Beaver Creek Campout - November 2008

We expected cold and got it. We did not expect snow and got it anyway. We slept warm, ate Andrew's campfire cooking, saw lots of animal sign and went for a 5 mile hike.

Anrew's first choir concert

Andrew had the choice of band or choir at the La Grande Middle School. He chose choir. He really enjoys it though his expression belies his enjoyment.

12-Hour Drug Free Relay

Every year the La Grande community puts on a 12-hour long relay to help support efforts to create a drug-free community. Team members take turns carrying the baton from 10:00 a.m to 10:00 p.m. Here is Luke showing how it is done.

Tenderfoot!

Andrew has earned his Tenderfoot badge in Boy Scouts. Mom's always get a pin because they are central to scouting success.

Last of Summer Fishing Trip

Andrew likes to fish, so we went to Catherine Creek, looking for Dolly Varden Trout. No luck, but we did catch some salmon smolts and rainbow trout. Andrew had his first lesson in fly fishing and landed a 4 inch whopper! Next weekend we will try the Powder River where big trout are known to hang out.

Five Days in August

From Friday to Wednesday it felt like we were constantly on the road. Friday we went to the temple in Boise, Idaho, part of getting Crystal ready for her mission. Tuesday and Wednesday we went to Provo, Utah to get Crystal into the Mission Training Center. She will be there until September 1, then she will fly to NYC.

Alumni Soccer 2008

Each summer soccer players from past teams at La Grande High School get together for a friendly, odd graduation years v. even graduation years. This year Luke and Crystal were in La Grande to play. The even year team, in blue, won, as usual, by a score of 6-3. Crystal scored two goals for the odd year team. Luke scored one goal and assisted two for the even year team. It was fun to watch.

Crystal is 21 today. After work she wanted to see the wind farm that has been built near here. Wildlife didn't seem to mind the project. The scale is huge and there are two additions planned, each as large as the first.

A Passion for Soccer

Andrew loves this game. From tonight's game, a 3-3 tie, Andrew on the attack!

A New Big Toy for Central School

Three days of toil and fun in the sun brought to life a new play structure our my school. This followed more than a year of fundraising, bidding the contract and planning the installation. All done by our PTA and the school community.

At the Science Center

Not to be outdone by Andrew, Dad tried his hand at photography.

A Visit to Grandpa's

On a four day trip to Ashland, Oregon to visit Grandpa Kevan, Andrew began his career as a photographer. He specializes in statues for the moment.

Tax day and it snowed all day. The apricot tree is in full blossom, but tonight's freeze will end any chance of a crop this year.