recipes and creations as well as adopting the occasional pet rock. I would have taken a picture of the cute little shop, but sadly it burned to the ground this spring. They are getting ready to start rebuilding and in the meantime are operating out of 2 little trailers.

The New York Times flew in shortly after the fire and did a great little article about the shops history and its owner on April 6, 2009. Here's a link to the article:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/06/us/06land.html

Oh, and when you go there, and you will, you must try the Peanut Butter Crunch

Mmm, Mmm, Mmm!!!

Out of the car and onto the important things- like hitting the shops!

Leavenworth is a little town that recreated itself into an old (or maybe I should say "auld") time Bavarian town

full of colorful shops

colorful people (oops, thats Janice :P)

and lots and lots of colorful flowers! Everything was just gorgeous.

As is always the case, the day eventually came to a close and it was time to head back over the mountain to our families and appointments.

but if that smile is anything to go by, I think we have another true convert!

Mt. Pilchuck

2009-07-20T08:23:00.001-07:00

Joel and I decided that we wanted to do a lot more hiking this summer to enjoy this beautiful country and to get into a little better shape after I had Ellie. As you know we have gotten out some, but then the entire family came down with a nasty cold (3 plus weeks now and we still aren't symptom free!). Well we decided that we were ready to get back out there and hit the trail again. We hadn't chosen a trail yet when my friend Rachel ask us to join her on a hike to Mt. Pilchuck. I would have normally waited until we had a few more hikes under our belt and were a little more in shape, but we bit the bullet and went for it.

Because it was going to be in the 80's that day we met at 6am for an early start. What a trouper!

The trail starts out in the trees and for about an mile and then moves above the tree line for the last 2 miles. I should mention that the hike is 3 miles long and 2,300 foot elevation gain and ends at the very top of the mountain at an old Forest Service fire lookout.

I avoid the early morning light like the plague, but I have to admit that it can be quite beautiful.

By this point I'm already noticing how out of shape I'm feeling, but I'm still game for the adventure...

2/3 of the hike is very rocky and all of it is UP! Did I mention how out of shape I'm feeling?!

But the views! This is Mt. Rainier in the distance.

Mt. Baker.

Rachel, Ellie and I. I'm not sure how Rachel is still smiling- my smile is too tired to make an appearance and the biting flies are out in force. Maybe I should be thankful for them though, because they single handedly motivated me to keep going- if I stopped for even a moment they swarmed and started feasting.

Well, I wimped out and called a halt about 3/4 of a mile from the top, but the view was spectacular. I took this panoramic video from our turn around point- sorry to say that I was so worn out I had trouble holding the camera steady, so enjoy the shaky view.

Joel

2009-07-19T23:52:00.000-07:00

Joel A. Woodson

July 15, 1959

HAPPY 50TH BIRTHDAY, BABY!

Lake Palmer

2009-07-09T00:38:00.000-07:00

Every year for the past 10 years or so my parents and all my siblings have gotten together for a week every summer to vacation and play together. We've stayed at some very hot and dusty places in our tents and sleeping bags, but for the past 4 years we have been given the wonderful chance to use a couple of lake houses up at Lake Palmer in north central Washington.

This year for the first time we got together without our parents who are off playing in Nauvoo, serving a mission there. And quite proud of them I am too!

Anyone who has ever driven through the state can testify that there is a vast difference between Western and Eastern Washington. After crossing the Cascades we found beauty in the rolling hills and sparse farmlands.

Its a 5 (or 6 with babies and little ones) hour drive over there from Arlington and we didn't get out of the driveway until about 4:30 in the afternoon, but we were just glad to finally be on our way! Both Andrew and Sheridan were able to come with us again this year.

By late (and I mean REALLY late) Saturday night everyone but Dode's family had arrived and Sunday morning all 20 plus of us descended upon the branch that meets about 20 miles away. For any of you that have ever attended a branch and know what a shock 20 extras can be, don't worry, we had the foresight to contact them ahead and warn them we were coming :)

The kids, and a few of the adults, were antsy to hit the water, but patiently waited for Monday morning to come.

The big house (there are 2 on the property) has a big, big, BIG beautiful deck that is perfect for the little kids to play on throughout the day. Seth thought it was great that cousin Savannah brought her big wheel to share.

Fishing on (and off ) the dock was a favorite activity for all ages!

During the week we celebrated 2 birthdays. Bryce turned 19 on the 28th and Lainey turned 10 on the 1st. The girls planned a great little slumber party to help Lainey celebrate hers.

Not everything we did during the week was work or play- sometimes we just did nothing at all.

(Ellie getting to know one of her uncles)

This was also a great week for all of the cousins getting to reconnect. Even the two youngest- Randy's 8 month old Darci and 8 week old Ellie got together.

a bit of the local wildlife :P

There was always lots to do and someone to do it with.

