Laura Heine Class

 Laura Heine has been creating some amazing patterns lately. So many quilters have been fusing, it's hard to find enough fusible material. When I heard Calico Creations was having a class, I immediately signed up. Students could choose any pattern since the principles are the same for each. I am working on this woman's dress form. It is quite fun to cut out flowers from Kaffe Fassett's fabrics. 

My classmate was making a little owl. I absolutely love it!

Jim Arrives!

 Katie was a bit overdue and we were impatient for our first grandchild to arrive. She went into labor in the evening, but by the next day, nothing was happening. The hospital decided to induce her, but she suddenly started having contractions on her own. We were all kicked out of the room. Jackson, Paul, and I were on our way to work at the temple since it was a Thursday. 

Paul went down the hallway and with the door closed, he leaned close to listen. Eventually, he just stood with his back up against the wall, waiting.

Pretty soon we heard Jim crying. The hospital played a little ringtone over the sound system to announce a baby boy had been born.

Soon we were allowed in to meet him.

And we returned with Marnie so she could say hello.

Mount St. Helens

 Paul and I took Jack to Mount St. Helens this week so he could enjoy the incredible geologic science still on display. It takes a few hours to drive to the Johnston Observatory, but there are many hikes and walks to stretch your legs once you arrive.

The Mountain blew sideways toward the location of the observatory and ricocheted down to Spirit Lake. After the eruption, the summit of Mount St. Helens was gone, forests were obliterated and rivers followed new courses. More than 150 new lakes and ponds were formed, and existing lakes filled with sediment, flooding their banks.

At the observatory you can view two well made documentaries. And at the end of the presentation, the long red velvet curtains slowly open, revealing the mountain. Incredibly awe-inspiring. 

Children's Books

 With a grandchild on the way, I feel the need to collect as many of my favorite books as possible. Marnie and I have been hitting thrift stores around Snohomish County to buy up the best children's books.

Opening Presents

 Danika and Frazier are enjoying an opening wedding presents party. Both of them are local, so their friends are all nearby. And they were very generous. How they will get all of these things to Rexburg will be a trick. 

Lake Tahoe McKay Reunion

 We enjoyed a fabulous few days together at Lake Tahoe. The lake has receded quite a bit so it was difficult to find a good beach. But we rented kayaks and wandered around a bit. One of my favorite activities was spending family home evening answering interesting questions. Tyler recorded the answers. It was fun to hear stories from my parents' youth.

Frazier in his element.

We enjoyed a session at the Reno Temple and met the presidency who is from Seattle.

Frazier and Danika became formally engaged (not at In N Out Burger).

We were walking by this sporting shop and couldn't help but stop and take a picture.

Here most of us are. I had to take Pam and Howard to the airport early so they are missing. 

We loved going to a High Cope Course at Tahoe Treetop Adventure Park. I made Danika do many of the jungle parts and she was so scared. I feel like a terrible mother-in-law!

If there is a get together, there must be a pile of children.

And there they are all together! 

Jackson at the Vancouver Temple

 Since the Seattle Temple is closed for cleaning, Jackson needed to travel to Vancouver, BC to receive his endowment. We were happy Frazier was available to attend with us.

One of these Willards is standing on a step.

Very happy to enjoy one of the most beautiful temples in the world.

Well, they are brothers.