Family In Seattle

Last weekend my mom and I went to a family reunion in Seattle to see family we had never met before.

A few weeks ago I joined Ancestry.com to work on my family tree. Once I type in my great grandmothers information a leaf popped up directing me to another members family tree. I was amazed at all the information I had found. This is the Norwegian side of our family, and if I had not found this tree I probably would not have had much luck. I sent the tree owner a message and when she (Anne) answered back she had invited us to a family reunion being held in Seattle, Anne was on her way there from Norway.

Meeting everyone was such a great experience. Anne and her husband Øystein are from Norway and most all the rest of the family is in or comes from Washington. I'm so glad I sent Anne a message when I did.

The day before my mom and I did the tourist thing and went to Pike Place Market and Pier 57 to have lunch. We did not go to the Space Needle or into the city though.

Been Too Long

Paul and I have been on vacation this week so that's why I have not been posting. We didn't leave town, but we've been spending lots of time just the 2 of us & checking places out in our area that we've never seen.

Things we've done:

Strawberry Festival.

Bike ride to the pier to have lunch, then watched a movie at home.

Japanese Garden at CSULB. (pictures to below)

Toured Rancho Los Alamitos.

Had lunch at "At Last Cafe" which was featured on a recent episode of Diner's, Drive-ins, and Dives. It was AWESOME!!

Spent the day in Old Town Temecula, where we did lots of window shopping, ate BBQ, went olive oil tasting (instead of wine), etc. On our way home we stopped at Tom's Farms to buy some produce, and Paul was super excited to find a jar of really BIG dill pickles--it was cute!!

A lot of eating out.

Relax, watch golf, read, play Gin Rummy.

We didn't take a lot of pictures this week, but we have some of the gardens we visited. I hope you enjoy them.

I love this picture!!

The FIRST First Lady

"I am still determined to be cheerful and happy, in whatever situation I may be; for I have also learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions, and not our circumstances."

~Martha Washington

My Queen, My Mother

My Queen, my Mother, I give myself entirely to you. And to show myself devoted to you, I consecrate to to you my eyes, my ears, my mouth, my entire being without reserve. Since I am yours, my good Mother, preserve me, defend me, as your property and possession. Amen.

Saints Gallery

Our Lady of Mount Carmalpencil drawing Mariola K. Paini

Tulips

I bought some tulips at Trader Joe's today, and after I put them in the vase I felt inspired to practice my photography.

Happy Monday

Though we stumble, we will never fall, for the Lord holds us by the hand.

Memories

I spent the evening going through old pictures & these are some of my favorites of myself as a kid. I especially like the ones with me in a dress because I'm sure it was not an easy task for my mom to get me in them. But my real favorites are the Halloween pics of me & my brother.

Great Finds

Paul has been finding some great pictures on the web lately & though I have yet to decide what to do with them, I thought you'd like to check them out. Great job Honey!!