There was a "little kids" pool...

and a "big kids" pool.

After a little flag ceremony on the morning of the 4th of July it was time for family pictures. Sheridan declined joining us for our pictures because she doesn't "do pictures" right now (I'll never understand teenagers- it doesn't seen to help at all that I once was one)

Randy's family

Brent's family

Dode's family (all that were awake)

I noticed when I got home that I didn't have any pictures of Janice and Matt, then I remembered that Matt was the one taking pictures with my camera for me. Oops!

Then the time finally came to pack up and get ready to head for home. Seth was kind enough to help me do our packing.

Palmer was a lot of fun as always, but my gang still all had yucky colds (something that I'm sure I will hear thanks for when others go home and come down with it too) and I found that I didn't really get out as much as usual. In fact I myself only got into the lake one time for about 20 minutes. Because of that I also found that I didn't get as many pictures of the area and everyone playing like I had intended. Oh well, next year!

Not so far from home

2009-06-26T00:53:00.000-07:00

We've been sick around here this week so we haven't wandered far from home, but maybe that is a blessing in it's self because we had some chores to see to. But first things first- a lazy morning in bed.

As I said before, Seth must start his day with a little "Ellie Time"

And surprising enough, Ellie doesn't always seem to mind it. Or maybe she just loves lazy mornings in bed as much as the rest of us.

This week not only did we catch colds, but the temp. dropped outside too and the rain finally came. Boy did we need it!

The chickens showed that they are smarter than they look and knew when to get out of the rain.

My son, on the other hand, maybe isn't so bright (or maybe he is just a true Washingtonian). He found where the water was streaming off our awning and got excited and stood under it like a shower- which he loves. He got completely soaked and had to be changed from head to toe, but he had a wonderful time and I couldn't help but let him.

Seth's not the only one who enjoyed the rain- the dandelions sprang back to life and the grass remembered that it's supposed to be green!

But with all the rain it was time to get to work. Andrew (Joel's stepson) came for a visit and jumped right in.

The beauty of having two mowers is all the 'boys' can get in on the fun.

Seth's an old hand at this (or so he thinks) and doesn't need Dad's help, he's got it handled.

One last drive by to say hi to Great Grandpa, who's enjoying watching all the activity.

I love Washington and all of its many season's and moods- bring on the sun, the rain, and the storms that will.

Our Ellie

2009-06-17T01:37:00.000-07:00

I'm a little new to this blog thing and I see now that I loaded all the images in reverse, so I highly recommend that you start at the bottom and scroll up :)

My two babies- Life Is Good!

Joel cant wait until she is old enough to go scuba diving with him. For now she will just be out little mermaid.

He couldn't wait to hold her and he still can't get enough. First thing every morning he climbs into bed with us and after sitting down with the pillows just right, demands its his turn to hold the 'BABY' (one of the words he has more than perfected).

Seth couldn't have been more excited. He thought we had brought him the best present ever.

Aunt Janice gave her her first manicure and pedicure. Check out those LONG fingers and feet and toes!

Dad (Joel) got to give her her first bath.

Janice kept everyone from Grandma Sharon to everyone on Facebook continuously updated using her iphone (for all those who have wondered, no I wasn't texting updates between contraction and breathing exercises.

Her favorite 'Aunt Janice' was there to welcome Ellie into the world.

Yes, that is RED hair.

At 6:30 pm Ellie Woodson was born after a relatively smooth labor and delivery.

After many months and much anticipation, on May 7th it was finally time to head for the hospital.

Boulder River Falls Hike

2009-06-14T20:57:00.000-07:00

The baby's here and I'm finally able to get out and get some exercise, so we decided to get ambitious and take a hike with the whole family.

Boulder River Trail near Darrington, WA is a beautiful hike among old growth trees, accompanied by the sound of the nearby rushing river and the best of nature.

Parts of the trail are a nice gentle walk that even Seth could tackle.

Its kind of fun and unnerving to walk under some of the big trees that have given into time and rain and now bridge the trail along the way.

There are a couple of different falls along the way that the trail passes right by. They make a refreshing stopping point to catch your breath and enjoy the cooling spray.

This trail is well maintained and there are fun little surprises such as this bridge they made.

Most of the hike is in the shade so the fungus grows abundantly.

The second falls made a perfect turn around point and a good place to rest before facing the return trip. Joel carried Seth almost the entire distance and was feeling it!

The river water has a milky color to it because of the glacier melt off.

The moss hanging in the sunlight was beautiful in the late afternoon sun.

Our steam is gone and our muscles and feet are tired and we are ready to go home, but this is a hike we would do again and again. I recommend it to anyone who loves the beauty of the great outdoors.

For those who would like a little detail, to my best guess the first falls is about a mile in and the second falls is another mile to a mile and a half further and a little bit more work to get to.

We hope to go on weekly hikes throughout the summer so stay posted for future updates.