You've Stolen My Heart, Yes You Have...

That's actually the words to a song I was listening to on the Christian radio station on the way home from the hospital tonight. Little Elli Marie is so beautiful and perfectly formed. Thank you Father for another grandchild. We pray Phillip and Gretchen would have strength, grace, and wisdom to raise her for you.

Pretty in Pink - Gretchen's Baby Shower for Elli Marie

Well Elli should be arriving tomorrow at 4:11 pm. That's what time Gretchen was born. Actually, Gretchen is scheduled to be at Providence at 2 pm and Dr. Bell has scheduled her for delivery at 4 pm.

Thanks and praise to Jeannie Hess and Andi Hill for hostessing a fantastic shower. They had Andi's home all decorated so pretty, pastel pink favors and balloons, plus lots of food. Jeannie gave a great devotion from the Bible on training your children up in the Lord from birth from the book of Deuteronomy. She is the mother of five and Andi has two and one on the way end of September. Everything was so nice and God even displayed a beautiful rainbow on the ride home.

Vacation Finale -- Idaho - Sequim, WA

FAMILY, FUN, FAITH, FOOD, FRIENDS, AND NOW FINALE.
We visited with a few retirees from the Guard--one retired for 4 years and the other 12. We were impressed with the Cour d'lene area. Gorgeous scenery, 4 seasons, mountains, and small city which is 20 minutes from Spokane, short distance to Montana. Lots of recreation and mild winters. Also visited the Rathdrum area which is near a lake, boating etc.

We left the morning of the 6th and toured Grand Coulee Dam and Visitor Center. It is one of the largest man-made structures in the world. It was completed in 1942 and has been supplying power to 6 states. Fascinating how it gave all those men jobs during the depression and gave so many hope. From there we travelled on to Omak, WA where we spent our warmest day. It got to 104 degrees, so we stopped and toured a lovely museum in town. The heat was tolerable as long as we were moving. We then went to the Cascades. The area is breathtaking and was a fun ride through the mountains. Stopped into a cute little restaurant and visited with the owner who was 89 years old and still running the place with her son. Bernie had fried chicken and, I had squash soup which both were delish. Sequim was next on our agenda where we visited and toured two lavendar farms in full bloom. We missed the festival which was the latter part of July but, since they had a late spring we were there in the height of all the blooms. They were gorgeous! Back to Bellingham to catch the ferry home which is where we are at the present. We just left Juneau... we got into port at 4:30 am. We got off and looked around a bit just to say we've been there. It was pretty foggy. The city was about 10 miles away...too far to walk in a short amount of time. We're enroute to Haines now and will start our trip back home at noon. Bernie says it will be two long days of riding. He wants to be in Tok tonight and then make it home Tuesday evening. We have enjoyed all of our travels and met some interesting people. God has been so good to us and has protected us all along the way. Since we ride a Honda Goldwing I think this verse is appropriate.

"He shall cover you with His feathers and under His wings you shall take refuge. His truth shall be your shield and buckler." Psalms 91:4

HAPPY 30th BIRTHDAY BRIDGETTE MARIE!!!

Happy Birthday Bridgette. We love you and are proud of you. Thanks especially for the adorable grandchildren, keep up the good work. Remember, "In all labor, there is profit". Nothing in life is easy, but, your diligence in raising your children for the Lord is rewarding.

Thanks to Jay and Heather for the generous loan of their fantastic trailer which made this camping trip possible.

People, People, People, People Everywhere...

Here are a few of the interesting people we saw at the Festival. The last guy had his Joe Junior shirt on to impress or rather embarass his daughter. He's a funny guy.

Camping in Yellowpine, Idaho - Harmonica Festial

We had a wonderful time camping in Yellowpine for the three day Harmonica Festival. We saw some real talent and also met many interesting people. We thought we would never get there, the road seemed so long but when we arrived we were pleasantly surprised to see many campers, tents, and people all over the place. It was estimated that 4,000 people were there. Young and old, people having a good time, many up there to party and then us who were bike riding, playing with the kids, and listening to good music. Yellowpine is a tiny town of 40 people who have a harmonica contest once a year and raises money to keep their little town alive. Please see next post for our Yellowpine People Shoot 2008.

Departing Boise, Bridgette, and Babies....

We made it into Boise on Wednesday evening and Thursday morning we were on our way to the Boise Zoo. Bernie gave each one of the kids an icecream right after breakfast on the way to the zoo. We only see them occasionally and it's a grandparents unwritten rule to spoil the daylights out of them (as long as they behave). They are great kids and we had fun. Levi even petted a legless lizard and we got to see many of the animals fed. I love this warm weather. Bridgette and Chad were having their golf date, massage appt, and night away at the hotel for her birthday gift from Chad while Mary and Marty Poppins were in town.