Trip to Fort Casey

 We took a quick trip to Whidbey Island to play at Fort Casey. The old battlements are a favorite location for us and we love to take friends there. This time we had Pam with us so we could show her the beach and lighthouse.

From our home, we drive north to Mount Vernon and go west on Hwy 20 as shown on the blue line. We cross over the water many times on incredible bridges. The best of these is Deception Pass Bridge. 

For the return home, we take the gray route so we can ride on a ferry. The ferry from Clinton (Whidbey Island) to Mukilteo is only about 30 minutes and is very comfortable. Ocassionally they put out puzzles on the tables so you can put a few pieces together before you disembark.

We bought cheap kites at Wal-Mart and brought them with us. The wind is always blowing right off the water. Fort Casey was constructed by the U.S. Army in the late 1800s; it was equipped for defense and used as a training facility up to the mid-1940s. At its inception, the fortification on Whidbey Island was part of a new national defense system, to protect U.S. coasts and waterways. 

Soldiers were stationed at Fort Casey from 1899 to 1945. The fort’s 10-inch disappearing guns and other modern weapons were the height of technology in the early 20th century, as were the fort’s plotting rooms, observation stations and communications systems.

Improvements in warships and the rise of the airplane soon rendered these forts obsolete, however. By the 1920s, their effectiveness had waned and, though Fort Casey stayed open for training through World War II, it was decommissioned soon after the end of the war.

The triangle of protection formed by Fort Casey, Fort Worden, and Fort Flagler protected the Puget Sound from enemy ships. Eventually all would be converted into State Parks. We have traveled to each and enjoy them every time.

Happy Easter

 Again, we had incredible weather for Easter Sunday. I just don't understand it. Today was different in that it was spring's General Conference broadcast from Salt Lake City. It was a special time to be with our family. There was only one egg that couldn't be found. Maybe it will surface in the fall.

Howard and Pam's Wedding

 Pam had a very difficult time getting her fiancé visa so she could travel to the US. Plus, her twin brother was getting married just before her departure. The plan was for her to arrive on Wednesday, go to the courthouse and get a license (Washington has a 3-day waiting period), and then get married on Friday. The announcements were printed and mailed.

But Pam couldn't arrive until Thursday, so we made the decision to move the wedding to Saturday morning. Why not keep the reception on Friday night? It turned out to be the best idea yet. We picked up Pam at SeaTac Airport and drove immediately to the King County Courthouse in Kent--just in time. Howard and Pam filled out the paperwork and we drove back to Camano Island with a marriage license. 

We spent some time decorating the church, trying to communicate with Pam. She was great at making fans and pom-poms. I can only imagine how nervous she was.

Sheryl was so sweet to make this lovely cake and cupcakes in blue and yellow.

Willard Men.

And just like that, they were married. President Olson was kind enough to fill in for Br. Shaw. Since we scheduled him for Friday and he lives in Sequim, there was no way I was going to make him do that trip again in the morning. And you can bet he offered.

 We were missing Jackson and Frazier, who would have loved to be there. Afterwards we stopped by Teriyaki and More for a luncheon, as is our tradition. The happy couple then drove off to their honeymoon in Leavenworth. Pam finally got to enjoy some snow!

Moda Love

 I loved making this Moda Love Quilt. A free pattern, it's easy and fun in three different sizes. After I finished the big one, I donated it to the young women to be auctioned off. You can visit this quilt at Grandma Beck's house.

The large size is 72" x 72".

The medium size is 32" x 32".

The small size is 12" square.

The funny part is that they each took the same amount of time.

Here are some quilting pics.

Birthday Girl

 Marnie has reached the age to have her ears pierced. We took her to Claire's and she chose her earrings. She was a great patient.

Quick punch and done!

Chamber Choir

 The St. Cecilia Chamber Choir performance happens every year as a fund raiser. Since it's early in the school year, many of these songs are new to the choir. Some members are new as well. The acoustics of the chapel are lovely and it is always a delight to see. I perform with the Women's Choir and sometimes a song or two for Chamber.

Dacia is so excited for Marnie to be there.

Jackson's Senior Picture

 It's funny to me that the boys are happy with me taking their picture in the front yard for their senior pictures. I remember going downtown to the local portrait artist with fancy clothes and fancy lighting. Who wouldn't rather have rhododendrons in the background?