Scouting Out the Park

 With family coming for a family reunion, we decided to scope out the new cabins at the Camano Island State Park. We want security, ease of bathrooms, meeting space for everyone, and a place to play.

Some of the cabins are still being built. The park sure feels different at nighttime. We had to hurry away before they closed the entrance gate.

Birthday Party

 With Katie and Calvin having birthdays so close together, it makes sense to have a combined party. We loved having so many teens here having fun.

Trip to Kalispell

 We decided to drive to Ida McDonald's wedding reception in Kalispell, Montana. With Greg and Mony all the way down in El Paso, it was easier, even in the winter. We drove to Missoula and stayed in the Ruby's Inn. We even enjoyed the hot tub in January. The next day we drove up to Kalispell and were shocked at the wonderful weather. We stopped by a quilt shop that was stuffed with incredible quilts for sale. I couldn't believe the talent on display. I commented to the quilters that we could move here; the weather was so nice. Their reply was that they'd never seen it so tropical in January.

Ida looked amazing and we were thrilled to see the McDonalds. It has been several years since we sat down for an Uno game in law school. What great times we had!

I couldn't get anyone to smile at me.

Here is Katie with the McDonalds in El Paso: Carlos, Ida, and Rachel.

Frazier's Band Performance

 It was a wonderful night to enjoy the Stanwood Middle School bands as they performed for family and friends. Frazier is the first in our family to join the school band. He has started with the clarinet and enjoys experimenting with other instruments in that family.

Cabbage Rose Quilt

 When I was wandering around In The Beginning in Lake City, I found a free pattern called Cabbage Rose. Patterns like this are used to sell a line of fabric. I absolutely loved it. So I bought a kit and got started. I was new to appliqué, but it was really easy.

The first layer is the leaves. I decided to make all six leaves one piece of fabric.

The flower is stitched on next and then the little center. I cut away the back when the fabric was too dark and showed through.

I brought this hand stitch project to Women's Conference and stitched during talks. I love needle-turn appliqué and made a couple of converts in my classes.

Let's Go to the Cabin

 It's fun to head up to the cabin in Baring on a hot day. Because of the direction the cabin sits, the sun never really warms it up. This can be an advantage in the summer. Dean has installed a hot tub on the deck so it's safer than going in the Skykomish River.

Still, due to the summer heat, the river is down and the kids were able to hike to the island and swim without fear.

Trip to Philmont

We continued from Martin's Cove all the way down to Philmont in New Mexico. It was a long trip but we saw a lot of land we'd never seen before. The weather was hot and dry and we were reminded often to drink water to prevent elevation sickness.

Each child was able to join a group of youth of their age. During the day they would hike, play, and eat. Then at night we would gather and do family activities like roping, dancing, and dutch oven cooking.

Everyone loved riding small and large horses. The handlers were so great with the kids and the animals and we really enjoyed our time with them.

It sure is harder to get on a horse than to get off it. I think someone had to shove my butt so I could get in the saddle.